Kia Forte left roadway and entered grassy median in Ross County
December 17, 2025 | Ross, OH
Two men from Virginia Beach, Virginia, sustained serious injuries in a single-vehicle collision along U.S. 35 in Ross County.
The crash involved a Kia Forte that veered off the roadway and flipped multiple times.
Wahcem Walker, 32, and Desi Water, 32, both of Virginia Beach, Virginia, were injured in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 35 in Ross County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded on Dec. 17 when a 20-year-old driver lost control of the eastbound Kia Forte around 9:38 a.m. The vehicle entered the grassy median, hit an embankment, and rolled over several times, ejecting occupants.
- Victims: Wahcem Walker, 32, and Desi Water, 32, both passengers from Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Location: U.S. 35, Ross, Ohio.
- Vehicle: Kia Forte, eastbound.
- Driver: 20-year-old male.
- Medical Response: Walker airlifted to Grant Medical Center, and Water transported to Adena Medical Center in Chillicothe before transfer to Grant Medical Center.
- Investigation: Ongoing by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities continue to examine factors contributing to the loss of control.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Single-vehicle crashes like this one often stem from preventable causes, including driver distraction, speeding, or impairment. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), single-vehicle incidents account for about 53% of fatal crashes nationwide.
Cause |
Percentage of Single-Vehicle Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Driver Error |
40% |
IIHS |
Excessive Speed |
30% |
NHTSA |
Impaired Driving |
25% |
CDC |
Road Conditions |
5% |
Federal Highway Administration |
These statistics underscore the need for thorough investigations to identify root causes and prevent future tragedies.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of independent reviews in motor vehicle crashes to ensure accountability and support for those affected.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect the rights of those involved,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Lawyers can review police reports, hire witnesses, and check driver backgrounds.
- Comprehensive analysis helps determine contributing factors like vehicle defects or road hazards.
- Advocacy ensures victims receive guidance during recovery while safeguarding legal interests.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights potential recovery options:
“Those affected by serious injuries in collisions may seek compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.”
- Stress from injuries can disrupt family, work, and finances.
- Victims should know their entitlements under the law.
- Prompt legal action preserves evidence and strengthens claims.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).