DEFIANCE COUNTY, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious automobile accident that happened May 26 at 11:25 a.m. on Ohio 15 near Deerfoot Drive.
Authorities said a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, driven by a 58-year-old man, was traveling east when it crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2020 GMC Terrain head-on.
Emergency responders transported Avery Calhoun, 22, to ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Officials confirmed he was wearing a safety belt at the time of the accident.
The Sierra’s driver sustained serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center. The Terrain’s driver, 67, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials suspect alcohol and drug impairment contributed to the accident. The investigation remains ongoing.
Avery Calhoun seriously injured in Defiance County automobile accident
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This accident was clearly preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people’s lives.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
She added, “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
According to the National Safety Council, the cause of 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents is drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Avery Calhoun may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim pending an investigation.
Bond said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
“Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” she added.
If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation for guidance
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
