Alyssa Maculaitis Injured in New Philadelphia Car Accident
One killed, three injured in head-on crash in Tuscarawas County on April 7, 2026
Alyssa Maculaitis, 33, of New Philadelphia, was injured when two cars crashed head-on on Stonecreek Road near Circle Drive on April 7, 2026, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. The crash killed Dalton J. Miller, 24, of West Lafayette.
The crash happened around 1:13 p.m. Miller drove a car south, crossed the center line, and hit Maculaitis's northbound SUV, troopers said. Both people in Miller's car wore seatbelts.
Miller died at the scene, according to the Tuscarawas County Coroner's Office. Paramedics took a passenger in Miller's car, Emily A. Harford, 21, of West Lafayette, to Mercy Hospital. Maculaitis was taken to Akron General Hospital for treatment.
Maculaitis's 2-year-old son, who was in a child safety seat, was treated at the scene and released to a family member. After the crash, Maculaitis's SUV went off the road and hit a guardrail.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene. The State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
What do we know about Maculaitis's injuries and recovery?
The crash left Maculaitis with injuries that required her to be taken to Akron General Hospital. Her 2-year-old son was treated at the scene and released to a family member.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "When I hear about high-speed collisions, the first thing I think about is the grieving families left behind," Bond said.
What are investigators looking for in this head-on collision?
Investigators from the Ohio State Highway Patrol are working to determine why the other driver's vehicle crossed the center line.
Stefano Formica, the driver at Bond Legal, noted that crash reconstruction is a key part of this process. "Crash reconstructionists are skilled in looking at all the evidence and determining exactly what happened," Formica said.
How common are head-on collisions in Ohio?
Head-on crashes, while less frequent than other types of collisions, often result in severe outcomes. These incidents highlight safety challenges on Ohio roads.
Ohio's comparative fault system
Ohio operates under a modified comparative fault system, often referred to as a "51% bar" rule. Under this framework, an injured party may recover damages if their fault in causing the accident is determined to be 50% or less. If the injured party is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are generally barred from recovering any damages. Any damages awarded are typically reduced proportionally to the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party.
Statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio
In Ohio, a personal injury claim, such as one arising from a car accident, is subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This means that an injured party generally has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in civil court. Failure to file within this period may result in the claim being dismissed, preventing the injured party from seeking compensation.
Damages recoverable under Ohio law
Injured parties in Ohio may be entitled to seek various categories of damages following a car accident. These can include economic damages, which cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages may also be pursued, compensating for subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Bond noted that "Car accident victims often face significant financial and emotional burdens, which is why a thorough legal assessment is important to understand all available avenues for recovery under state law."