A single-vehicle crash on County Road 327 in DeKalb County, Indiana, left a Fort Wayne man with serious injuries Friday afternoon. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office responded to the 6800 block of County Road 327, located just south of Garrett, at approximately 4:23 p.m. after receiving reports of a crash. According to authorities, a witness observed a northbound vehicle driven by Michael Gongaware, 46, of Fort Wayne, cross the centerline into southbound lanes before veering off the roadway entirely. The vehicle struck a utility pole and rolled into a ditch. Emergency responders treated Gongaware at the scene, where he was found to have sustained a head injury and a spinal fracture. He reported no memory of the incident. Gongaware was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.

Location and Infrastructure

County Road 327 is a rural two-lane roadway running through DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana, situated just south of the city of Garrett. This stretch of roadway is characteristic of many rural Indiana county roads — featuring a single lane of travel in each direction divided by a centerline, with open ditches and utility infrastructure running alongside the travel lanes. The presence of utility poles in close proximity to the roadway edge presents a known hazard in the event a vehicle departs the travel lanes. Rural roadways of this type often lack guardrails or other protective barriers, increasing injury risk when vehicles leave the road. Garrett serves as the nearest municipality and a regional hub for DeKalb County residents.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Individuals seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents in Indiana have important legal rights and options to consider. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning an injured party may pursue compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the crash. Potential compensation in cases involving serious injuries — such as traumatic head injuries or spinal fractures — can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Indiana's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, making timely action important. Drivers in Indiana are required to carry minimum liability insurance under state law. If a vehicle defect or roadway condition contributed to the crash, additional claims may be available. Individuals involved are encouraged to consult with a licensed Indiana attorney to understand their specific rights.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Office: (260) 925-3525
• Garrett Fire Department: (260) 357-4525
• Cameron Memorial Community Hospital (Angola, IN): (260) 665-2141

Traffic Safety Resources

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): in.gov/dot
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety Division: in.gov/cji

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Indiana Crime Victim Compensation Program: in.gov/cji/victim-services
• Indiana 211 (social services referral): Dial 2-1-1 or visit in211.communityos.org

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles: iga.in.gov
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: in.gov/bmv