Dodge Journey runs stop sign and strikes Honda Odyssey on Riley Road
December 29, 2025 | Jefferson Township, OH
Emily Vaubel, a 40-year-old resident of Botkins, sustained serious injuries in a collision between two vehicles on State Route 29 near Riley Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
Emily Vaubel, 40, of Botkins, was seriously injured after a Dodge Journey ran a stop sign and caused a crash at State Route 29 and Riley Road in Jefferson Township.
The Mercer County Sheriff's Office reported that the incident occurred around 9 p.m. when a Honda Odyssey, carrying Vaubel as a passenger and traveling eastbound on State Route 29, was struck by a Dodge Journey. The Dodge, driven by a 17-year-old male from Celina, failed to stop at a stop sign while heading south on Riley Road.
Vaubel was promptly transported to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys for treatment of her injuries. The young driver is expected to receive a citation for failing to yield at the stop sign.
- Date and Time: Dec. 29, 2025, approximately 9 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of State Route 29 and Riley Road, Jefferson Township, Ohio
- Vehicles Involved: Honda Odyssey, eastbound, and Dodge Journey, southbound
- Injuries: Serious injuries to passenger Emily Vaubel
- Investigating Agency: Mercer County Sheriff's Office
Why Do Stop-Sign Accidents Happen?
Intersections are common sites for vehicle collisions, often due to drivers disregarding traffic signals. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 40% of all automobile crashes occur at intersections, primarily from running stop signs or signals. Contributing factors frequently include:
- Impatience leading to hasty decisions
- Reckless driving behaviors
- Distractions such as mobile phone use
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes at intersections |
40% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Common causes |
Running stop signs/signals |
Federal Highway Administration |
Annual intersection-related fatalities (U.S.) |
Over 7,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on motor vehicle crashes at intersections, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and injured victims must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide victims during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Hire an independent attorney to investigation crash causes and preserve evidence
- Conduct background checks on drivers and secure witness statements
- Evaluate insurance coverage to ensure fair compensation
- Protect victims' rights amid complex investigations
Pending the full investigation, Emily Vaubel may pursue a personal injury claim to address medical expenses, lost income, pain, and emotional distress.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of various expenses,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in serious auto accidents. She offers free consultations for those in need of help.
(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).