Bainbridge woman escapes serious injury in Thursday-morning crash

BAINBRIDGE -- A rural Bainbridge woman apparently escaped serious injury when her vehicle was rear-ended and overturned in front of her home Thursday morning.

Distracted driving by another motorist appears to be at fault in the crash.

At around 7:30 a.m., Linda Underwood, 62, Bainbridge, was northbound on U.S. 231 north of County Road 850 North, attempting to turn into her driveway in a 1992 Chevrolet pickup.

Madison Klausner, 19, Carmel, was also northbound behind Underwood in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler.

Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy Randy Patrick said Klausner admitted to glancing down at her phone just before she rear-ended Underwood's truck.

The impact sent Underwood's pickup off the east side of the road, where it overturned.

Underwood insisted that she was not injured but she was encouraged by others at the scene to stay in the vehicle until responders arrived at the scene.

Once emergency workers had her out of the vehicle, Operation Life transported Underwood to Hendricks Regional Hospital in Danville.

Patrick did not know Underwood's condition as of Thursday evening but said she did not appear to be seriously injured at the scene.

Both vehicles were towed. Patrick estimated damage at $15,000-$25,000.

Responders remained on scene until about 9 a.m.