Two men were hospitalized after suffering serious injuries in a Dec. 12 accident on Interstate 71. Sources indicate that one motorist struck a 47-year-old man who was standing on the side on the road next to his vehicle. The accident, which occurred on an entrance ramp, caused traffic to be stopped for 45 minutes while first responders worked to save the two men.
Reports say that the driver of a white GMC Sierra stopped on the side of the road in order to ensure his load was secured. At the same time, a 49-year-old man behind the wheel of a 2015 Corvette lost control of his vehicle and struck both the 47-year-old and his truck. The man standing on the side of the road was thrown into traffic where he was subsequently run over.
The driver of the sports car had to be extricated from his vehicle by emergency personnel. Although he was wearing his seat belt, he suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to the Miami Valley Hospital. The driver of the truck suffered life-threatening injuries, and he was first taken to Bethesda North Hospital before being transferred to the UC Medical Center. His current condition was not reported.
The entrance ramp remained closed for four more hours as officers worked to clean up the wreckage. Police are continuing the investigation of the crash, and according to sources, they are trying to determine if speed or impairment caused the accident.
In car accidents of this nature, determining whether impairment or recklessness played a part can be crucial in understanding how the accident happened. If the cause of a wreck is attributed to impairment, for instance, the driver at fault for the crash could be considered negligent. An accident victim may discuss his or her legal options with a personal injury lawyer.
Source: WCPO Cincinnati, “2 seriously hurt in NB I-71 wreck in Deerfield Township,” Dec. 12, 2014
Source: WLWT, “Troopers ID 2 injured in serious I-71 crash“, Adrianne Kelly, December 12, 2014