Jerrold Rajewski Killed in Salem Township Car Accident
The 87-year-old passenger died after a two-vehicle collision at U.S. 22/3 and Middleboro Road
Jerrold Rajewski, 87, of Blanchester, was killed in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 22/3 at Middleboro Road in Salem Township on June 25, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
A northbound 2004 Toyota Camry failed to yield and was struck by a westbound 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, investigators said. The impact sent the Dodge off the right side of the road before it reentered the lanes, while the Toyota traveled off the left side.
CareFlight airlifted the 87-year-old passenger of the Toyota, Rajewski, to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died.
Lebanon EMS transported the Toyota's driver to TriHealth Bethesda North Hospital with serious injuries. Hamilton Township EMS took the Dodge driver to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Lebanon Post of the highway patrol is investigating the crash.
Why do intersection crashes occur on U.S. 22/3?
When vehicles fail to yield at rural intersections like Middleboro Road, the resulting side-impact collisions frequently cause severe trauma to passengers on the struck side.
Investigators will examine sightlines, speed, and traffic control devices at the Salem Township crossing to determine why the Toyota entered the path of the Dodge.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "A driver who fails to yield while speeding creates a collision risk far worse than a standard intersection error, and the resulting injuries are often severe and long-lasting. Insurance disputes escalate quickly when liability is contested."
"An attorney can preserve dashcam and traffic-camera footage, examine vehicle damage patterns, coordinate expert reconstruction analysis, and protect families facing mounting medical bills and a very uncertain financial recovery," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
Ohio reported about 109,000 crashes and 1,242 deaths in 2023, with intersection collisions a leading cause of fatalities.
Ohio wrongful death statute
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.01, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Ohio applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of services and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.
"Wrongful death claims serve a broader purpose than immediate financial compensation. An attorney helps surviving relatives understand what civil law allows, what evidence matters, and how a claim proceeds, providing structure and direction during a period of profound personal grief," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.