Whether due to drugs or alcohol, Ohio roads still see a large number of impaired individuals. Even though everyone is told the dangers of driving when under the influence, many people continue to get behind the wheel of their vehicles after drinking or taking drugs. This contributes to the number of serious or deadly car accidents that happen not only in this state, but across the nation each year.
As an example, on a recent Monday night, police and other emergency personnel responded to the scene of a head-on collision. Both vehicles, which came to rest on the westbound side of Ohio 125, sustained a substantial amount of damage. At around 8:30 p.m., an eastbound SUV veered into the oncoming lane of travel and slammed into another vehicle.
Preliminary reports indicate that officers suspect drugs impaired the 31-year-old driver of the SUV at the time of the crash. The 27-year-old off-duty police officer in the westbound vehicle suffered fatal injuries in the crash. He did not leave the scene alive. Police placed the SUV driver under arrest on suspicion of aggravated vehicular homicide.
While troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol continue the investigation, a family, friends and community mourn the loss of one of their own. The victim’s surviving family members may exercise their right to file a wrongful death claim in order to seek restitution for the financial losses that accompany car accidents. Taking this action may also help the family achieve some sense of closure regarding the loss of their loved one.
