DeKalb County Head-On Collision on County Road 17 near Garrett Results in Two Injured Amid Winter Weather

In the early morning hours of Thursday, a weather-related crash on County Road 17 in DeKalb County, Indiana resulted in injuries to two drivers. At approximately 5:56 a.m., a 63-year-old Garrett resident lost control of his 2009 Ford F-150 while traveling northbound on C.R. 17, just south of County Road 54. Snow-covered road conditions caused the pickup truck to cross into southbound traffic, where it collided head-on with a 2003 Nissan Xterra driven by a 20-year-old Fort Wayne man. The impact forced both vehicles into roadside ditches. DeKalb County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, and both drivers required medical attention. The younger driver reported back and leg pain, while the older driver sustained hand lacerations and experienced chest tightness. Both men were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Both vehicles were declared total losses.

Location and Infrastructure - County Road 17 serves as a vital north-south connector in DeKalb County, linking the communities of Garrett and Fort Wayne. The crash site, located just south of the C.R. 54 intersection, is part of a rural road network that experiences regular commuter traffic between these population centers. During winter months, this stretch of roadway can become particularly hazardous due to its rural nature and exposure to winter weather conditions. The area features minimal shoulder space and roadside ditches typical of rural county roads in northeastern Indiana, factors that can compound the risks during adverse weather conditions.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana Code § 9-26-1, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000 must report the incident to law enforcement. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, where parties less than 51% at fault may seek compensation. Victims typically have two years from the accident date to file personal injury claims under Indiana's statute of limitations. Compensatory damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, as Indiana requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. An experienced DeKalb County personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: Emergency Response and Accident Reports
• DeKalb County Highway Department: Road Conditions and Maintenance
• Indiana Department of Transportation: Winter Driving Safety Tips
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Accident Reporting Requirements
• Local Weather Alerts: DeKalb County Emergency Management
• Parkview DeKalb Hospital: Emergency Medical Services
• Indiana Auto Insurance Information Center
• DeKalb County Victim Services