Portage, IN (October 14, 2025) – A fatal three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 20 in Portage claimed the life of a Mishawaka man on Tuesday afternoon.
Accident Details: The crash happened around 1:25 p.m. near Douglas Drive and involved a Freightliner semi-truck hauling a refrigerated trailer, a Subaru, and a Ram Sprinter van.
According to investigators, the semi-truck was traveling east when it moved into the opposite lane in an attempt to pass slowed traffic, colliding head-on with the westbound Subaru. The force of the impact pushed the Subaru off course and caused the semi to jackknife, striking the Sprinter van and forcing it off the roadway into a roadside business sign.
The Subaru’s driver, identified as 54-year-old Jeffery S. Eberly of Mishawaka, died at the scene. The driver of the semi was identified as 41-year-old Borko Stankovic.
Investigation: Stankovic told officers he owned both the truck and a company named Move RPM Inc. But authorities later discovered that Stankovic did not have a valid commercial driver’s license and was operating with only a standard Illinois license. They also found no federal registration for his company, Move RPM Inc.
The Portage Police Department, Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement Division, and the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office are jointly investigating.
Stankovic was transported to Northwest Health Portage Hospital for a blood draw under Indiana’s Implied Consent Law.
Legal Considerations: Investigators determined that Stankovic was operating a commercial vehicle without a valid license and made an “illegal, reckless maneuver” that led to the conclusion. The Porter County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges against Stankovic for reckless homicide and criminal recklessness.
Commercial drivers have a duty of care to drive safely. Attempting to pass traffic by crossing into oncoming lanes and operating a commercial vehicle without a valid license can result in a negligence claim in civil court.
If negligence is confirmed to be the cause of the accident, the family of Jeffery S. Eberly may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. This action allows surviving relatives to seek compensation when a person’s negligence leads to the loss of life.
Recoverable damages in such cases can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support or household services the victim would have provided, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
I offer my sincerest condolences to Eberly’s family during this difficult time.
Source: Region News Source