An unusual pedestrian accident took place in Northeast Ohio on October 23, 2014. Twelve people were injured, three of which seriously injured, when a stolen truck was crashed into the Dover Gardens Tavern in Westlake, Ohio. Two 26 year old men stole the truck and were being pursued by police as they drove 75miles per hour through a residential zone with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour before they crashed through the patio of the tavern and pinned multiple people behind the bar. The drivers of the stolen truck lost control after they drove over stop sticks police placed on the road. Stop sticks are tire deflation devices that police use to deflate the tires of vehicles they are pursuing.

Two women were injured severely while they were working at the Dover Gardens Tavern. They were both pinned behind the bar and suffered numerous broken bones as well as internal injuries. They were taken to area hospitals via medical helicopter to be treated.

In situations where someone's injuries were caused by another person's egregiously insidious actions, a lawyer can seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are damages that are meant to punish a defendant and deter the defendant, as well as others, from engaging in the same type of conduct. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are often pursued in automobile or pedestrian accidents where excess speed, drunk driving, or other malicious acts occurred.

If you or someone you know have been injured in a pedestrian accident, or have been involved in an accident that you think may warrant punitive damages, call the injury lawyers at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. today for a free consultation at 800-777-4081.

Source: WKBN. "At least 2 still hospitalized after Ohio bar crash". 28 Oct 2014.