Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash on County Road 61 in DeKalb County, Indiana Results in Driver Injury

A serious single-vehicle accident occurred late Saturday night in DeKalb County, Indiana, resulting in head injuries to the driver. At approximately 10:05 PM, a pickup truck traveling southbound on County Road 61 was involved in a rollover crash near the intersection with County Road 22. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, the driver failed to safely navigate a curve in the roadway while traveling at high speed, causing the passenger-side tires to leave the pavement and enter a ditch. The driver's subsequent attempt to return to the roadway resulted in the vehicle overturning onto its driver's side before ultimately rolling back onto its wheels. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, and the driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment of head injuries. Law enforcement officials indicated that both alcohol and excessive speed appear to be contributing factors in the crash.

Location and Infrastructure - County Road 61 in DeKalb County is a rural roadway that intersects with County Road 22 in a predominantly agricultural area. The crash occurred at a significant curve in the road, which requires drivers to reduce speed for safe navigation. This section of County Road 61 is typical of rural Indiana county roads, with limited shoulder space and roadside ditches for drainage. The intersection with County Road 22 serves as a key junction for local traffic in the southern portion of DeKalb County, connecting several farming communities and residential areas. Standard road signage marking the curve is present, though nighttime visibility can be limited in this unlit rural section.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5, operating a vehicle while intoxicated is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges ranging from Class C misdemeanors to Level 5 felonies, depending on circumstances and prior convictions. Indiana's comparative fault system may affect any potential insurance claims or civil actions. Injured parties typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Indiana's statute of limitations. Compensation may be available through various channels, including personal injury protection coverage, liability insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages may be recoverable depending on the specific circumstances and coverage limits.

Related Resources:

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: (260) 925-3365
• DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services: (260) 925-2151
• Indiana State Police Post 22 (Fort Wayne): (260) 432-8661
• DeKalb Health Hospital: (260) 925-4600
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: (888) 692-6841
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Division: (317) 232-1233
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana: (317) 781-6233
• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: (800) 261-7623