LIMA — The widow of a motorcyclist killed in a crash with a commercial vehicle last year is suing the truck driver and his company.
Julie Stewart, of Spencerville, filed the lawsuit against R.D. Jones Excavating of Harrod and Randy Jones, the owner, and Rolland Rhodes, of Harrod, an employee of the company. She filed on behalf of her husband, Ronald Stewart’s estate. Stewart is seeking more than $25,000 in damages.
The crash happened May 27 when Rhodes was working at a dump site along state Route 197. Rhodes was driving a dump truck owned by the excavating company and dumped a load of gravel on the north side of the roadway, according to the lawsuit.
After dumping the gravel, Rhodes drove off. Ronald Stewart was riding his motorcycle west on state Route 197 behind the dump truck. Rhodes slowed the dump truck and Stewart attempted to pass the dump truck, according to the lawsuit.
Rhodes turned left and collided with Stewart on his motorcycle. There was not an intersection to turn left into, according to the lawsuit.
Ronald Stewart suffered injuries that led to his death, according to the lawsuit.
Stewart’s wife alleges Rhodes was negligent in operating the dump truck and should be held responsible along with his company. The lawsuit also alleges the company failed to properly train Rhodes.
