A truck accident in Salt Creek Township in Wayne County, Ohio, resulted in serious injuries to a 5-year-old Amish boy. The child was a passenger in a two-seat, open-style buggy, which had a sign displayed that identified it as a “slow-moving vehicle.” At approximately 11:10 a.m., a 1998 GMC pickup truck, struck the buggy and forced it off the road. The truck then continued into another lane, hitting a 2009 Lincoln MKZ driven by a 43-year-old woman, also forcing that vehicle to leave the road.
The woman, the 5-year-old boy, and a 9-year-old child riding in the buggy, were all injured and treated at the scene of the crash by emergency medical personnel. The buggy driver, who is the father of the two children, was not injured. His younger son was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was later transferred by helicopter to another hospital in Akron.
Members of the Ohio Highway Patrol who investigated the accident stated they believe inattention by the truck driver and the speed he was traveling were factors in the accident. The truck driver was a 19-year-old male resident of Fredericksburg.
A Highway Patrol press release issued after the accident emphasized the importance of motorists exercising caution and adjusting their driving speed in rural areas, especially when approaching highway curves or a hillcrest. They also recommended drivers focus their entire attention on the road and increase their following distances.
Careless driving all too often causes serious injury or even death. Those responsible for causing such accidents can be held accountable for personal injury and wrongful death for the benefit of the victims and their families. An attorney who specializes in personal injury can help those victims and their families understand their rights and represent them in a civil suit against those who were negligent or reckless.
Source: cantonrep.com, "Child remains in serious condition after Amish buggy hit by truck" No author given, Apr. 28, 2013