As winter begins and blankets the Midwest with the usual coats of ice and snow, the thoughts of Ohioans turn to road safety in a way that few other seasons can evoke. Slippery road conditions, black ice and reduced visibility during snowfall are all factors that increase the chances of collisions and other car accidents.

Many traffic accidents in the Buckeye State are minor “fender-benders,” resulting in little more than minor damage to a car or truck. But distracted driving, careless attention to road conditions and poor judgment can lead to high-speed collisions, which may result in serious injury, disability or even death.

Serious threats to road safety include unqualified drivers who are a major hazard to themselves and others on the road. A 14-year-old Franklin boy is in police custody after he drove a car before attaining the age to get a license. He struck a work van, which then plowed into a sport utility vehicle, injuring the driver of the final vehicle and the three passengers in his own car.

The underage driver was arraigned on charges of aggravated vehicular assault, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless operation and driving with no operator’s license. The first charge is a third-degree felony, related to the serious injury of the female driver of the sport utility vehicle.

Even without criminal charges pending, the boy and his family may be liable for financial damages related to medical expenses, lost wages of the injured person and pain or emotional distress as a result of the accident.

Victims of motor vehicle accidents where another driver has been deemed at fault may wish to have an attorney represent their interests in civil suits and settlements that may yield these damages.

Source: WCPO, “Franklin boy, 14, who was driving during crash faces assault charge,” Ed Richter, Jan. 08, 2018