Napoleon, OH — December 13, 2024, two people were injured in a truck accident at about 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 6 and State Route 109.
Authorities said a car was turning left onto State Route 109 when it collided with an eastbound semi-truck on U.S. Route 6.

Two people who had been in the car, a 33-year-old woman and a 7-month-old child, were flown to an area hospital with unspecified injuries, according to authorities. The truck driver was not injured.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the accident, including the names of the people who were injured.
The crash is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
My first thought when reading about a crash like this one is wondering whether the turning vehicle or the semi-truck had the right-of-way. Collisions at intersections often come down to questions of timing, visibility and driver decision-making, and those factors will likely be central to this investigation.
A key issue is whether the car turning left properly judged the speed and distance of the approaching semi-truck. Drivers making left turns must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a clear opportunity to complete the turn safely. If the car turned too late or miscalculated the truck’s speed, that could explain how the collision occurred. However, it’s also worth considering whether the semi-truck driver was speeding or otherwise unable to slow down in time.
The intersection’s design and traffic controls will also need to be examined. Was there a dedicated turn lane or signal to assist drivers turning left? If not, the lack of these features could increase the likelihood of confusion or misjudgment. Investigators should also assess whether visibility at the intersection — due to road curvature, obstructions or weather conditions — played a role.
Another important consideration is the speed of the semi-truck. Highways often have higher speed limits, and trucks require more distance to stop than smaller vehicles. If the truck was traveling at or above the posted speed, investigators will need to evaluate whether the speed limit at that intersection is appropriate for the area.
Finally, the injuries to the car’s occupants, underscore the vulnerability of smaller vehicles in collisions with heavy trucks. Investigators should verify whether all safety systems in the car, including child restraints, were properly used and functioning as intended.
Understanding the dynamics of this crash will require a close look at the actions of both drivers, the intersection’s design, and the environmental factors at play. By addressing these questions, investigators can identify any contributing factors and explore ways to improve safety at similar intersections in the future.