Two people died in a Cuyahoga County accident on March 26 following a three-car crash. Four others were injured in the accident that occurred around 3 a.m. near the East 103rd intersection along St. Clair in Cleveland.
One car was attempting to turn off of St. Clair and was hit by a second car traveling in the opposite direction. Both cars were then hit by a third car. The second car burst into flames after hitting a brick wall, and the driver died at the scene. Four passengers from that car were taken to the hospital, and one died after arrival.
The driver of the first car was also taken to a hospital and operated on while the third driver was not injured. Authorities say that both alcohol and speed appeared to be factors in the accident.
While the extent of the injuries of the survivors of this accident is unclear, accidents involving drunk drivers can result in catastrophic and life-changing injuries. Even for people who eventually recover, the financial consequences of lost wages and medical bills after a DUI injury can be devastating while others might need lifelong care or may be unable to ever return to work again. Insurance companies often do not offer enough money to compensate for these types of costs and losses. People who are injured in an accident with a drunk driver or families who have lost loved ones may want to speak to an attorney about filing a civil lawsuit against the driver responsible. Even if criminal drunk driving charges against the driver are unsuccessful, a civil suit may be successful because the burden of proof is lower. It requires presenting a preponderance of evidence rather than proving a case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: Fox 8, “Two People Killed After 3-Car Crash in Cleveland Overnight,” Kaily Cunningham, March 26, 2016