Police in Columbus have reported a traffic fatality as a result of a two-vehicle accident on Jackson Pike. Ohio authorities have confirmed the death of a 32-year-old woman in a collision. So far, no charges have been filed, but as with all motor vehicle accidents causing fatalities, an in-depth investigation is underway.
According to the limited information available in the report, it appears the 32-year-old woman was headed northbound on Jackson Pike near OH 104 around 1:30 p.m. the afternoon of Nov. 6 when the accident occurred. A 60-year-old man driving southbound reportedly crashed into her vehicle in the northbound lanes. The force of the impact killed the woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene as soon as authorities arrived.
The condition of the other driver was not included in the report. Police have not filed charges against that driver, but they have not ruled out the possibility of driver error, negligence or recklessness as potential factors in the crash. No word has been released as to whether intoxication was also being considered a factor, but it does not appear the driver is in police custody at this time.
Motor vehicle accidents causing fatalities are always tragic, and always demand a thorough investigation to properly assign responsibility for the crash. If the Ohio police investigation reveals the older driver to be materially responsible for the accident, that individual could face criminal charges. Even if no charges are filed, state law allows the family of the deceased woman to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court against the other driver involved. No criminal conviction is necessary, but evidence of the driver’s culpability can be offered to support the civil court claim.