Vehicle operators in Ohio will always be responsible for the safety of their passengers. When passengers suffer injuries in car accidents that involve no other vehicles, the drivers might be liable for damages sustained by the passengers. However, for such a claim, there must be evidence of negligence on the part of the driver.
Such a claim might follow a serious accident that occurred in Pike County on a recent Wednesday. A preliminary report by the Ohio Highway Patrol indicates that a 40-year-old driver was traveling west on Ohio 124 when he veered off the road. His car smashed into a tree, trapping the driver and his 31-year-old passenger inside.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and removed both individuals from the car. They transported them to an area hospital from where they were transferred to Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. Reportedly, both victims suffered critical injuries. Along with the county’s emergency services, the sheriff’s office helped at the accident scene and said the investigation was ongoing.
The conditions of the two individuals are unknown. The passenger will be entitled to pursue recovery for medical expenses, lost income and other damages sustained. The way to proceed after such car accidents would be to file a personal injury lawsuit in an Ohio civil court. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist with establishing negligence to substantiate such a claim. A lawyer can then navigate the legal proceedings with the goal of obtaining a monetary judgment against the driver that will cover the losses of the passenger — both financial and emotional.
Source: chillicothegazette.com, “Two critically hurt in Ohio 124 crash“, Feb. 23, 2017