DUI suspected in Wednesday night collision on County Road 24
FULTON, OH, (September 25, 2024) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Wednesday and claimed the life of a Napoleon man.
Brandon Bauer was seriously injured on Wednesday night when the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed in Fulton County.
Troopers said that at approximately 9:57 p.m., the incident took place on County Road 24 in German Township, Fulton County, and involved a 2007 Ford Focus driven by a 20-year-old man from Napoleon.
According to reports, the driver was traveling at a high speed when he lost control of the vehicle and veered off the right side of the road, leading to a rollover. As a result of the crash, both he and his front right passenger – Brandon Bauer, age 21 also from Napoleon – were ejected from the car.
The driver did not survive his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. Bauer was airlifted to Saint Vincent's Hospital via Life Flight with serious injuries.
The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing; however, it is believed that safety belts were not utilized and impaired driving may have been a contributing factor.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
This accident was preventable. Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and can senselessly ruin people's lives.
"Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,’’ explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
She added, “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”
According to the National Safety Council, the cause of 10 percent of all fatal automobile accidents is drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medications. These accidents are the second-leading cause of automobile fatalities in this country.
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM
Brandon Bauer may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim pending an investigation.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, said, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
"Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” he added
If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run or drunken driver, contact our national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica for a free consultation for guidance
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).