Losing someone suddenly in a fatal car accident is difficult for any Ohio family member, but when the car accident victim is a young person with their whole life full of promises ahead of him or her, it may be extra difficult for loved ones to come to terms with their loss. Their pain and suffering may be compounded by the thought of what could have been, and, therefore, closure may be harder to come by.
These may be the thoughts going through the minds of the family members of the 16-year-old girl who died in a tragic car accident in Ohio earlier this month. The two teenage passengers in her car also sustained serious injuries in the crash and were helicoptered to the hospital to receive medical attention for their injuries.
According to the police department, a 26-year-old driver was traveling south on the road when it crossed the center lane and went into the northbound lane where it collided with the victim’s car. The fire department and the Life Support Teams arrived on the scene, in response to a number of phone calls and worked to free the accident victims. The road was closed for a number of hours as the emergency personnel worked, and the investigation was taking place.
The car accident itself took place on a straight section of the road, between two curved parts. As the investigation is ongoing, no charges have been filed.
Even if criminal charges are not filed after a car crash, Ohio victims and their family members may be able to file a civil claim against the reckless or distracted driver. Though nothing can bring back their loved one, holding the negligent party accountable may be one way the family can get closure in such a difficult time.
Source: West Side Leader, “Bath teen killed in car accident,” Maria Lindsay, Aug. 3, 2014
