The Ohio State Patrol has reported the details of a fatal accident that occurred in Athens on Old Route 33 on Jan. 16. At about 10:20 a.m., a 1997 Ford Explorer was traveling eastbound near the intersection with Laughlin Hill Road when the driver reportedly lost control on a curve. The motorist is believed to have overcorrected in an attempt to regain control of the vehicle, and this allegedly resulted in the SUV crossing into the oncoming lane. At the same time, a 1997 Buick LeSabre was traveling westbound, and the two vehicles collided head-on.
The two-vehicle collision happened on a section of highway with sharp curves. The Explorer was reportedly towing a wood splitter, which detached from the SUV during the crash and came to rest in the middle of the road, while the Explorer ended up on its side. The Buick came to rest upright on the side of the road in an embankment.
The driver of the LeSabre, a 69-year-old Guysville man, was killed in the crash. The two occupants of the Explorer were transported to O’Bleness Memorial Hospital via ambulance. The driver, a 53-year-old Shade man, was described as having non-capacitating injuries, and the passenger, a 39-year-old Shade woman, was reported to have suffered minor injuries. Although no impaired driving was suspected to have contributed to the wreck, the case was forwarded to the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office. An OSP representative indicated that charges may possibly be forthcoming.
If the car accident is determined to have been due to the inattention of the SUV driver, it may be possible for the family of the man who died to file a wrongful death claim against him. A personal injury attorney could aid in completing the paperwork necessary to file such a claim. If the claim is successful, the family might be free to focus on their emotional recovery without having to worry about funeral and other related expenses.
Source: WOUB, “Fatal Accident On Old Route 33“, Gabe Ross and Susan Tebben, January 16, 2014
