Northwest Ohio (December 18, 2025) — Two Steuben County men were injured Thursday morning after a semi-truck allegedly failed to yield at a stop sign and collided with a van on State Route 49 near the Ohio Turnpike, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 8 a.m. as a semi-truck exited the westbound Ohio Turnpike and attempted to enter northbound State Route 49. Troopers said the semi failed to yield from a posted stop sign and struck a van traveling southbound on State Route 49.
The driver of the van, Randy Appleton, 58, of Fremont, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a regional hospital for treatment. A passenger in the van, Cody Pike, 24, of Orland, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
The driver and passenger of the semi-truck were not injured. Authorities did not release their names.
Investigation: The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Troopers will analyze whether the semi-truck driver properly stopped at the intersection and had an adequate opportunity to assess oncoming traffic before entering State Route 49.
In crashes involving large commercial vehicles exiting controlled-access highways, investigators typically examine sightlines, intersection design, signage visibility, and traffic flow at the time of the incident. Event data recorders from the semi-truck may provide information about speed, braking, and throttle input as it approached the stop sign.
Investigators will also review physical evidence from the scene, including impact points, debris patterns, and vehicle damage, to reconstruct the angle and force of the collision. Witness statements and any available traffic or surveillance footage may further clarify whether the van had the right of way and whether evasive action was possible.
Legal Considerations: Under Ohio law, drivers entering a roadway from a stop sign must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already traveling on the intersecting highway. When a commercial truck fails to yield and strikes a passenger vehicle, questions of negligence often center on driver attentiveness, judgment, and compliance with traffic control devices.
For Randy Appleton, the injuries described as serious may involve long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and lasting physical limitations. A personal injury claim may allow him to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the broader impact of the crash on his daily life. Cody Pike, though less severely injured, may also have the right to pursue a claim for his medical treatment and related losses.
Crashes involving commercial vehicles can be especially disruptive for victims, as the size and weight of a semi-truck often magnify the severity of injuries. While the investigation continues, accountability through the civil justice system can help injured individuals focus on recovery while ensuring that traffic safety rules are upheld.
I wish Randy Appleton and Cody Pike strength and healing as they recover from this crash.
Source: 21Alive News