A dump truck rollover accident on Interstate 69 in DeKalb County near Auburn, Indiana, temporarily shut down traffic in both directions Friday morning after a tire blowout caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, the northbound dump truck experienced a right front tire failure near the rest stop south of Auburn, causing the driver to veer into the median cable barrier before the vehicle rolled onto its side. The truck was carrying a load of river rock that spilled across the roadway following the rollover. Emergency responders closed both northbound and southbound lanes of I-69 while crews worked to remove the overturned vehicle and clear the scattered cargo from the highway. The driver was transported to a local hospital with complaints of leg and head pain, though the extent of injuries was not immediately specified. Traffic flow returned to normal after approximately two hours once the wrecker successfully removed the truck and debris cleanup was completed.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 69 near Auburn in DeKalb County represents a major north-south transportation corridor connecting Michigan to Indianapolis and beyond. This section of I-69 experiences heavy commercial truck traffic, particularly vehicles hauling construction materials and agricultural products between the Great Lakes region and central Indiana. The accident occurred near the rest stop facility south of Auburn, an area where drivers commonly exit and enter the interstate after stops. The highway features cable median barriers designed to prevent cross-median crashes, which likely prevented the truck from entering oncoming southbound traffic lanes. I-69 in this area is a divided four-lane highway with generally good sight lines and modern infrastructure. However, the high volume of commercial traffic, combined with varying load weights and road conditions, can create challenging driving situations, particularly when mechanical failures like tire blowouts occur at highway speeds.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana operates under a comparative fault system where accident compensation may depend on the degree of negligence assigned to each party involved. In commercial vehicle accidents, multiple parties may bear responsibility, including the trucking company, vehicle maintenance providers, tire manufacturers, or cargo loading companies. Indiana law requires commercial drivers and trucking companies to maintain appropriate insurance coverage, with federal minimum requirements typically ranging from $750,000 to $1 million depending on cargo type. Accident victims have two years from the date of injury to file personal injury claims under Indiana's statute of limitations. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Given the complexity of commercial vehicle regulations and multiple potential defendants, accident victims should preserve evidence and consider consulting with attorneys experienced in trucking accidents. Indiana follows federal motor carrier safety regulations that govern driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and hours of service requirements.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Department: (260) 925-3315
• DeKalb County Emergency Management: (260) 925-0915
• Indiana State Police: (260) 432-8661

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: www.indot.in.gov
• DeKalb County Highway Department: (260) 925-0842
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.gov

Support Services:

• DeKalb County Health Department: (260) 925-5757
• Indiana Victim Services: www.in.gov/cji/victims
• Legal Aid of Northeastern Indiana: (260) 424-0464

Legal Resources:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv