Two-Vehicle Crash at County Road 45 and State Road 8 Near Auburn, Indiana Sends Multiple to Hospital

A two-vehicle collision at the rural intersection of County Road 45 and State Road 8, just east of Auburn in DeKalb County, Indiana, sent multiple people to the hospital Sunday evening. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), the crash was reported at 6:58 p.m. when deputies were dispatched following calls of a collision involving a Ford Ranger and a Ford F-150. While officers were en route, a 911 caller reported that one of the vehicles had rolled over into a field. Investigators determined that the Ranger was traveling westbound on SR 8 when the F-150, heading northbound on CR 45, entered the intersection despite a posted stop sign. The F-150 struck the Ranger on the driver's side, causing it to leave the roadway, flip, and come to rest on its tires in a field northwest of the intersection. Occupants of the Ranger were transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the F-150's driver was uninjured. Authorities indicate that alcohol may have been a contributing factor, and results from a blood draw taken from the F-150 driver are pending. The investigation remains ongoing.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 45 and State Road 8, a rural crossing located just east of Auburn, the county seat of DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana. State Road 8 is a primary east-west corridor serving rural communities across the region, while County Road 45 functions as a north-south rural route. The intersection is governed by a two-way stop control system, requiring northbound and southbound traffic on CR 45 to come to a complete stop before proceeding. East-west traffic on SR 8 has the right of way. Rural intersections of this type — featuring open sightlines but lower traffic volumes — can present unique hazards, particularly during evening hours when visibility may be reduced and traffic patterns less predictable. The surrounding area is largely agricultural, and the field into which the Ranger was forced underscores the open terrain characteristic of this part of DeKalb County.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Individuals injured in crashes like this one in Indiana may have legal rights and avenues for compensation under state law. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning that an injured party may seek damages as long as they are found to be less than 51% at fault for the incident. Applicable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If alcohol impairment is confirmed as a contributing factor, it may significantly affect determinations of liability and could expose the at-fault driver to additional civil and criminal consequences under Indiana law. Indiana's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident, making timely action important for preserving legal options. Victims are encouraged to document injuries and damages thoroughly and to notify their insurance carriers promptly, as Indiana requires minimum liability coverage for all registered motor vehicles. This content is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.

Related Resources

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office — Primary law enforcement agency investigating the crash. Website: dekalbcountysheriff.com | Non-Emergency: (260) 925-3455

• DeKalb Health (formerly DeKalb Medical) — Regional hospital serving DeKalb County and surrounding communities, located in Auburn, IN. Website: dekalbhealth.net | Main Line: (260) 925-4600

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) — Traffic Safety Division — State agency overseeing traffic safety programs, impaired driving prevention, and crash data. Website: in.gov/cji/traffic-safety

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — Crash Reports — For obtaining official crash reports following an incident. Website: in.gov/bmv | Crash Report Requests available online

• Indiana's Implied Consent and OWI Laws (IC 9-30-6 & IC 9-30-5) — State statutes governing operating a vehicle while intoxicated and blood draw procedures following a crash. Available at: iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/9

• Indiana 211 — Statewide referral service connecting residents with health and human services, including support for accident victims and their families. Dial: 2-1-1 | Website: in211.org

• INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) — District 3 (Fort Wayne) — Responsible for the maintenance and safety of State Road 8 and regional roadways. Website: in.gov/dot | District 3 Phone: (260) 484-5251