The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department believes alcohol contributed to a serious Sunday evening accident on I-275 which sent three to the hospital with serious injuries and shut down the highway for hours.
Around 7:30 pm, a Hyundai Tuscon became disabled in the right lane of westbound I-275 between US-22 and Loveland-Madeira Road. The 23-year-old driver reported that the vehicle had mechanical difficulties, but she was unable to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder.
The driver of the Tuscon exited her vehicle and stood at its front; her 5-year-old daughter remained in the vehicle, secured in a child seat in the rear.
A 40-year-old woman driving a Volkswagen Jetta struck the Tuscon as she was changing from the left to right lane; the driver was unable to avoid crashing into the disabled vehicle.
The impact caused the disabled Tuscon to hit its driver, throwing her into the right shoulder of the highway. The force moved the Tuscon across all I-275 lanes, while the Jetta ran off the highway’s right side.
The driver of the Tuscon, in critical condition, and her daughter were transported to Bethesda North Hospital. The Jetta’s driver was also treated and released from the hospital; officials say she was wearing a seat belt.
I-275 was shut down for approximately four hours while an accident investigation was conducted. It reopened at 11:30 pm. Police say they believe alcohol contributed to the accident, but do not think drugs or speeding played a role. The Sheriff’s Traffic Safety Unit is still investigating the incident.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Cincinnati car accident lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy will pursue your claim for maximized compensation.