It does not matter whether it happens here in Ohio or elsewhere, it only takes the mistake of one driver to change the lives of individuals and families forever. Every crash that leads to serious or deadly injuries is a tragedy. Even single-car accidents have the potential of devastating more than one family and the lives of multiple people.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol recently responded to an accident on SR 220 involving only one vehicle. Preliminary reports indicate that at around 2:39 a.m., the 18-year-old driver failed to properly round a curve, which sent the vehicle careening off the side of the road and into a guardrail. The mistake cost him his life.
The 20-year-old passenger in the vehicle survived, but suffered serious injuries that put his life in jeopardy. Officials continue to investigate the crash. However, it is believed that alcohol played a role. If that turns out to be the case, it is likely that the combination of a lack of experience behind the wheel and alcohol created a recipe for disaster. Now, two families must struggle to cope with what happened as the lone survivor fights for his life.
Obviously, criminal charges will not be filed against the driver, but that does not mean that the conclusion of the official investigation is not important. Those details could prove useful to the surviving passenger if he exercises his right to file a personal injury claim against the estate of the deceased driver and anyone else with an ownership interest in the vehicle involved. A successful claim could provide restitution needed to fund current and future medical and other needs associated with car accidents.
