Winter is here, and the chances of car accidents and other injuries due to slippery road surfaces increase in Ohio with the season every year. Even without snow and ice, there are many possible causes of a vehicle collision that can cause serious injury, permanent disability or even death as a result.

A recent three-car crash on Interstate 680 near Youngstown unfolded slowly but caused the deaths of two people and serious injuries to at least one person involved. The Youngstown Police Department is still investigating the cause of the accident and the possible involvement of drugs or alcohol.

The incident began when a van stopped due to an emergency and a man stopped his truck to check on the cause. Another driver struck the stopped truck and may have caused further damage and injuries to the van and its occupants.

The highway was closed for hours after the accident, just after sunset on a recent Sunday. Darkness and rain can contribute to the risk of accidents, making it harder to see moving and stopped vehicles.

Victims of motor vehicle accidents and the families of those killed in them have the right to claim financial damages from the party at fault. These may include compensation for medical or end-of-life expenses, as well as wages lost during recovery or due to a premature death.

An attorney may help accident victims or their survivors sort out their options for lawsuits, settlements or other forms of restitution. These options may help a person and his or her family recover after an unexpected crash has jeopardized their future.

Source: WFMJ, “YPD: Teen, woman killed in 3-car crash on 680,” Cristen Manion, Feb. 05, 2018