Semi company files lawsuit against driver in fatal crash

NEWARK - Less than a week after a fatal crash on Ohio 37, the parent company of the semi truck and driver involved has sued another driver involved.

Quickway Transportation Inc. filed the suit Thursday in Licking County Common Pleas Court against Larry Madden, of Heath, and Madden's insurance company.

Madden, 58, and 38-year-old Michael Hayden, of Newark, were both driving eastbound on Ohio 37 Monday afternoon when they were involved in what the Ohio State Highway Patrol has called a "road rage incident."

Hayden was reportedly driving on the left berm and Madden on the right berm, passing separate vehicles at high rates of speed.

The two vehicles collided and went into the median. Madden's pick-up truck struck the cable barrier and came to a stop. Hayden's car went through the cable barrier and into the westbound lanes of traffic, where it was struck by a semi. The semi and Hayden's car burst into flames.

Hayden was pronounced dead at the scene.

The lawsuit alleges Madden and Hayden "operated their respective vehicles in such as a manner as to cause Defendant, Larry Madden's vehicle to come in contact with Michael Hayden's vehicle."

According to the suit, the damage to the semi truck, trailer and the contents of the trailer will be more than $300,000. The driver of the semi truck, 65-year-old Richard Davis, of Coshocton, will also be off of work for a period of time because of injuries, according to the lawsuit.

The truck company alleges negligence on the part of Madden and requests damages from him and his attorney. The suit seeks to freeze Madden's assets and requests access to inspect his cell phone and vehicle.

Madden has not been charged criminally in the crash, which remains under investigation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Friday once the investigation is complete, it will be sent to prosecutors to decide what, if any, charges should be filed.