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COSHOCTON COUNTY

Charles Litten injured in head-on crash on U.S. 36

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Authorities say Saturn crossed center line and struck pickup near River View Schools

March 27, 2026 | Coshocton, OH

Charles W. Litten, 76, of Warsaw, suffered injuries in a head-on collision in Coshocton County on a Friday morning. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported the incident near milepost 12 on U.S. 36.

Head on AccidentCharles W. Litten, 76, was injured after his pickup truck collided head-on with another vehicle on U.S. 36 near milepost 12 in Coshocton County.

What Happened in the Crash?

The crash unfolded at around 6:14 a.m. when a westbound 2005 Saturn Ion driven by a 41-year-old man from Warsaw crossed the center line. It struck Litten's eastbound 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 head-on, forcing the truck off the right side of the road.

  • Date and Time: Friday morning, approximately 6:14 a.m.
  • Location: U.S. 36 near milepost 12, close to River View Schools campus in Coshocton, OH.
  • Vehicles Involved: 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500, eastbound, and 2005 Saturn Ion (westbound).
  • Injuries: Litten sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Coshocton Genesis Medical Center. The Saturn driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Responders: Coshocton County Sheriff's Office, Coshocton County EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Prince's Wrecker Service.

Why Do Head-On Crashes Occur?

Head-on collisions represent a small percentage of accidents but cause a disproportionate number of fatalities. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these crashes make up about 2% of all incidents yet account for more than 10% of road-related deaths.

FactorDescriptionSource Contribution
Driver ErrorCrossing the center line due to inattention or misjudgment.Common in 40% of cases (NHTSA)
Distracted DrivingUse of mobile devices or other distractions.Rising trend per CDC
FatigueDrowsy driving leads to loss of control.Affects long-haul drivers
SpeedingExcessive speed reduces reaction time.Key in rural roads like US 36
Impaired DrivingAlcohol or drugs as primary cause in many fatal crashes.Over 30% of head-ons (FHWA)
Road DesignPoor visibility or narrow lanes contribute to errors.Varies by location

The Zanesville post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the exact circumstances.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, understanding contributing factors is crucial for prevention and accountability.

"Safe driving remains a shared responsibility on our roads. When violations lead to harm, accountability ensures justice for those affected," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways from legal analysis:

  • Professional witnesses can reconstruct crash scenarios and identify liabilities.
  • Background checks on drivers help uncover patterns of risky behavior.
  • Reviewing insurance coverage protects victims' rights during negotiations.
  • Attorneys guide families through grief while securing fair compensation.

"Victims of collisions may pursue claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Hiring representation counters insurance tactics for low settlements," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, Ohio, Coshocton County, US 36, River View Schools campus, milepost 12, Head-on Collision, Fatal Accident

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Charles W. Litten and family

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