When a car or truck accident occurs, there is often a ripple effect. Not only are those drivers and passengers directly involved impacted, but so too are the lives of their family members, friends and colleagues. A fatal truck accident that occurred last spring and involved a furniture delivery truck, illustrates this point.

The accident occurred when a 34-year-old driver and his 23-year-old passenger were traveling westbound along a Ohio highway in the delivery truck. At that time, the 34-year-old lost control of the truck and veered across the highway’s center line and into the direct path of a SUV driven by a 18-year-old woman.

The collision resulted in occupants in both vehicles suffering serious injuries. A 17-year-old female passenger in the SUV was killed. Police learned that, prior to the crash, the 34-year-old had smoked marijuana several times throughout the day. He currently faces criminal charges including first-degree involuntary manslaughter.

In addition to the criminal charges, the family of the girl who was killed has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. More recently, the 23-year-old co-worker who was a passenger in the delivery truck filed a personal injury lawsuit. It’s unclear whether the 18-year-old driver of the SUV that was struck will also take legal action.

Injuries suffered in car and truck accidents often leave those impacted in pain and unable to work. Additionally, the pain and loss associated with losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident often leave family members with questions and financial obligations.

Ohio residents who have been adversely impacted in a car or truck accident may choose to discuss their case with an attorney. In cases where the negligent actions of another driver result in an individual being injured or killed, legal action may be appropriate.

Source: Southeast Missourian, “Furniture-truck driver faces another lawsuit,” Emily Priddy, Dec. 5, 2013