In the early morning hours of Monday, a garbage truck driver sustained injuries requiring hospitalization following a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 69 in northern DeKalb County, Indiana. According to information released by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, the incident occurred at approximately 4:25 a.m. when the driver reportedly swerved to avoid a deer that had suddenly appeared on the roadway. The evasive maneuver caused the truck to veer off the eastern shoulder of the northbound lane, where it entered a roadside ditch and subsequently rolled onto its side. The crash site was located north of Auburn, Indiana. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the injured driver to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of the driver's injuries and current condition have not been disclosed. No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and there were no additional reported injuries or casualties. The Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the incident.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 69 in northern DeKalb County is a major north-south highway corridor that connects Fort Wayne to Michigan's southern border. This stretch of I-69 north of Auburn features a rural setting with wooded areas and agricultural land on either side, creating natural habitats for wildlife, particularly deer. The highway in this area typically consists of two lanes in each direction separated by a median, with speed limits generally set at 70 mph. The roadside ditches along this portion of I-69 are designed for drainage but present hazards when vehicles leave the roadway. This section of interstate experiences moderate to heavy commercial traffic, including waste management vehicles traveling between communities. The early morning timing of this accident coincides with both increased wildlife activity and reduced visibility conditions, factors that frequently contribute to deer-related accidents in this region.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Indiana, commercial vehicle accidents involve specific legal considerations under state transportation code. The driver may be entitled to worker's compensation benefits under Indiana law, which typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be affected if multiple factors contributed to the accident. Insurance claims must address both personal injury and property damage aspects, potentially involving the waste management company's commercial vehicle policy. Indiana maintains a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, giving the injured driver a defined timeframe to pursue legal action if necessary. Potential compensation could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. The involvement of wildlife (deer) as a contributing factor introduces additional considerations regarding "sudden emergency" doctrine in determining liability.

Related Resources

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Department: (260) 925-3365
• DeKalb Health Hospital (Parkview DeKalb): (260) 925-4600
• Indiana State Police Toll Road Post: (574) 206-2931
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District: (260) 969-8201
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Commercial Driver Services: (888) 692-6841
• DeKalb County Highway Department: (260) 925-1864
• Indiana Worker's Compensation Board: (800) 824-2667
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources (wildlife information): (317) 232-4200
• Indiana Legal Services: (844) 243-8570