3 vehicles collided along U.S. Route 22 in Muskingum County
WASHINGTON TWP, OH, (October 21, 2024) - A fatal accident involving three vehicles on U.S. Route 22 left one person dead on Monday evening. The crash occurred just before 5:15 p.m. near Brookside Drive in Washington Township, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Douglas Wagner lost his life on Monday evening as the result of a three-vehicle crash along U.S. 22 in Washington Township.
The incident involved a 2004 Kenworth tractor-trailer, a Chevrolet Cruze, and a Mack garbage truck. The Kenworth, driven by a 52-year-old Zanesville man, was traveling west when it struck the back of the Chevrolet, driven by a 31-year-old Zanesville man. Following the initial impact, the tractor-trailer crossed the centerline and collided with the eastbound Mack. The impact caused the Mack truck to travel off the north side of the road and strike a guardrail.
The driver of the Mack, 37-year-old Douglas Wagner of Zanesville, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
No other injuries were reported.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Multi-County Joint Crash Investigation Team, and the coroner's office.
CRASH INVESTIGATION
Candice Bond, an experienced commercial accident attorney, said that in such cases, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted promptly to protect the rights of a victim.
"Commercial accidents are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Bond, who is a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
"A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver.
"Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring expert witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process."
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
The family of Douglas Wagner may pursue compensation for damages such as costs associated with the death, loss of income and companionship, and other hardships.
"A death to a family member after an accident is both tragic and devastating to a surviving family. The grief, shock, and anger can be overwhelming," said Bond.
She added, "Aside from the emotional suffering of those left behind, the death of someone close can have devastating financial implications. Loss of income and funeral costs alone can have tragic consequences when a family member is lost."
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in commercial trucking accidents. If you or a family member need help she is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. 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).