New Year’s Eve is known to be a time for celebrations, often including alcohol. While some partygoers arrange for designated drivers or other transport after consuming alcohol, others put their own lives and the lives of passengers on the line by insisting on driving. Sadly, many tragic car accidents happen on New Year’s Day. The Ohio Highway Patrol reported that impaired driving was likely involved in an accident that occurred on the morning of Jan. 1.
Authorities say a 19-year-old was driving a car that was also occupied by three passengers, ages 19, 17 and 16. He apparently failed to maintain control of the vehicle, and it struck a utility pole after leaving the road. Reportedly, only the 17-year-old passenger escaped without injuries.
An incident report indicates that the driver and the 19-year-old passenger were transported to a regional hospital from where they were later airlifted to another facility. The injuries suffered by the 16-year-old were not considered life-threatening. Along with the suspicion of alcohol use, the patrol also noted that none of the occupants used their seat belts.
Whenever passengers are injured in car accidents caused by driver negligence, injured victims will be entitled to seek recovery of financial and other damages. They may file personal injury lawsuits against the driver and anyone else with an ownership interests in the vehicle involved. Others in similar circumstances have relied upon the support and guidance of an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help document negligence and present a claim for monetary damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other financial losses.
Source: chillicothegazette.com, “Two taken to Columbus hospital after crash“, Jan. 2, 2018