Four people, including three children, sustained injuries in a UTV rollover crash in rural DeKalb County, Indiana, according to a press release from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to the 4800 block of County Road 16 after receiving reports of the crash, which left the 66-year-old driver of the UTV unconscious at the scene. Investigators determined the vehicle was being operated on private property when the driver rounded a corner, lost control, and rolled the UTV before it came to rest in a nearby tree line. The driver was found unresponsive and suffered head trauma and lacerations; emergency responders transported him to a hospital for treatment. Three children who were passengers in the UTV were also injured in the crash. One child sustained a broken arm, another suffered a concussion, and the third experienced bruising and minor cuts. All three children were taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office continues to review the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred in the 4800 block of County Road 16, a rural roadway in DeKalb County, located in northeastern Indiana near communities such as Auburn, Butler, and Waterloo. County Road 16 and similar rural routes in the area are typically two-lane roads bordered by farmland, wooded areas, and private properties, often with limited lighting, narrow shoulders, and sharp curves that can pose hazards for recreational vehicles like UTVs. Because the vehicle involved in this incident was operating on private property rather than a public roadway, standard traffic control devices such as stop signs or traffic signals were not a factor. However, rural terrain, blind curves, and inconsistent ground conditions are common contributors to UTV and ATV rollover accidents in DeKalb County and comparable areas throughout Indiana.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, off-road and recreational vehicle incidents occurring on private property may involve different liability considerations than those on public roads, including premises liability principles and questions of landowner responsibility. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning an injured party's compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault, and recovery is generally barred if that party is found more than 50% at fault. Indiana's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident, so timely action is important. Potential compensation in cases involving serious injury may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance coverage for UTV incidents can vary significantly depending on the policy, vehicle registration, and location of use. Individuals affected by this crash should consult a qualified professional to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office – Non-emergency line for incident reports and follow-up information
• DeKalb County EMS / Emergency Services – Local emergency medical response information
• Indiana State Police – DeKalb County Post – Regional traffic safety and crash reporting resources
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) – Off-road vehicle registration and regulations: https://www.in.gov/bmv/
• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles – https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/9
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Off-Road Vehicle Regulations – https://www.in.gov/dnr/
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – ATV/UTV Safety Information – https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/atvs
• Crisis and Trauma Support Resources for Accident Victims and Families – Local hospital social work and victim support services