Charles Ward Killed, Lisa Rinderle Injured in Celina, OH, Accident
Celina, OH -- July 18, 2017, Charles Ward was killed in Lisa Rinderle was injured following an accident in which two vehicles collided on the highway.
According to preliminary information released by the Mercer County Sheriff's Department, the incident took place at around 8:15 a.m. near the intersection of State Highway 29 and Burk St. Henry Road.
Police officials reported that 27-year-old Rinderle was in a vehicle stopped on Burk St. Henry. She reportedly attempted to turn onto the highway, entering the path of an 18-wheeler driven by 57-year-old Ward. The two vehicles collided, causing Ward's 18-wheeler to lose control, overturn, and crash into a Volvo.
Both Ward and Rinderle were transported to Mercer Health for treatment, where Ward eventually succumbed to fatal injuries. Renderle's condition was not specified. The driver of the Volvo was not injured.
Police say the Rinderle failed to yield to Ward's right of way, but it's unclear if any citations or charges are being planned. No additional details were released.
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Commentary
Police seem confident in this incident that the accident was caused by failure to yield, and it wouldn't surprise me if this was indeed the case. Many accidents just like this one happen all the time, and unfortunately, as we see in Mr. Ward's case, people lose their lives because of it.
However, just because the accident seems straight forward doesn't mean that holding the at-fault driver accountable is going to be easy. Especially with an accident as complex as one involving an 18-wheeler, there needs to be tangible evidence to support a victim's claim. That's why even after these seemingly clear fact patterns I always advocate that people have their own, independent investigation conducted. That way, they can be sure that any and all factors contributing to the accident are preserved so they can get the justice they deserve.
The last thing that victims and their families need during their time of struggle is to run into complications because they relied solely on a preliminary police investigation. By having an independent professional look at the accident, they can help ensure that no crucial details are left by the wayside. Victims and their families deserve to have a fair chance at holding an at-fault driver accountable, and knowing these steps is an important tool in achieving this.
--Grossman Law Offices
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