Accident on Interstate 75 claims life of 42-year-old pedestrian, authorities say
ORANGE TOWNSHIP, OH, (December 05, 2024) - A Wapakoneta resident was killed early Thursday after being hit by a car when he got out of his vehicle that had broken down in Orange Township, authorities said.
Joshua Little, a 42-year-old Wapakoneta resident, was struck and killed by a vehicle along Interstate 75 southbound in Orange Township early Thursday, according to authorities.
Tragically, Joshua Little, age 42, died at the scene from injuries, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
A preliminary investigation found that Little was driving on Interstate 75 southbound at the exit for State Route 103 around 6:22 a.m. when his 2009 Chevrolet HHR became disabled on the right shoulder. Little exited his Chevrolet and began walking south on the exit ramp to State Route 103 from I-75. Shortly after, the 42-year-old was struck by a 2016 Ford Edge, resulting in his death at the scene.
At the crash site were the OSHP officers, Bluffton Police Department, and Bluffton EMS.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, from 2009 to 2018, a total of 6,174 FSI pedestrian crashes were reported. These included 1,101 fatal crashes and 5,073 serious injury crashes. This corresponds to an average of 612 FSI pedestrian crashes annually, or 5 crashes for every 100,000 people in the state per year.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family and ease their burden as they recover from the tragic loss.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of any investigations, the family members of Joshua Little may pursue a wrongful death claim. Survivors of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this.
Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline, said, “Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during difficult times and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”
“No amount of money is enough for a victim or their family to deal with the trauma and pain they experienced after a catastrophic crash. However, an attorney can help ease the financial burden and provide a path forward,” Bond stated.
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's 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).