A lawsuit settlement has been approved by the Ohio Court of Claims in an accident in which two brothers were severely injured by an Ohio State Highway Patrol car. The brothers alleged that the patrol vehicle was not using overhead lights or sirens and was traveling in excess of 95 miles per hour. Accident Details According to the lawsuit documents, Daniel Hardin of Englewood was turning left from US 35 in Greene County on April 2, 2013, when the patrol car, traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed, struck his vehicle. Daniel Hardin suffered scalp lacerations along with spine and skull fractures. His brother, John Hardin, who was a passenger in the vehicle, suffered a lacerated spleen as well as back and neck injuries. The trooper, Paul Coates, who was injured in the crash, returned to full duty that month, but was verbally reprimanded for his part in the accident. Pursuit of Speeders Trooper Coates claimed that he was traveling at a high rate of speed as he was in pursuit of two vehicles that he saw speeding. Ohio State Highway Patrol regulations do not require officers to activate lights or sirens when overtaking or intercepting violators unless traffic conditions indicate a need for them. Using the sirens and lights is left to the officer’s discretion, according to patrol spokespeople. Attorneys for the brothers say that it was apparent that use of warning lights and sirens was necessary, and Trooper Coates’ decision not to use them led to the filing of the lawsuit. Medical Expenses Lawsuit documents indicate that John Hardin incurred more than $50,000 in medical expenses, while Daniel’s expenses totaled more than $34,000. In addition, the brothers face further treatment and will suffer from lost wages along with a diminished capacity to earn due to their chronic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone else, a personal injury lawsuit may be in order. If a loved one has died from injuries sustained in an accident caused by someone else, a wrongful death lawsuit may be in order as well. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation. For more information on Frenkel and Frenkel, please visit our website at www.FrenkelFirm.com.
