Barely a month into the New Year and the first fatal crash occurs in Darke County, Ohio. The sheriff’s office reported that this was one of those car accidents in which one driver’s alleged negligence may have caused the death of a passenger. Deputies say the fatal accident occurred on U.S. 36 on a recent Tuesday evening.
Reportedly, the 34-year-old westbound driver of an SUV crashed into an oncoming car when she moved into the eastbound lane to pass another vehicle. The impact of the head-on collision apparently caused the eastbound car to slam into another vehicle traveling west. Deputies reportedly found drugs at the accident scene, but it is unknown whether the crash was narcotics-related.
The 23-year-old passenger in the front seat of the SUV suffered fatal injuries in the collision. Paramedics rushed the 49-year-old driver of the vehicle that was struck head-on to a hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the third car received on-scene treatment, and the SUV driver received treatment at a medical facility.
When drivers cause car accidents that lead to the deaths of passengers, the surviving family members of the deceased passengers can pursue recovery of damages. They can file wrongful death claims against the driver in an Ohio civil court. Similarly, as in this case, the injured victim of the second car can file a personal injury claim against the SUV driver. Any such lawsuits will require the plaintiffs to establish negligence, but once that is done, the court will adjudicate all documented claims for financial and emotional damages sustained. Medical and/or end-of-life expenses along with emotional damages such as pain and suffering may form part of the claims.
Source: whio.com, “Man killed in Darke County crash that injured 3 others ID’d“, Jan. 31, 2017