Motorcyclist's widow sues Mahoning County

YOUNGSTOWN — The widow of a motorcyclist, who was fatally injured in a crash at South Avenue and McClurg Road, has sued Mahoning County and its engineer’s office for more than $50,000, saying he died because low and large road signs blocked a turning minivan driver’s view of him.

Maureen A. Emmerling, of East Liverpool, whose husband, Robert, was critically injured March 21, 2012, and died 29 days later, filed the lawsuit today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

The suit alleges that dangerously large and low signs along South Avenue obstructed the view of the minivan driver, who had been eastbound on McClurg and was attempting to turn left onto South Avenue.

The minivan, which had stopped at the stop sign, collided with the motorcycle, which was southbound on South Avenue, ejecting the helmeted Emmerling head-first into the minivan and onto the pavement, the suit said.

The lawsuit, which demands a jury trial, is assigned to Judge Maureen A. Sweeney.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com