The year has just begun, but an Ohio county has already seen eight traffic fatalities so far. Winter has been especially harsh this time around, and adverse weather conditions do contribute to car accidents. However, the cause behind the fatal accident that claimed the eighth life this year is unknown.
In this recent incident, according to police, a tractor-trailer hit a 50-year-old woman’s car and forced her into the vehicle in front of her. The semi-truck came to a rest after going through the median and a guardrail. The woman was taken to the hospital to receive medical attention for her injuries, but she ultimately passed away.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fatal truck accident.
Truck accidents are more dangerous than car accidents not only because of the sheer size of the vehicle, but also because they may be transporting goods that become loose and cause additional problems. In addition to this, trucks are more difficult to maneuver on icy roads and require more time and distance while braking before coming to a complete stop.
Ohio residents injured in a truck accident may not be aware that in addition to bringing a lawsuit against the truck driver, they may also be able to hold the trucking company liable for employing an untrained driver or maintaining a defective truck. Though losing someone in a traffic accident is an understandably traumatic event that no one should have to go through, compensation sought through a lawsuit may be one way the financial burden associated with the unexpected event can be lessened.
Source: fox8.com, “Three vehicle crash on Interstate 71 takes life of Cleveland woman,” Darcie Loreno, Feb. 5, 2014