An 18-year-old woman is dead following a two-car crash in Margaretta Township, according to local sources. Ohio police have confirmed the death of the woman who was a passenger in one of the two vehicles involved. As with many car accidents, drugs and/or alcohol are suspected factors, though police have not filed any charges at this time.
According to the limited information available, it appears that, at around 1 a.m. on the morning of March 16, a vehicle driven by a 62-year-old man was attempting to navigate a left-hand turn from State Route 101 to State Route 2 when the accident occurred. A vehicle driven by a 19-year-old woman failed to stop at the intersection, causing her vehicle to hit the driver’s side of the man’s car. Both individuals, as well as an 18-year-old female passenger in the woman’s car, were taken to local hospitals with injuries.
The 18-year-old woman was later pronounced dead of her injuries. The status of the two drivers is unknown at this time. Police say they have reason to believe at least one of the drivers was under the influence, so charges could still be forthcoming. Their investigation remains underway.
If one or both drivers test positive for substance use, they could face criminal censure for their actions. However, as with many car accidents of this type, even if no criminal charges are filed, the family of the deceased woman could choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against one or both drivers involved in the accident. They are free to use any evidence Ohio police collected in their investigation that would support such a claim.
