Semi-truck struck pedestrian in roadway near milepost 24 in Salem Township
December 24, 2025 | Salem Township, OH
A 26-year-old man from West Virginia suffered injuries when a northbound semi-truck struck him on State Route 7 in Salem Township, Ohio.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the early morning collision near milepost 24.
Michael Pandurevic, 26, of Windsor Heights, West Virginia, was injured after being struck by a semi-truck on State Route 7 near milepost 24 in Salem Township, Monroe County.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Around 12:39 a.m. on Dec. 24, 2025
- Location: State Route 7, near milepost 24, Salem Township, Ohio
- Victim: Michael Pandurevic, 26, of Windsor Heights, West Virginia
- Vehicle Involved: 2024 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck traveling northbound
- Injuries: Pandurevic was transported to WVU Reynolds Memorial Hospital and later transferred to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital for further care
- Investigation: Ongoing, and contact OSHP at 740-695-0915 with any information
The semi-truck was heading north on SR 7 when it collided with Pandurevic, who was on foot. Emergency responders arrived quickly, ensuring the victim received immediate medical attention. Authorities are examining factors that may have contributed to the pedestrian being in the roadway at that hour.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks Occur?
Large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks pose significant risks to pedestrians due to their size and limited visibility for drivers. Common contributing elements include:
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Mechanical issues with the vehicle
- Errors in judgment or maneuvering
- Inadequate training for handling heavy trucks compared to standard vehicles
According to the National Safety Council, large truck crashes injure about 150,000 people annually and result in nearly 4,900 fatalities each year.
Factor |
Description |
Annual Impact (NSC Data) |
|---|
Driver Fatigue |
Extended hours behind the wheel reduce alertness |
Contributes to 13% of truck crashes |
Visibility Limitations |
Blind spots around large rigs |
Involved in 20% of pedestrian incidents |
Mechanical Failures |
Brake or tire issues |
Leads to 10% of serious accidents |
Distraction |
Phone use or other diversions |
Affects 8% of commercial vehicle collisions |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving commercial vehicles, prompt and thorough investigations are essential to safeguard those affected.
"Commercial vehicle crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "A skilled attorney can protect victims from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a victim through the legal process."
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on pedestrian claims:
- It is typically the driver's responsibility to yield to pedestrians in roadways.
- Victims may pursue personal injury claims to address medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Insurance providers may push for low settlements, and professional representation ensures fair compensation.
- Stress from injuries can affect family, work, and daily life, making legal support crucial.
"It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly."
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(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).