The Indiana Toll Road carries I-90—and, east of Lake Station, I-80—across the northern edge of the state from the Chicago Skyway to the Ohio Turnpike. It is a major link for coast-to-coast freight, and it runs through the snowbelt of Northwest and North Central Indiana.
The route
The Toll Road runs about 157 miles from the Illinois line near Hammond east through Gary, Lake Station, and Portage, past the Michigan City and LaPorte areas, and on to South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Middlebury before passing Angola and reaching the Ohio line. It is operated under a long-term lease by a private concession company, with tolls, travel plazas, and its own maintenance operations.
Truck crash risks on this corridor
- Lake-effect snow squalls that can drop visibility suddenly, especially in LaPorte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties.
- Long-haul through traffic and overnight driving.
- Truck parking pressure at travel plazas, which can lead to fatigue or trucks parked on shoulders and ramps.
- Toll plaza and interchange slowdowns.
- Recreational-vehicle and trailer transport traffic from the Elkhart County RV industry.
What we look at after a crash here
On Toll Road cases we look at weather and road-condition records, the carrier’s hours-of-service data, and—where maintenance or snow and ice treatment may be an issue—who was responsible for the road. Because the Toll Road is privately operated under a lease with the State, questions about road conditions can involve both private and public entities and need early review.
Where a case may be handled
A case may be filed in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, or another county along the route, or in federal court in some cases. Nearby guides: Northwest Indiana, South Bend, and Elkhart.
Indiana’s general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the crash (IC 34-11-2-4), and Indiana’s modified comparative fault rules apply (IC 34-51-2). If a government vehicle or a road or work-zone condition may be involved, written notice deadlines are much shorter—180 days for local governments and 270 days for the State. For a full overview, read our Indiana truck accident lawyer page and our page on preserving black box and ELD evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Who investigates truck crashes on the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90)?
Crashes on Indiana interstates are commonly investigated by the Indiana State Police, sometimes with local police or sheriff’s deputies. The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division may also be involved with commercial vehicles. The crash report usually identifies the investigating agency.
How long do I have to bring a claim for a truck crash on the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90)?
For most injury claims in Indiana, a lawsuit must be filed within two years of the crash (IC 34-11-2-4). Claims involving government entities require written notice within 180 days (local) or 270 days (State).
Can Poynter & Bucheri help if I live outside Indiana but crashed on the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90)?
Yes, we can review crashes that happened in Indiana even if you live in another state. Where a case is filed can depend on where the crash happened and where the defendants are located.
Sources
- Indiana University Public Policy Institute, Indiana Traffic Safety Facts: 2024 County Profiles, Lake County (PDF page 104; 2024 data)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Traffic Safety Facts: Large Trucks, 2024 Data, DOT HS 813 816 (PDF)
- IC 34-11-2-4 — official heading: “Injury or forfeiture of penalty actions.” An action for injury to a person or to personal property generally must be started within two years after the cause of action accrues.
- IC 34-51-2 — official heading: “Chapter 2. Compensatory Damages: Comparative Fault.” Indiana’s comparative fault chapter: a claimant’s own fault reduces damages in proportion, and recovery is barred if the claimant’s fault is greater than the combined fault of everyone whose fault contributed (sections 5 and 6).
Indiana Code links open the official chapter PDF from the Indiana General Assembly (2026 Code); federal rules link to the current eCFR text.
More official links: Indiana accident resources · Indiana crash statistics · How to get your crash report
General information only—not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; deadlines can be shorter in some situations. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.