Judy Tanner Killed in Toledo Pedestrian Accident
The fatal collision occurred in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Oak Hill Court
Judy Tanner, 20, was killed in a pedestrian crash on Glendale Avenue at Oak Hill Court on Wednesday, according to the Toledo Police Department.
A 31-year-old driver in the northbound turn lane made a left turn and struck the pedestrian, who was walking in a marked crosswalk. The vehicle ran over the woman, trapping her underneath. Paramedics transported the victim, Tanner, to a local hospital in critical condition. Family members confirmed her death on Thursday evening.
Investigators reported the driver was allegedly distracted by a child in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Police have not announced any criminal charges as the investigation continues.
Ohio recorded 125 pedestrian deaths in 2024, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation, with the large majority occurring in urban areas.
How common are fatal pedestrian strikes in Toledo?
Urban intersections present significant risks for pedestrians, particularly when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way in marked crosswalks.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Speed changes everything in a pedestrian crash, cutting reaction time to almost nothing and turning a survivable impact into a fatal one within a split second."
"An attorney often works alongside crash reconstruction experts, pulling event data recorder information and skid mark evidence to show how fast a vehicle was moving, protecting families from insurance companies eager to minimize responsibility," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What role does distracted driving play in crosswalk collisions?
When a driver's attention is diverted by passengers or devices, their ability to scan for pedestrians in crosswalks is severely compromised. Investigators will likely examine the driver's actions leading up to the left turn to determine the full extent of liability.
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.
"Distracted drivers who fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks create tragic hazards on local streets. Obtaining mobile phone records and nearby security camera footage is essential before that digital evidence is erased," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "An attorney moves quickly to secure these crucial electronic records to support a family’s wrongful death claim."