UPDATE (February 5, 2025): Recent reports have been released which shed light on several details concerning this accident. According to those reports, Larry and Allen Nolan were traveling in a northbound SUV on State Highway 7 when the accident took place. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a southbound DOT truck attempted a left turn at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. This resulted in a collision between the two vehicles. Both Allen and Larry Nolan lost their lives as a result of the wreck and were declared deceased at the scene. No additional details are currently available. Investigations continue.

Gallia County, OH — January 23, 2025, two people were killed and one was injured following a truck accident at approximately 12:30 pm. along State Highway 7.

According to authorities, two people were traveling in an SUV on State Highway 7 in the vicinity of Sugar Creek Road when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the SUV was stuck by a Department of Transportation vehicle. The two people who had been in the SUV both suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident, reports state. The person who had been behind the wheel of the truck reportedly sustained injuries of unknown severity and was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a commercial truck makes a left turn and fails to yield to oncoming traffic, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, left-turn crashes often stem from multiple contributing factors that aren’t immediately obvious from the scene alone.

Was the DOT truck driver paying full attention? Left turns require extra caution, especially when crossing lanes of oncoming traffic. A momentary lapse in attention—whether due to in-cab distractions, fatigue, or simple misjudgment—can be all it takes to cause a deadly crash. Investigators should review dashcam footage, phone records, and in-cab data to determine whether distraction played a role.

Did the truck driver misjudge the speed or distance of the SUV? A common issue in left-turn crashes is a driver believing they have enough time to clear the intersection when they don’t. Investigators should consider whether the driver made an unsafe assumption about how much space was available or if other factors, such as an obstructed view, played a role.

Was the truck in proper working order? If the DOT truck had mechanical issues—such as faulty brakes or steering problems—the driver may not have been able to stop or react in time. Investigators should examine maintenance logs and post-crash inspections to determine whether a vehicle malfunction contributed to the wreck.

Did broader issues within the DOT contribute to the crash? Just like private trucking companies, government agencies are responsible for training their drivers and ensuring they follow safe driving practices. If the DOT failed to provide proper training, enforced unrealistic work schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance, that could have influenced the events leading up to the crash. Investigators should review training protocols, driver records, and past incidents to determine if there were any red flags.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.