An Ohio pizza delivery driver has turned herself in for her role in a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred on April 9. The car accident happened on State Route 64 near Brookside Drive in Swanton. According to authorities, a 30-year-old woman was walking her dog along the road when she was struck by the passing pizza delivery driver. The driver did not stop at the scene.
The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries a few days later. The pizza driver later turned herself in. Authorities said she was cooperating with the investigation. She reportedly told police that she had swerved to avoid hitting a dog in the road. When she swerved, she hit something but thought it was only a mailbox. Later, she realized that it may have been a person, at which point she decided to turn herself in.
Local residents said that speed is a recurring issue on State Route 64 as the speed limit quickly changes from 55 mph to 35 mph. Authorities were still investigating the accident but have not reported if speed was a factor. Charges have yet to be filed against the driver.
In addition to facing criminal charges, the pizza driver could face wrongful death litigation from the deceased woman’s family. They could pursue damages for any outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses and the deceased’s lost wages. The family may also be able to file a lawsuit against the pizza company. Commercial drivers must follow strict rules and regulations. If the driver or the company was in violation of those regulations, the company could be liable for the woman’s death.
Source: Toledo News Now, “Pedestrian dies after Swanton hit-and-run”, Mackenzie Miller and Megan Sanctorum, April 11, 2014
