A motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of State Road 8 and County Road 19 in DeKalb County, Indiana, when the motorcyclist was forced to lay down his bike to avoid a collision with a truck that pulled out in front of him. According to DeKalb County Deputies who responded to the scene, the motorcycle driver reported that he had to take evasive action after a truck driver pulled into his path at the intersection. Following the incident, the truck driver left the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information with the injured motorcyclist. Parkview EMS responded to provide medical assistance and transported the motorcycle operator to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The severity of the motorcyclist's injuries was not immediately disclosed by authorities. This incident highlights the vulnerability of motorcycle riders when other drivers fail to properly yield right-of-way at intersections, and the serious legal consequences that can result when drivers leave the scene of an accident involving injuries.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of State Road 8 and County Road 19 is located in rural DeKalb County, Indiana, near Fort Wayne. State Road 8 is a major east-west thoroughfare that carries significant traffic through northeastern Indiana, connecting communities and serving as an important regional transportation corridor. The intersection with County Road 19 represents a crossing of state and local roadways where visibility and right-of-way awareness are critical for safe navigation. Rural intersections like this one often present challenges for motorcyclists due to the higher speeds typically maintained on state roads and the potential for other drivers to misjudge the speed and distance of approaching motorcycles. The area's agricultural setting may also contribute to seasonal visibility challenges from crops, farm equipment, or varying weather conditions that can affect driver awareness and reaction times.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, this incident involves potential violations of multiple traffic statutes, including failure to yield right-of-way and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances. The injured motorcyclist may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage through the truck driver's insurance coverage or through his own uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver is not located or lacks adequate insurance. Indiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be reduced if the motorcyclist is found partially at fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the accident. Hit-and-run accidents can complicate insurance claims, making it crucial for victims to report the incident promptly to both law enforcement and their insurance carriers to preserve all available coverage options.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• DeKalb County Sheriff's Department: (260) 925-3315
• Parkview EMS: Emergency 911
• DeKalb Memorial Hospital: (260) 724-8700

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: (317) 615-7300
• DeKalb County Highway Department: (260) 925-0915
• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: (800) 261-7623

Support Services:

• Indiana Crime Victims Compensation Program: (317) 232-7103
• DeKalb County Victim Services: (260) 925-3315
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation: msf-usa.org

Legal Resources:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (317) 269-2222