The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

November 10, 2009

UPDATE: Driver: Ex-cop also negligent in crash

By Joe Pinchot

SHENANGO VALLEY — The driver of the car involved in a car-motorcycle accident in which a Sharon policeman suffered career-ending injuries has denied negligence and said the policeman bears some of the blame for the crash.

Eric T. Squires, 39, of Sharon, was westbound at 5:55 p.m. May 24, 2008, on East State Street in Hermitage when Dominick S. Daloni, 18, of Shenango Township, pulled from a business driveway to go east, Hermitage police said.

Squires, who was off-duty, laid down the bike and it slid into the back of Daloni’s car, police said.

Squires was a patient in St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown, for three months. In the suit filed April 16, Squires, represented by Henry E. Sewinsky, Sharon, said he suffered a number of bone fractures and injuries to the brain, spinal cord, scalp, internal organs, muscles and tissues, along with pain, mental distress, embarrassment, and lost wages and future earning capacity. He resigned from the police department because of disability.

Hermitage police charged Daloni with failing to yield. He pleaded no contest to the charge, but maintained that he believes he is innocent.

The plea was treated as a guilty plea and District Judge Ronald E. Antos, Farrell, fined Daloni $25 and costs.

In Daloni’s answer to the suit, attorney R. Sean O’Connell of Pittsburgh, said Squires also was negligent. He also said the accident, if it occurred, was the result of circumstances not in Daloni’s control.

Squires’ suit may be barred or his right to sue limited under the limited tort option of the state Motor Vehicle Code, O’Connell said.

In Pennsylvania, motor vehicle insurance customers choose full or limited tort options. Those who choose the limited tort option may not seek recovery for pain, suffering or other nonmonetary damages unless they suffered a serious injury or meet other exceptions.

Squires chose the limited tort option, O’Connell said.

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