LIMA, Allen County, Ohio, Oct. 13, 2026 — Two people were hurt in a crash Sunday afternoon, October 11, on 4th Street in Lima. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the collision happened when a turning vehicle crossed into the path of oncoming traffic.
According to the patrol's report, a 51-year-old Columbus man was driving east on 4th Street when a 23-year-old New Bremen man, driving west, attempted a left turn in front of him. The eastbound car struck the turning vehicle, leaving disabling damage to both.
The Columbus driver was taken to Lima Memorial Hospital with injuries described as serious, troopers said. A passenger in his vehicle was also hospitalized, with injuries reported as minor. The New Bremen driver and his passenger were not hurt, according to the report.
The New Bremen driver was cited for failure to yield, the patrol said. No further details have been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Where Left-Turn Crashes Happen Most
Turning collisions like this one tend to cluster at unsignalled intersections and midblock turn points along ordinary city streets, not just at big interchanges. A driver waiting to turn left has to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic with no signal to help, and a misjudged gap of even a second or two can put two vehicles on a collision course.
Wide urban arterials add another layer of risk. Multiple lanes in each direction make it harder to see a gap clearly, and a car in a nearer lane can block the view of a vehicle approaching in a farther one. Rural two-lane roads carry a similar problem at higher speeds, where closing distances shrink faster than drivers expect.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. Left-turn crashes make up a steady share of intersection collisions nationwide, concentrated wherever drivers must cross oncoming lanes without a dedicated turn signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car accidents happen?
Many crashes occur at intersections, particularly where a driver is turning across oncoming traffic without a signal to control the right of way.
What can drivers do to avoid these crashes?
Waiting for a clear, full gap before turning, and making eye contact or watching for a yielding signal from oncoming drivers, can help prevent misjudged turns.
What injuries are common in intersection crashes?
Drivers and passengers often suffer injuries from the side or front impact, ranging from bruising and whiplash to more serious injuries depending on speed and angle of impact.
What usually causes these kinds of crashes?
Failure to yield while turning, misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic, and limited visibility at intersections are common factors.
What to Do After a Turning Car Accident in Lima, OH
If you're involved in a turning collision, move to a safe spot if possible and check on everyone involved before doing anything else. Call 911 so officers can document the scene and any citations, which can matter later for insurance purposes.
Even if you feel fine, make sure to get checked by a medical provider. Some injuries, especially from side-impact collisions, don't show symptoms right away. Keep copies of the police report and any medical records, and photograph vehicle damage before repairs begin. Reach out to your insurance company promptly to start the claims process.
