Last week, a horrifying New Philadelphia auto accident unfolded while bystanders watched, helpless to intervene. Although this blog typically reports only on Pennsylvania and Philadelphia personal injury matters, this horrific crash merits some extra attention.
Blow by Blow of a Horror Story
In the middle of the afternoon in Ohio's Stark County, an 83-year-old man named Peter Mingo lost control of his Ford Explorer and started driving chaotically. Other cars veered out of the way to avoid getting hit. One witness, David Mathey, followed the vehicle to track it down and prevent it from hitting someone. Mathey later reported: "I thought, oh my God he is going to kill somebody." Unfortunately, Mathey and the Ohio Highway Patrol could not get to the Explorer in time. The vehicle swerved into the southbound lane on Route 800 and slammed into a Mercury Grand Marquis and then spun off and hit a 2003 Jeep Liberty. All told, the accident resulted in the deaths of four people - Peter Mingo (the driver of the Explorer), 61-year-old Bruce Goudy, 5-year-old Kira Goudy and 8-year-old Alex Goudy.
Mingo's daughter was horrified at the news and reported that her father had been taking nearly two dozen different medications. Possibly, some bad drug interaction made Mingo suddenly lose control of his vehicle and not be able to stop in time.
This Philadelphia personal injury story highlights an important lesson: namely, that normal freeways and streets can turn quickly chaotic and deadly without any advanced warning. Since driving is something that most of us do on a regular basis, we tend to underestimate its risks -- e.g. the dangers associated with driving to the grocery store or dropping our kids off at school. But statistical analyses paint a scarier picture. Even a cursory look at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration statistics reveal just how dangerous the simple act of driving can be.
The takeaway here is that it is well worth everyone's time to examine systems, tactics and strategies to reduce the number and severity of Philadelphia auto accidents. On a personal standpoint, for instance, you might rethink driving at the most dangerous times - such as Friday and Saturday nights and holidays like the 4th of July, Labor Day and New Year's Eve. You should also eliminate any distractions that could imperil your ability to drive defensively. Most people know not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to avoid driving when overly fatigued. But few realize that driving while talking or texting on a cell phone can be as hazardous. Indeed, some recent studies - conducted by institutions like Virgina Tech - suggest that driving while texting may be even worse than driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you or a family member got injured in a Philadelphia auto accident, or if you suffered significant property damage, you may need a lawyer to represent you to get you compensated for your wages lost, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Look to Rosenbaum & Associates - a credentialed Philadelphia personal injury law firm - for advice about your rights under the law. Visit the firm's official website, or call 1-800-7-LEGAL-7 to get a confidential, clear, and free consultation about how to best proceed.
