Two people were injured Saturday afternoon following a head-on collision on State Road 1 in DeKalb County, Indiana. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were dispatched to the 6600 block of State Road 1 at approximately 3:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious crash. A preliminary investigation revealed that a Kia SUV traveling northbound lost control due to hazardous snowy road conditions, crossed the center median, and collided head-on with a southbound Ford SUV. Both vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage in the impact. The driver and front-seat passenger of the Ford SUV were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed. Weather conditions played a significant role in the crash, as snow-covered roads reduced traction and visibility in the area. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine all contributing factors.

Location and Infrastructure

State Road 1 is a major north-south corridor running through DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana, serving as a critical route connecting rural communities and providing access to Fort Wayne and other regional centers. The 6600 block of State Road 1 features two-lane traffic with one lane in each direction, separated by a center median or painted centerline. This rural stretch of highway is characterized by higher speed limits and open terrain, which can make it particularly vulnerable to winter weather hazards. During snow events, the combination of reduced visibility, decreased road traction, and the absence of physical barriers between opposing traffic lanes increases the risk of cross-median collisions. The area's rural nature may also result in longer emergency response times compared to urban settings. Local authorities regularly monitor weather conditions and road status during winter months, though sudden snowfall can create rapidly deteriorating driving conditions.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana law requires drivers to operate vehicles with reasonable care appropriate for existing weather and road conditions. Under Indiana Code 9-21-8-2, drivers must reduce speed when conditions warrant and maintain control of their vehicles at all times. When winter weather contributes to accidents, liability determinations consider whether drivers exercised reasonable caution given the circumstances. Victims of motor vehicle accidents in Indiana may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning injured parties can recover damages even if partially at fault, provided their fault does not exceed 50 percent. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the accident, as specified in Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. Accident victims should document all injuries, preserve evidence, and consider consulting with legal counsel to understand their rights and options for recovery.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: (260) 925-3315
• DeKalb County Emergency Management: (260) 925-0912

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: www.in.gov/indot/
• National Weather Service Fort Wayne: weather.gov/iwx
• Indiana Traffic Safety Partnership

Support Services:

• DeKalb Health Hospital: (260) 925-4700
• Indiana Victim Assistance Programs: www.in.gov/cji/victims
• Road Conditions Hotline: 1-800-261-ROAD

Legal Information:

• Indiana State Police Crash Reports: www.in.gov/isp
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov