Like others across the country, many people here in Ohio are preparing for the holidays. As they make their plans, attend holiday gatherings and shop for gifts, they could be out and about at all hours of the day and night. Sadly, some will become embroiled in alcohol-related car accidents that, at a minimum, put a damper on the holiday season. In fact, for some victims and their families, things may never be the same.
This could be the case for the families of three people who lost their lives in a recent crash on Interstate 71. Five other people suffered unknown injuries. It was an early Sunday morning at around 1:30 a.m. when a driver lost control of his vehicle. That action resulted in a chain-reaction crash that led to the deaths and injuries suffered.
When police and other first responders arrived at the scene, it became evident that the driver of the vehicle that started the crash could be impaired. Officers smelled alcohol and discovered that the man has a long history of bad driving behaviors, including two prior DUI convictions. Reports indicate that the driver could face charges of aggravated vehicular homicide.
In the meantime, three families and four people must deal with the aftermath of the crash. As would be the case in other car accidents, they may file wrongful death or personal injury claims in an Ohio civil court seeking restitution for the financial losses that inevitably accompany such tragedies. If negligence can be formally documented, the court may award a monetary judgment that could provide the funds needed to cover medical and other expenses arising from the accident.
