Columbus, OH — January 15, 2025, a pedestrian was killed following a car accident shortly before 6:30 p.m. along Fisher Road.

According to authorities, an 18-wheeler had become disabled in the left turn lane on Fisher Road in the vicinity west of Interstate Highway 270 when the accident took place.

The person who had been behind the wheel of the disabled 18-wheeler got out of the truck and was reportedly struck by two separate vehicles—a Honda CRV and a Lexus SUV—as they allegedly stepped into the roadway. They suffered reportedly fatal injuries due to the collisions and were declared deceased at the scene. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When incidents like this occur, people often focus on the immediate sequence of events, assuming it was a simple matter of poor judgment or miscommunication on the road. However, in my experience, cases like this tend to involve layers of complexity that warrant a closer look. To understand what happened, it’s important to examine not only the actions of the individuals involved but also the broader circumstances that may have contributed to this tragedy.

What factors led the truck driver to leave their vehicle and enter the roadway? Did the location of the disabled truck or the visibility of the turn lane create dangerous conditions for the driver? If the truck's breakdown could not be safely mitigated or signaled to other road users, it raises questions about whether proper precautions, such as reflective markers, lights, or flares, were employed to alert others of the hazard. Similarly, were the drivers of the Honda CRV and Lexus SUV attentive to their surroundings, and did road conditions or visibility play a role in their ability to avoid the collision? These are all critical considerations in piecing together the chain of events.

Additionally, the trucking company’s role in this situation cannot be overlooked. Companies bear significant responsibility for ensuring their vehicles are in proper working order and equipped to handle unexpected situations. Was the truck disabled due to preventable mechanical issues? If so, were inspections and maintenance schedules properly adhered to? A failure to keep vehicles in safe operating condition could place both the driver and other road users at unnecessary risk.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by this accident. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure those impacted by the incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.