Weather Road Conditions and Negligence Cause Ohio Crashes

A recent series of crashes in the eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike that have caught the attention of many locals, including those in Summit, were caused by weather, road conditions and speed, according to a preliminary investigation. The accidents involved multiple vehicles and left three people dead, a number of vehicles damaged and many victims injured.

Authorities believe that, in the first fatal accident, a 20-year-old woman died after a tractor-trailer driven by a 46-year-old man rear-ended the car she was driving. The accident occurred when the woman stopped her vehicle between the center and right lanes because of a prior crash between two trucks. The truck driver slowed down to avoid the trucks but he did not see the stopped car. He hit it, and the accident involved two other semis as well. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was not hospitalized.

An officer who responded to the accident also suffered minor injuries after a truck hit his vehicle while he was walking to the scene of the accident. The truck pushed the officer’s car and pinned him in between two vehicles. A witness said that the truck might have been avoiding debris from the previous crash. The 42-year-old truck driver died at the scene. Another police officer responded and rescued the injured officer.

Another truck accident was reported that left three people injured. In total, 30 people were hospitalized because of the crashes and at least 90 vehicles were damaged. The crash reports will be reviewed to determine if charges will be filed.

Commercial vehicle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are more likely to result in serious or fatal injuries. Victims or their families may want to explore options regarding potential personal injury lawsuits against a negligent company or driver.