STRONGSVILLE, Ohio- 32-year-old Shawn Moore was pronounced dead at a local hospital following an accident on the Ohio Turnpike in Strongsville, Ohio.
According to authorities, a semi-truck heading westbound on the Turnpike veered off the side of the road, striking Moore and a parked vehicle.
Authorities reported that Moore was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the parked vehicle was also injured in the accident and was treated for minor injuries.
The cause of the crash was not immediately apparent.
No other information was readily available.
Thoughts on fatal Ohio Turnpike collision in Strongsville
The details of this story are horrific, and we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Mr. Moore. While we do not yet know the cause of the crash, the facts suggest the driver of the semi-truck may have lost control of their vehicle for one reason or another. Mr. Moore’s loved ones deserve a thorough investigation into the potential causes of this crash.
The most likely cause of this crash is distracted driving. While smartphones have improved the driving experience in many ways, they have also made it more dangerous, and drivers are increasingly distracted by inappropriate phone use. Most states have responded by passing strict distracted driving laws designed to deter and punish distracted drivers. If an investigation finds that the semi-truck driver was distracted at the time of the accident, the Moore family will have a basis to recover against the truck driver and possibly his employer for the serious harm caused by his negligent actions.
Alternatively, we often find that drivers of these trucks lose control of their vehicles and veer off the road because of issues with their vehicle’s tires. Tires in worn or poor condition, tires installed on the incorrect part of the truck, or sudden tire failures can all lead to a loss of control and serious accidents. The owners of commercial trucks are responsible for ensuring that appropriate routine maintenance is done. Unfortunately, many businesses try to cut costs by postponing this maintenance, putting the lives of their employees and others at risk. A finding that Mr. Moore’s employer failed to provide him with a safe vehicle to operate may be another potential opportunity for recovery.
While it is too early to determine the cause of this accident, Mr. Moore’s family deserves to know exactly what happened and pursue relief in the wake of this tragedy. While it is easy to conclude the driver of the truck is solely responsible for this crash, doing so likely will not provide adequate relief to the injured and will allow potentially responsible parties to walk away without any responsibility. Identifying and holding all responsible parties accountable helps prevent accidents like this from continuing to occur and allows the family to receive all compensation they are entitled to under the law. Our thoughts are with Mr. Moore’s family at this time, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
