New reports allege that a Franklin County Sheriffs Deputy involved in a fatal collision earlier this month was driving over 100 miles per hour.
On Thursday, July 30, the dash-cam video from the cruiser was released. Video shows the cruisers climbing speed, and that the deputy had his lights and sirens activated.
The experienced injury lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy understand the tragic consequences of speeding accidents. Our team is ready to help you fight for your rights if you have been injured in a speed-related crash.
The speed limit on Sullivant Avenue is 35 miles per hour; video shows the deputy’s cruiser reached 95 miles per hour just before crashing, which means it likely climbed to 105. The officer was responding to an active pursuit of a drunk driver around 9:00 a.m. The driver of the van, a 77-year-old man from Columbus, was pulling onto Sullivant Avenue from a private driveway when the cruiser slammed into the van.
The vans driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Images from the scene show the drivers side of the van smashed in and the sheriffs cruiser on fire. The officer was treated for minor injuries.
The victims brother has begun to question the speed of the police officer and whether or not it was justified. Columbus Police are investigating the crash while the Franklin County Sheriff is conducting an internal review to determine if the deputy followed appropriate procedures. According to the Sheriffs Office, pursuits that expose a deputy or the public to unnecessary risk should be terminated.
Locals have taken to social media outlets to question the speed of the cruiser and whether the officer followed proper procedures.
No matter who is at fault, one family is suffering the consequences of this tragic situation. Speeding is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents and contributes to about one-third of all auto accidents.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car wreck caused by a speeding driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and more.