DeKalb County, IN — March 17, 2025, One person was injured following a garbage truck accident that occurred at around 4:25 A.M. on Interstate 69.

Authorities are investigating after a garbage truck accident left one person injured in the morning hours of March 17th. According to official statements, a garbage truck was travelling on I-69 in the northbound lanes when the truck swerved to avoid a deer in the road and overturned.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status of the driver's injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver receives the care they need and that those affected get the answers they deserve. While it may seem like a straightforward case of a truck swerving to avoid an obstacle, my experience has shown that crashes like this often have underlying factors that aren’t immediately obvious. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s essential to ask three key questions to ensure a full and thorough investigation.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the scene, take witness statements, and assess visible evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. When a large vehicle like a garbage truck overturns, investigators should assess whether the roadway was well-maintained, if other vehicles were nearby, and whether the truck's speed or weight distribution contributed to the loss of control. Additionally, deer are an unpredictable hazard, but investigators should determine whether the driver had enough time and space to react safely or if other factors played a role.

The second question—one that is often overlooked—is whether a mechanical defect contributed to the crash. Garbage trucks are heavy vehicles that require precise steering, braking, and suspension systems to maintain stability. If there was a failure in any of these systems—such as brake malfunctions, power steering issues, or problems with the truck’s center of gravity—it could have made it more difficult for the driver to recover control after swerving. However, identifying a mechanical failure requires a forensic examination of the truck, and if it is not preserved, key evidence may be lost before it can be properly analyzed.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Most modern commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records crucial information such as speed, braking, and steering input in the moments leading up to the crash. Additionally, dashcam footage, GPS tracking, and even surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or highway systems could provide valuable insight into what happened. Since electronic data can be lost or overwritten if not secured quickly, investigators must act fast to preserve this critical evidence.

At the end of the day, answering these three questions isn’t just about understanding how this crash happened—it’s about ensuring that the injured driver and their family have access to the full truth. Serious crashes leave people searching for clarity, and the least we can do as a community is make sure that every possible explanation is explored before reaching any conclusions.