Incidents of risky and impaired driving always go up during the holidays, and last Friday was no exception. A man driving the wrong way on SR-562 in Cincinnati caused a car collision with another vehicle at approximately 3:30 a.m. at the 0.5 mile post.
Christopher Long, 25, was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of the connecting highway in a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, when he collided with a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix heading eastbound.
The driver of the second vehicle, Aaron Allton, 32, sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he is listed in serious condition. Long was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Impairment is believed to be a factor in the accident. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. The accident is under investigation.
Fewer drivers on the road, more accidents
In spite of fewer drivers being on the road due to the current health crisis and several lockdowns in 2020, the number of fatal crashes in Ohio has risen by 6% since 2019, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
From early April last year, half the number of cars were on the road over the previous year, and the traffic volume is still lower than normal. And yet, there were over 10,500 alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents in 2020, with many of them occurring in December.
Four fatalities occurred in the Miami Valley with 24 hours between December 15 and 16. Distracted driving also rose by 10% over 2019.
Seeking compensation after a car accident
Your life can change in an instant after a serious car wreck. Determining the cause of the accident is important in establishing negligence for both insurance and liability claims. While an insurance company is fighting to keep compensation amounts low, your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering from the accident may be going up.
If the crash was caused by the reckless, impaired or distracted driving of another driver, it is important to find a trusted and experienced personal injury attorney who will not only fight the insurance companies on your behalf, but will go to trial if necessary to make sure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.