Attorney Blog

Lexington Work-Related Accidents & Wrongful Death: One Example

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36799 — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A New York widow is filing a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Queens in connection with her husband's work-related accident, according to the Daily News. In the fatal accident, Jackie Knell's husband and track worker was electrocuted when he slipped and fell on a third rail on April 26, and Knell and her attorney claim that a number of violations existed at the work site that day. Among the violations was the lack of signage or lights to warn employees that the third rail was exposed, though the protecting boards had been removed. Premilinary investigations of the tragic work accident gave rise to numerous safety concerns related to the accident, but further details were not included at the time of the report.

As a Lexington and central Kentucky personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, Scott Crosbie expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this fatal accident victim, and his thoughts are with them at this most difficult time. If you or a family member has been injured at work, feel free to contact Scott Crosbie for free information and answers to questions about Lexington workers' compensation. If you have tragically lost a loved one in a work-related accident, Scott Crosbie extends his deepest condolences to you, and he will answer your questions for free at no obligation to you if you would like the assistance of an attorney.

CPSC Recalls Sony VAIO Laptops | Lexington Product Liability Attorney

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36796 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sony VAIO laptop computers have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for posing the risk of burn injuries, according to the UPI news source. The CPSC said that the computers may overheat, creating the burn hazard. The total number of VAIO notebook computers made is believed to be around 233,000, and the laptops were sold throughout the U.S. for $800-$1500 between January and April of 2010. Specifically, the computers recalled are of the VPCF11 andVPCCW2 Series, and consumers of the laptops have been advised to contact a Sony retail outlet, call 866-496-7669 for information, or visit http://esupport.sony.com/US/f1cw2update for instructions.

In some instances in which products result in serious injury, a product liability (or defective product) claim may be possible. Although product liability claims often result from injuries to children, anyone seriously injured by a defective product may file a legal claim, as long as another party is legally and directly responsible for the person's injuries. Responsible parties may be manufacturers, retailers, or other companies or parties involved in the making or sale of the defective items. For more information on central Kentucky or Lexington personal injury claims or for free answers to questions concerning your specific situation, contact attorney Scott Crosbie online or at 866-239-0039.

Lexington Motorcycle Accidents & Central Kentucky Personal Injury

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36798 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two people required transportation to the hospital after a recent motorcycle accident involving another vehicle, according to the Georgetown News. In the car-motorcycle collision, a Pontiac Trans-Am was headed east in front of the motorcycle when it began to slow down to make a left-hand turn in a passing zone, says the report. The driver of the motorcycle reportedly could not see the vehicle's brake lights and crashed into the back of the car. The motorcycle driver told the sheriff's deputy that the Pontiac had black-out covers over its tail lights, causing the lack of visibility. Following the serious accident, both occupants of the motorcycle were injured, one of which suffered serious injuries.

As a Lexington personal injury attorney, Scott Crosbie devotes a significant part of his practice to helping victims of central Kentucky motorcycle accidents and car wrecks recover financial compensation so they can focus on getting better rather than monetary concerns. If you have questions about your central Kentucky injury or Lexington motorcycle accident, contact Scott Crosbie for free resources and answers to your questions. 866-239-0039.

Lexington Truck Driver Fatigue & Central Kentucky Trucking Accidents

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36792 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

While the causes of central Kentucky truck accidents vary, many Lexington truck wrecks and other central Kentucky crashes involving large trucks result from driver fatigue. Although truck drivers are required under federal and state law to record the hours they spend on- and off-duty (and cannot exceed a certain number of hours on-duty), many exceed the maximum limit in order to make more money, meet deadlines, or simply arrive at their destinations faster. The trucking law regarding on-duty time exists to prevent dangerous accidents or reckless driving caused by driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel. When Lexington truck drivers put in more hours than allowed, they often submit false logs to their employers to avoid punishment under the law. What they don't realize, however, is that they are putting their own lives and the lives of others at-risk. Even when truck drivers do not fall asleep at the wheel, driving while fatigued affects judgment and vision and slows reaction time significantly.

For more information on central Kentucky trucking laws, Lexington truck accidents, or personal injury claims in the state, feel free to contact Lexington car accident attorney Scott Crosbie. Crosbie will answer your questions for free with regard for your unique situation, and he will provide you with the resources you need after a trucking collision or accident-related injury. Contact Scott Crosbie online or call 866-239-0039.

DUI From Prescription Drugs in Central Kentucky | Lexington Impaired Driving

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36482 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

DUI without alcohol: is it possible? Impaired driving has typically been associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, but it is possible to receive a DUI conviction for driving under the influence of prescription drugs. Although some people require medication in order to function properly, certain prescription drugs that act on the brain actually impair a driver’s motor skills, judgment, and reaction time, putting the driver and others on the roadway at risk of serious or even fatal injuries. Opiate analgesics and benzodiazepines, for example, among other prescribed drugs, interact with brain systems in a way that driving abilities can be impaired.

How do you know if your medication is dangerous when it comes to driving under its influence? The answer may not always be this simple, but many medicines have warnings on the label or in an information booklet given to patients that state the dangers of operating motor vehicles or machinery. Included in the pamphlet should be information about the amount of time a patient should wait after taking the medicine before getting behind the wheel, as well as the other side effects that may result from taking the drug. Abusing prescription drugs is an even more serious issue: overdosing on medications, taking someone else’s prescribed medicine, or taking prescription drugs without medical approval or supervision can all lead to devastating consequences, especially on the roadway.

Just how many drivers on U.S. roadways are driving while impaired by drugs? The National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA) found in 2007 that over sixteen percent of evening and weekend drivers were actively using over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal drugs.

If you have been injured in a central Kentucky, Fayette County, or Lexington auto accident caused by an impaired driver and have questions concerning your rights and how to proceed in your unique situation, feel free to contact KY personal injury attorney Scott Crosbie online or at 866-239-0039. Crosbie will provide you with free resources and answers to questions at no obligation to you.

Neck Injuries in Fayette County Accidents | Lexington Personal Injury Lawyer

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36483 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Among the most common yet most frightening types of injuries suffered by central Kentucky and Lexington car or truck accident victims are neck injuries. While neck injuries can range from whiplash injuries to broken bones or even paralysis, certain neck injuries occur more frequently than others. Included here is a list (and short description) of the more common types of neck injuries from Fayette County and central Kentucky crashes:

whiplash: caused by the back-and-forth motion of the neck that often results from rear-end collisions
herniated disc: an injury to the spine that may cause severe pain and, in more serious cases, may require surgery
neck fracture: perhaps the most serious of all neck injuries, fractures can lead to catastrophic injuries, paralysis or quadriplegia, or fatal injuries
cervical strain or sprain: resulting from the stretching of ligaments or muscles in the spine around the neck, these injuries can lead to swelling, pain, muscle spasms, and bruising or stiffness in the neck, among other side effects
pinched nerves: also associated with muscle spasms, pinched nerves tend to arise after other neck injuries occur; other side effects or symptoms include throbbing, numbness, or weakness in the muscles.

If you or a loved one has suffered any kind of neck injury in a Lexington accident, Fayette County wreck, or central Kentucky crash that resulted from someone else’s negligence, feel free to contact Lexington personal injury lawyer Scott Crosbie for free resources and answers to the questions that are unique to your situation. You may contact Crosbie in the way you feel most comfortable, whether online or by phone at 866-239-0039.

Aerosmith Guitarist Joe Perry Injured in Motorcycle Accident

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)36481 — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Aerosmith’s guitarist Joe Perry required hospital treatment for minor injuries after he was rear-ended on his motorcycle by a car in Massachusetts this month, according to the Wave 3 news website. The musician was reportedly riding his motorcycle at a low speed when a car struck him from behind, although the car was said to be traveling at low speeds as well. After the car-motorcycle collision, the driver of the car received a citation for following too closely, and Perry was treated for unknown injuries and released from the hospital within a couple hours. According to the report, the Aerosmith guitarist’s condition will not affect any of the band’s upcoming tour dates or shows. 

Although this motorcycle accident appeared to involve only minor injuries, many crashes between motorcycles and larger vehicles result in more serious injuries, often due to the lack of protected surrounding the motorcyclist. When speed is involved, the consequences can be even more severe. If you or a family member has been the victim of a central Kentucky or Lexington motorcycle accident, you may be all too familiar with the devastating effects of Kentucky and Fayette County accidents involving motorcycles. You may not be as familiar, however, with the ways in which a legal claim may help with financial matters so you can focus on getting better. For more information on central Kentucky motorcycle accident claims and free answers to questions about your unique situation, contact attorney Scott Crosbie online or at 866-239-0039.

Lexington Motorcycle Accident Results in Leg & Facial Injuries

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15837 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Lexington motorcycle accident sent one man to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries Friday morning, June 25, according to MSNBC. The van-motorcycle collision occurred on Walnut Hill Rd. when the motorcycle crossed the center line of the roadway while navigating a curve. After slamming into a work van, the motorcyclist sustained injuries to his leg and face, but police believe he would have been more seriously injured if he had not been wearing a helmet.

Although it appears as if the van was not at fault in this Lexington motorcycle crash, many Fayette County motorcycle accidents result from the negligence of the other driver. When motorcyclists are wearing helmets at the time of a collision, injuries may be less severe, but the vulnerability of motorcyclists increases the risk of serious injury in a crash even when helmets are worn. For free resources, answers to questions, or a consultation regarding your central Kentucky motorcycle collision and how to receive the best medical treatment for your injuries, contact Lexington auto accident lawyer Scott Crosbie online or by phone (toll-free) at 866-239-0030.

Summer Traffic Enforcement Campaign Aims to Reduce Lexington Accidents

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15836 — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

In an effort to keep Lexington and other Kentucky drivers safer on the roadways, a "traffic enforcement" campaign is in effect this summer throughout the state, according to the WBKO news source. Just last year, 226 people were killed in fatal Kentucky car accidents between June 1 and September 6, and the campaign aims to reduce the number of accidents resulting in injury or fatality this summer. According to the Kentucky State Police, over 1,000 safety checkpoints will be in place throughout the state.

Although the effort to prevent serious Lexington truck accidents and central Kentucky wrecks is underway, many serious and fatal car accidents still occur throughout the area. If you need assistance, resources, or answers to questions regarding central KY auto accidents, Lexington personal injury attorney Scott Crosbie will answer your questions for free at no obligation to you. Contact Crosbie online or toll-free at 866-239-0039.

Broken Tailbones in Lexington Premises Liability & KY Work Accidents

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15833 — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man broke his tailbone while on a three-hour zip line tour at a resort, according to the KXLH news source. The tour includes six separate spans of zip line riding with hiking in between each span, and the riders attach themselves to a paragliding style harness that connects to a cable trolley. Although previous tourists have made it through the zip line tour without problems, the man's manner of riding created tension in the line that caused the line to lower, slamming him against a wooden platform. A spokesperson for the Whitefish Mountain Resort, Donnie Clapp, reported that the line is now closed and will not reopen until the problem is eliminated, even though he believes the odds of another accident are unlikely. After the unusual accident, the victim required transportation to a local hospital for treatment, and he remained in the hospital in stable condition with a broken tailbone and other injuries at the time of the report.

Although this accident took place in Montana, many premises liability accidents occur in Lexington, Fayette County, and other parts of central Kentucky. While most cases do not involve injuries from a zip line, many Lexington accidents involve broken bones. Kentucky residents often sustain broken tailbones, back injuries, or hip injuries after serious falls, work-related accidents, car wrecks, and other types of accidents. If you have suffered a broken tailbone or another serious injury in any accident that occurred on residential, commercial, or industrial property, you may have a KY or Lexington premises liability or Fayette County slip and fall case, as long as negligence was a causal factor in the incident. If you were injured at work, Kentucky workers' compensation should cover your medical expenses and time away from the job, even if no one was at-fault or negligent in the accident. For more information on central KY premises liability or workers' comp., contact Lexington personal injury lawyer Scott Crosbie online or toll-free at 866-239-0039, and he will answer your questions for free.

2-Year-Old Girl Dies After Near-Drowning Accident in Central Kentucky Pool

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)34012 — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 2-year-old girl died at the University of Kentucky Hospital Saturday, June 19, after nearly drowning in a Burgin swimming pool just two days earlier, according to the Wave 3 news website. Anarae Lefau was playing with other kids at a central Kentucky home when she wandered away from the other children and fell into the above-ground pool, says the Lex 18 news source. Although doctors got the child's heart beating again at the central Kentucky hospital, she later died from accident-related injuries. Investigators are treating the tragic death as an accident.

At the law office of Hurt, Crosbie, & May, we express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of little Anarae Lefau. Although no charges are expected to be filed in this accident, many drowning and near-drowning accidents in central Kentucky are caused by the negligence of another party and may result in Kentucky premises liability claims. When a serious or fatal injury occurs on residential, commercial, or industrial property as the result of negligence or hazards on the property, a Kentucky or Lexington premises liability case may be possible to help the family recover financial compensation so they can focus on concerns other than monetary matters. For more information on central Kentucky personal injury, wrongful death, or premises liablity, contact Scott Crosbie online or by phone, and he will answer your questions for free. 866-239-0039.

Estill County Accident Involving Head-On Collision Kills One

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15738 — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Estill County accident involving three vehicles turned tragic when a 47-year-old man was killed upon impact of the central Kentucky head-on collision, according to the Kentucky.com news site. In the Estill County crash, Jerry W. Chaney's Toyota pickup truck was struck by a Camero head-on, which had swerved to avoid a collision with a Pontiac that had just pulled in front of it. After the tragic Kentucky accident, Chaney was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a Lexington wrongful death attorney and central Kentucky car accident lawyer, Scott Crosbie expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jerry Cheney, and he will answer any of their questions for free at no obligation to them if they need help determining how to proceed. Fatal accidents involving multiple vehicles such as this can complicate investigations into liability, fault, or causation, and Scott Crosbie will be happy to evaluate your case for free if you would like the assistance or resources of an experienced attorney. Contact Scott Crosbie online or toll-free at 866-239-0039.

Hit-and-Run Driver Indicted For Tragic Death of Lexington Officer

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)34010 — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A hit-and-run driver was indicted by a Fayette County grand jury on a murder charge Tuesday, June 23, in connection with the tragic death of a Lexington police officer, according to the Leagle law news source. According to police, 33-year-old Glenn Rahan Doneghy struck 27-year-old police officer Bryan Durman with his SUV on North Limestone around 10:00 p.m. on April 29. Officer Durman was on-duty at the time of the tragic Lexington car accident, and he was investigating a noise complaint when he was hit. After the collision, Doneghy fled the scene in his SUV, and the jury ruled that the driver "knew or should have known" that the impact resulted in serious or fatal injuries. His failure to help resulted in his murder charge, along with charges of failure to render aid, leaving the accident scene, possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, & drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

As a central Kentucky and Lexington wrongful death lawyer, Scott Crosbie expresses his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Bryan Durman. Since Officer Durman was on-duty at the time of the Lexington crash, his family may be able to file a workers' compensation claim, in addition to a wrongful death claim in connection with the fatal car accident. Leagle reports that Durman's wife is filing suit against Doneghy.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Lexington accident or Kentucky wreck, we extend our deepest sympathies to you, and we will provide you with helpful resources and free answers to questions if you would like legal assistance or advice. To contact Scott Crosbie, fill out his online contact form or call (toll-free) 866-239-0039.

Woman Extracted from SUV, Taken to Hospital After Lexington Wreck

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15659 — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Lexington car accident between an SUV and another vehicle sent one woman to the hospital for crash-related injuries, according to the WickedLocal news website. The Lexington car wreck occurred at the intersection of Meriam St. and Patriots Dr. when the SUV and a second vehicle collided, causing the SUV to overturn. After the Fayette County accident, area firefighters and police officers worked to remove the trapped driver of the SUV from her vehicle, cutting through the back hatch and windshield to extricate her. The woman's condition was not known at the time of the report, and the driver of the other vehicle was not injured in the crash. One Meriam Street resident believes that auto accidents are common at that intersection because there is not a stop sign on Patriots Drive in that location.

As a personal injury lawyer and Lexington car accident attorney, Scott Crosbie hopes for the full and speedy recovery of the injured woman this crash, and he will answer her questions or questions from her family for free at no obligation to them. When serious injuries result from Kentucky car accidents, many questions arise concerning how to pay for medical bills, other expenses, and lost time away from work. For help with financial obligations so you can focus your efforts on getting better, contact Scott Crosbie online or by phone at 866-239-0039, and he will consult with you for free.

Lexington Woman Charged in Fatal Crash After Judge Sees Facebook Posts

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15237 — Sat, 29 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year-old Lexington woman has been indicted in Fayette County on a second-degree manslaughter charge and other charges related to a fatal accident in May 2009, according to the Kentucky news source. Meredith Lewis Browning reportedly lost control of her vehicle while driving under the influence last year, when she was under the legal drinking age, causing her car to strike a telephone pole and two trees before catching fire. Tragically, one of her passengers was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The second passenger suffered serious physical injuries in the tragic Lexington accident. Although Browning's blood-alcohol level was 0.02 (0.08 is the level for a DUI conviction for drivers 21 and over), she has been charged with underage DUI, which only requires a blood-alcohol level of 0.02 for conviction. According to the article, Browning's Facebook account served as evidence in this case, with the judge reading her posts about drinking before the accident (under a search warrant).

As a Lexington wrongful death and personal injury attorney, Scott Crosbie is familiar with the indescribable pain and suffering that follows the tragic loss of a loved one, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victims in this crash. If you have any questions regarding central Kentucky DUI accidents, Lexington car wrecks, or wrongful death, Crosbie will provide you with free answers, resources, and advice concerning your unique situation. To contact Scott Crosbie, fill out his confidential online form or call (toll-free) 800-239-0039.

Lexington Man Killed in Tragic Accident With Riding Lawn Mower

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15232 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 70-year-old Lexington resident was tragically killed in a central Kentucky accident involving a riding mower, according to the NKY news source. Sadieville resident Joe Todd Hall was reportedly riding his lawn mower at his home Monday evening when the mower overturned on an incline and pinned him beneath it. According to Scott County Coroner John Goble, Hall's death was caused by blunt force trauma in the tragic lawn mower accident.

At the law firm of Hurt, Crosbie, & May, we express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Joe Todd Hall, and our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time. No further details were included in the report of this central Kentucky accident, such as the type of lawn mower Hall was riding or the exact cause of its overturning. If a defective part of the lawn mower had caused the accident, however, a defective product case might be possible. If you have been injured or lost a loved one as the result of a defective product or part, you may have a case of central Kentucky wrongful death or Lexington product liability. For more information on central Kentucky law and free answers to your most pressing questions, contact Scott Crosbie online or toll-free at 800-239-0039.

Kentucky Motorcycle Crash Injures Couple, Sending One to Hospital

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15233 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Kentucky motorcycle accident injured a married couple in Breckinridge County Sunday, May 23, sending one to the hospital with serious injuries, according to the Kentucky news source. The motorcycle crash occurred when a group of motorcyclists, who were headed east on Ky. 144, slowed down to make a right-hand turn. Randall Hendricks, 42, was in the back of the group and skidded onto his left side when he attempted to brake, ejecting himself and his wife from the bike. After the Kentucky motorcycle crash, Randall complained of chest and arm injuries but declined transportation to a local hospital. His wife and passenger, Sherra, 49, required transportation via helicopter to University of Louisville Hospital for the treatment of serious head injuries and chest injuries.

As a central Kentucky personal injury lawyer and Lexington motorcycle accident attorney, Scott Crosbie hopes for the complete and fast recovery of Randall and Sherra Hendricks. If you have been injured in a central Kentucky motorcycle accident or another type of vehicle collision, feel free to contact Scott Crosbie for free answers to your pressing questions and advice concerning your unique situation. Contact Crosbie online or call him toll-free at 800-239-0039.

Two Hurt in Kentucky Electrical Company Accident With Power Line

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)32472 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Kentucky electric company has been fined after two contract workers were injured installing a new line in Casey County, according to the Kentucky news website. In the Kentucky personal injury accident, workers for Elliot Construction were installing a new line when it came into contact with a charged 7,200-volt line. The Kentucky workers suffered minor electric burns in the incident, and the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has fined South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative an amount of $9,250 for violating safety regulations.

As a Kentucky personal injury lawyer, Scott Crosbie handles cases of electrocution and other accidents involving electrical companies, lines, or wires that result in injury. Although this incident resulted in only minor burns to the workers, many central Kentucky work-related accidents and electrical incidents result in serious injuries or wrongful death. For more information on how to obtain help after serious injury or loss, including how to find the medical care you need, how to receive monetary compensation for related expenses, and other helpful tips, feel free to contact Lexington personal injury lawyer Scott Crosbie. He will answer all your questions for free and provide you with the resources you need to move towards recovery. To contact Scott Crosbie, fill out his confidential online form or call him at 866-239-0039.

Determining Liability in Unusual Central Kentucky Crashes or "Freak Accidents"

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)32473 — Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

An unusual central Kentucky crash caused one car to overturn in the median of I-75 after a bird flew into the open window of the vehicle, according to the Courier Press news site. The Madison County car accident occurred when the bird flew through the window and into the face of an unidentified female driver, causing her to lose control of the car. The strange I-75 accident, thankfully, did not result in any injuries, and the driver was found sitting next to her vehicle when officers arrived.

Although no one was injured in this Lexington area accident, other "freak accidents" have caused bodily harm to others in the past, often with different parties arguing over fault and liability. Determining liability can be difficult in some Lexington crashes, but proving fault when external factors are involved can be especially trying. When a bird flies through a window, you can't really blame the driver for losing control of the vehicle. If that driver was engaged in any form of distracted driving immediately before the unusual occurrence, however, the accident would need to be examined more closely. If you have been hurt in a central Kentucky car accident or Lexington truck wreck and have questions regarding liability, negligence, or how to obtain financial compensation for related medical expenses, feel free to contact Lexington car wreck attorney Scott Crosbie. Crosbie will answer your questions for free at no obligation to you. Contact Scott online or call him toll-free at 800-239-0039.

Pulaski County Car Accident Tragically Kills Woman On the Scene

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)15168 — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Pulaski County car accident tragically killed a 51-year-old woman early Saturday morning, May 23, according to the LEX 18 news source. The Lexington area accident occurred on Kentucky 196 when a 16-year-old driver lost control of his car, crossed over the center line, and struck the vehicle of Kathy Kingsley. After the fatal Lexington accident, Kinsley had to be cut out of her car and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver was taken to the hospital.

As a Lexington and central Kentucky wrongful death attorney, Scott Crosbie is familiar with the indescribable pain and suffering associated with loss from car accidents, and he expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kathy Kingsley. Although nothing can compensate for the tragic loss of a loved one, certain measures can be taken to help families and friends as they go through the grieving and recovery process. If you would like more information about how we can provide that assistance and the resources needed after devastating loss, feel free to contact the firm of Hurt, Crosbie, & May. We will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism at no obligation to you. Contact us online or by phone (toll-free) at 866-239-0039.

Two Lexington Crashes Send Several to Hospital With Serious Injuries

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)14929 — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two Lexington auto accidents resulted in serious injuries in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to the LEX 18 news source. The first Lexington crash, which police say involved alcohol, occurred when a motorcyclist slammed into a median while traveling north on Richmond Rd. Driver Jeremy Caudill, 31, suffered "severe head trauma" in the Lexington motorcycle accident and was taken to UK Hospital, though he was reportedly wearing a helmet. Shortly before 3:00 a.m., a second serious accident occurred in the Lexington area when a Volvo struck another vehicle on High Street. Upon impact, the other vehicle was forced into several pedestrians, sending many of them to the hospital, with at least one pedestrian suffering life-threatening injuries.

As a personal injury lawyer and Lexington car accident attorney, Scott Crosbie hopes for the full and speedy recovery of all injured in these crashes, and he will answer their questions or questions from their family for free at no obligation to them. When serious injuries result from Kentucky car accidents, many questions arise concerning how to pay for medical bills, other expenses, and lost time away from work. For help with financial obligations so you can focus your efforts on getting better, contact Scott Crosbie online or by phone at 866-239-0039, and he will consult with you for free.

Two Kentucky Coal Miners Tragically Killed in Roof Collapse Accident

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)30897 — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two Kentucky coal miners were tragically killed in a roof collapse accident at an underground coal mine, according to Volunteer TV. According to Dick Brown, spokesman for the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing, both miners were found dead by rescue workers Thursday, May 29, at the western Kentucky Dotiki Mine. Although rescuers had to wait before searching for the second body due to rocks continuing to fall, both Justin Travis, 27, and Michael Carter, 28 were found after the tragic mining accident. The mine has a "long history of safety problems," according to the news source, with state and federal records showing over 40 closure orders since January of 2009 due to safety violations.

As a central Kentucky and Lexington personal injury lawyer handling cases of work-related accidents and wrongful death, Scott Crosbie expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Justin Travis and Michael Carter, and his thoughts are with you at this difficult time. If you have any questions you would like answered for free, feel free to contact Scott Crosbie, and he will provide you with answers, advice, resources, and compassion. Contact Scott online or toll-free at 866-239-0039.

Tragic Lexington Car Accident on I-64 Kills Two

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)14416 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A tragic two-vehicle crash on I-64 turned fatal for two women Saturday, April 24, according to the Kentucky website. The Bath County car accident occurred when the driver of a westbound vehicle apparently lost control and veered her car into the eastbound lanes, slamming into another vehicle. As a result of the tragic Lexington car accident, 27-year-old Tessa Harris (the driver of the westbound vehicle) and 45-year-old Debbie Samples (a passenger in the eastbound vehicle) were killed. James Samples, 45, was taken by helicopter to University of Kentucky Hospital with injuries, although no details were available on his condition at the time of the report.

There is nothing more tragic than the loss of a family member or loved one, and Lexington wrongful death lawyer Scott Crosbie expresses his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tessa Harris and Debbie Samples. Although nothing can truly compensate for the indescribable pain of loss, obtaining financial compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses after wrongful death is sometimes essential. For more information on how to obtain financial help so you can focus your efforts on grieving and recovery, feel free to contact Scott Crosbie, and he will answer your questions for free with compassion and regard for your unique situation.

Helicopter Arrives on Scene of Four-Vehicle Accident in Lexington

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)14417 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A four-vehicle accident in Clark County brought a medical helicopter to the scene after at least two people suffered injuries Wednesday morning, April 21, according to the LEX 18 news source. The Lexington multi-vehicle car accident reportedly occurred around 9:30 a.m. on US 60 in front of New Hope Baptist Church. At the time of the report, crews were still at the Lexington accident scene, and further details were not released.

When helicopters arrive on the scene, the concern is always whether serious injuries were involved. As a Lexington personal injury lawyer and car accident attorney, Scott Crosbie hopes for the full and speedy recovery of all injured in this crash, and he will answer their questions or questions from their family for free at no obligation to them. When serious injuries result from Kentucky car accidents, many questions arise concerning how to pay for medical bills, other expenses, and lost time away from work. For help with financial concerns so you can focus on getting better, contact Scott Crosbie online or by phone at 866-239-0039, and he will consult with you for free.

Lexington Crash North of I-75 Results in Injuries

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)14419 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

The LEX 18 news source referred to a Lexington accident north of the I-75 interchange as a "bad two-car crash" that occurred Monday, April 26, at the intersection of Paris Pike and Old Paris Rd. Although no details were released at the time of the report regarding the names of the injured or their condition, it was known that police were on the scene and injuries were involved.

As a Lexington personal injury lawyer and car accident attorney, Scott Crosbie hopes for the full and speedy recovery of all injured in this crash, and he will answer their questions or questions from their family for free at no obligation to them. When serious injuries result from Kentucky car accidents, many questions arise concerning how to pay for medical bills, other expenses, and lost time away from work. Scott Crosbie devotes his practice to obtaining financial compensation for Lexington accident victims so they can focus their efforts on healing rather than how to pay for medical bills. For more information on how Scott Crosbie can help you, contact him online or by phone at 866-239-0039, and he will answer your questions for free.

One in Critical Condition After Fiery Lexington Car Accident

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)14333 — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 29-year-old passenger suffered critical injuries in a fiery Lexington car crash Monday morning, April 26, according to WKYT. The three-vehicle Lexington accident, which occurred on Russell Cave Rd., was caused by the impatient driver of a Dodge Neon, say witnesses, when a Dodge Caravan slowed to yield to an oncoming vehicle before making a turn. When the Neon attempted to go around the Caravan, the Neon struck the Caravan and then crashed head-on into an oncoming Oldsmobile. Following the central Kentucky head-on collision, the Neon caught fire, although its driver suffered only minor injuries. A passenger in the Oldsmobile, 29-year-old Jenny Barker, was taken to the hospital in critical condition after the Lexington wreck.

At the law office of Hurt, Crosbie, & May, our motor vehicle accident attorneys express their deepest sympathies to Jenny Barker and her family, and we hope she recovers fully and quickly. Car wrecks such as this can place a large financial burden on the accident victim and family members due to the high costs of medical bills and other crash-related expenses, not to mention the emotional and physical pain of serious injury and traumatic accidents. When another party is responsible for central Kentucky or Lexington crash injuries, that party may be held liable for damages. To learn more about how you may obtain compensation for financial, physical, and emotional damages, contact Hurt, Crosbie, & May for free resources and answers to your important questions.

You may contact us using our confidential online form or call us personally (toll-free) at 866-239-0039.

Kentucky Construction Worker Suffers Severe Burns in School Accident

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)14347 — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Kentucky construction worker was sent to University Hospital in critical condition after an unusual work accident in Lebanon, according to the FOX41 news source. The Kentucky construction accident occurred at Lebanon Junction Elementary on Tuesday, April 20, when hot tar splattered on the worker and severely burned him. Although the Kentucky worker's safety goggles and gear prevented further injuries, the man still suffered life-threatening injuries.

As central Kentucky personal injury and Lexington workers' compensation lawyers, we express our deepest condolences to the injured worker and his family, and we hope for his speedy recovery. As illustrated in this incident, work-related accidents can be unpredictably dangerous and result in serious and even life-changing injuries. For free information and answers to your questions about central Kentucky work accidents and construction injuries, contact us via our confidential online form or call (toll-free) 866-239-0039.

KY Highway Deaths Continue To Outpace 2009 | Scott County

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13855 — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Georgetown Man Dies in Deadly Car Crash

A Georgetown man died Saturday evening after a four-car crash in Scott County earlier in the day.

Glen Bussell was rushed to University of Kentucky Hospital after the car accident, which happened at 4:43 p.m. on U.S. 460 and Canewood Blvd. west of Georgetown, Kentucky. Bussell suffered from multiple blunt force trauma and was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m., according to the Fayette County Coroner's report.

Georgetown police still are investigating the cause of the automobile accident. Since the investigation is only preliminary at this stage, it is unknown whether negligence or careless driving was a factor.

This has been on of several multiple motor vehicle accidents that have claimed lives throughout Kentucky over the past several weeks.

For more information: http://www.kentucky.com

Supersport Motorcycle Video Added To Lexington Law Firm's Website

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)29444 — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Motor vehicle accident law firm, Hurt, Crosbie and May, with offices in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, encourage you to view a new video from the Insurance Institute regarding the safety of supersport motorcycles. These high performance machines contribute to many highway and interstate deaths in Kentucky and with summer around the corner, more deaths can be anticipated.

If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle crash in central or eastern, KY, call the law firm of Hurt, Crosbie and May to assist you. Attorneys are available to answer many of the pressing issues and concerns that you may be experiencing during this challenging time.

Lexington KY Lawyers | Win Trial Verdict | Richmond

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13741 — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Richmond police officers are found not guilty in witness-intimidation case

Hurt, Crosbie and May Attorneys win Important Verdict

As reported by the Lexington Herald-Leader, a Madison Circuit Court jury found three Richmond police officers not guilty Monday on all charges of intimidating or tampering with a witness.

Sgt. James Rogers was acquitted on alternative counts of intimidating a witness or tampering with a witness.
Officers Garry Murphy and Brian Hensley were acquitted on alternative counts of complicity to commit intimidation of a witness or complicity to tampering with a witness.

Murphy was also found not guilty on a misdemeanor assault count in which he was accused of slapping or striking the witness, a woman with whom all three men had an Oct. 26 sexual encounter involving domination role-playing.

The jury deliberated for a little more than three hours Monday night before returning separate verdicts. The three officers had been suspended without pay pending resolution of the criminal charges.

Lexington, Kentucky defense attorney Jim Deckard said he and co-counsel Scott Crosbie were "very pleased that the jury has vindicated these three police officers of every charge and allegation."

"We look forward to working with city officials toward a prompt reinstatement of our clients," Deckard said.

Commonwealth's Attorney David Smith had no comment on the verdicts.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jennifer Hall Smith asked the jury to convict. "I ask you not to let her (the victim) down, and more importantly, I ask you not to let the system of justice down," Smith said.

The defense argued that the intimidation that the woman felt came from prosecutors and the Madison County Sheriff's Office in the investigating of the case. Crosbie said in his closing argument that there was enough doubt about the prosecution's version of events to acquit all three defendants.

"They don't have evidence of a crime, and they certainly don't have evidence of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt," Crosbie told the jury.

Scott Crosbie, Jim Deckard and Matthew Malone served as co-counsel for the three defendants.

Car Crashes Into Ambulance in Lexington, Serious Injuries Result

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13815 — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police will not file charges against the driver who crashed into an ambulance in Lexington, injuring herself and the ambulance occupants, according to the LEX 18 news website. The Lexington ambulance crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. when a Hyundai Sonata failed to stop for the ambulance to enter the intersection of Broadway and New Circle Rd. Upon impact, the ambulance, which had its lights and siren activated, flipped. Following the Lexington multi-vehicle collision, the driver and a front seat passenger of the ambulance and the driver and child passenger of the Sonata were "checked out" at a local hospital. The patient who was being transported in the ambulance suffered injuries and was listed in critical condition at the hospital, although it wasn't clear if her condition resulted from the Fayette County crash or a prior injury or illness.

At the law firm of Hurt, Crosbie, & May, we hope for the full recovery of all injured in this accident. Although no charges were filed in this crash, many Lexington and central Kentucky car accidents similar to this one result in claims for compensation for the injured. To find out more about Kentucky auto accident law or the claims process, feel free to contact us online or (toll-free) at 866-239-0039. We will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.

Fayette County Tractor-Trailer Accident Shuts Down I-75 in Lexington

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13816 — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two lanes of I-75 in Fayette County were shut down for approximately four hours yesterday morning, March 29, after a Lexington tractor-trailer accident, according to the Kentucky.com website. The Kentucky truck wreck occurred around 5:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 near the Clays Ferry Bridge. In the Fayette County truck crash, the tractor-trailer broke in half, resulting in closed lanes of traffic until sometime after 9:00 a.m. Although police stated that no one was injured, further details were not released at the time of the report.

Unlike this accident, many Lexington truck accidents and central Kentucky tractor-trailer wrecks result in serious injuries, often due to the impact of a large truck crashing into a smaller vehicle. If you have been injured in a central Kentucky truck wreck or car accident, feel free to contact us with your most pressing questions regarding liability, how to proceed, and concerns unique to your situation. We will answer your questions for free at no obligation to you. Contact us online or by phone (toll-free) at 866-239-0039.

Lexington Father Dies in Tragic Nicholsville Motorcycle Accident

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13814 — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Nicholsville motorcycle accident turned tragic Sunday morning, March 29, when a thirty-one-year-old man was tragically killed, according to the Lex 18 news website. Brian Smith, of Lexington, was reportedly traveling on Nicholsville's North Main St. when he lost control of his motorcycle and veered off the roadway, crashing into a sign post. Although Smith was wearing a helmet while riding his motorcycle, he suffered fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the Jessamine County accident scene. According to the site, Smith won an award for his work as a maintenance supervisor and was the father of two young sons.

As motorcycle and wrongful death lawyers in the Lexington-Fayette metro area, we express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Brian Smith. If you have any questions or need helpful resources, we will provide you with answers and information for free at this most difficult time. Although this motorcycle accident involved only one vehicle, many crashes involving motorcycles result from the negligence of drivers of other vehicles, such as cars and trucks. If you have questions concerning liability or any other concerns about a central Kentucky motorcycle accident, feel free to contact us online or toll-free at 866-239-0039.

Types of Central Kentucky Premises Liability Accidents

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)29352 — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Although slip and fall accidents are probably the most referenced premises liability cases, there are many other types of accidents that fall under the category of premises liability. Some of the types that we see in Lexington and central Kentucky are the following:

elevator accidents
swimming pool accidents/some drowning accidents
trip, slip, or fall accidents
accidents in stores
sidewalk accidents
accidents in restaurants
parking deck or parking lot accidents
other accidents occurring on public, private, or commercial property
dog bite cases
alcohol liability cases
many other types.

Simply put, Kentucky premises liability law holds the property owner responsible for certain injuries, property damage, or harm suffered by others. Not every accident that occurs on another party's property entitles a premises liability claim or will result in compensation for the injured, however, so it is helpful to consult with an experienced central Kentucky or Lexington premises liability lawyer before moving forward with a case. Important factors in premises liability cases are negligence and property defects. In general, businesses or property owners have a standard duty of care to keep their environments safe for visitors. The failure to do so is often considered negligent behavior and may result in the property owner being held liable for injuries caused by safety hazards.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one on industrial, commercial, or residential property in central Kentucky, feel free to contact Lexington personal injury lawyer Scott Crosbie for helpful resources, more information, and free answers to all of your questions. Contact Scott online or call (toll-free) 866-239-0039.

Tragic Lexington Landfill Accident Ends in Wrongful Death

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13758 — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 27-year-old Lexington man died in a tragic landfill accident this month when he was trapped between two trash bins, according to the WKRN news website. According to authorities, Jesse Hodges was loading the bins in preparation for them to be transported when he was pinned between them. According to the president of Demolition Disposal Services, the company Hodges worked for, the estimated weight of each trash bin was over 1,000 pounds. Following the tragic Lexington landfill accident, the employee was pronounced dead at the University of Kentucky Hospital.

As a Lexington wrongful death and personal injury attorney, Scott Crosbie expresses his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jesse Hodges. If you have questions or would like more information about work-related accidents or wrongful death in central Kentucky, Hurt, Crosbie & May will provide you with free answers to questions and helpful resources. To speak to Scott Crosbie personally or send him a confidential message, fill out our firm's online contact form or call 866-239-0039.

Kentucky Adopt-a-Highway Spring Clean Week Ends | Lexington Attorney

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)29317 — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Today marks the end of Kentucky's Adopt-a-Highway Spring Clean Week, which involves numerous volunteers who "help keep our highways and communities beautiful and litter-free," said Mike Hancock, Acting Transportation Secretary. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), over 1,100 groups participate in the program, with volunteers cleaning about 8,800 miles of roadside each year. Since the program began in 1988, there has been an increase in group involvement, now including Boy and Girl Scout troops, high school service clubs and organizations, college fraternities and sororities, church groups, and many others.

If you want to support tourism in the state, promote public awareness of environmental concerns, or show that you value improvements to the "scenic beauty" of Kentucky, you may wish to have your company, organization, or association volunteer with the Adopt-a-Highway program, suggests the website. As your group shares in the responsibility of keeping Kentucky highways beautiful, you'll be a part of saving "thousands of taxpayer dollars" in the state: the KYTC spends approximately $5 million annually to remove 96,000 bags of litter. For more information about volunteering, visit the website of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

With driver inattention as the leading factor in many central Kentucky crashes, littering may be among the distracted driving activities occurring in the state. Among the roadways we see involved in central Kentucky and Lexington accidents are I-75, I-64, U.S. 27, 68, 127, 421. If you have been injured on any of these roadways or elsewhere due to someone else's negligence, feel free to contact us online or by phone (toll free) at 866-239-0039 for free resources and answers to your important questions.

Mercer County Farmer Airlifted to Hosptial After Tractor-Car Collision

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13348 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Mercer County farmer was seriously injured when a jaguar collided with his tractor on U.S. Highway 127 Tuesday, March 9, according to the WKYT news site. Witnesses reported that the farmer was driving his tractor from one field to another (in order to fertilize the other field) when the two-vehicle crash occurred. As a result of the Mercer County accident, the farmer and one of the passengers in the jaguar both required transportation via helicopter to local hospitals, and another passenger was transported to the hospital by ambulance. At the time of the report, the tractor driver was at Lexington's UK Hospital in serious condition.

As Lexington motor vehicle accident attorneys, we express our deepest sympathies to all three victims of this Kentucky accident, and we hope for their full and fast recovery. We handle car accident and tractor accident cases throughout Lexington and Fayette County, including surrounding towns and counties such as Mercer County. If you have questions or concerns about an injury you sustained in a Kentucky car accident or truck accident, feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with free answers to your questions and helpful resources.

Contact us online or by phone (toll-free) at 866-239-0039.

Car Wrecks on I-64 Shut Down Interstate | Tractor Trailer Involved

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13092 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Shelby County Accidents Force Closure of I-64: Kentucky
State Police Report Multiple Injuries from Car and Tractor Trailer Wrecks

I-64 was shut down early this morning following multiple traffic accidents east of Louisville, KY. The car wrecks have resulted in injuries to at least four people and the interstate being shut down in both directions.The series of accidents started about 7:25 a.m. Friday between the 32- and 35-mile markers of the interstate, a Shelby County emergency dispatcher said.

One accident on the interstate involved a tractor trailer and another vehicle; another accident involved a box truck and another vehicle. There also was a three-car accident and a two-car accident on the interstate, the emergency center dispatcher said.

One person was airlifted and three others were taken to local hospitals for medical treatment. It is not known what caused the tragic chain of events as accident investigators said the road conditions were clear at the time the traffic collisions occurred. Investigators will be continuing their efforts to determine the cause of these accidents throughout the day.

Do I Have a Kentucky Personal Injury Case?

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)27373 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

We recently added an article to our library about the types of personal injury accidents that often occur in central Kentucky. To find out what constitues a Kentucky personal injury, click here to read the full article.

Although no monetary amount can truly "compensate" for serious injuries, help obtaining financial coverage of medical bills and other expenses enables the accident victim to focus on healing rather than how to make payments. For free answers to questions concerning your central Kentucky accident or injury, contact us online or at 866-239-0039.

Central KY Slip and Fall Accidents: Leading Cause of Traumatic Brain Injury

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)27377 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky slip and fall accidents occur frequently, whether at work (ranging from traditional office settings to construction sites), at private residences, or in public places. As the leading cause of traumatic brain injury, slip and fall accidents should not be taken lightly. Along with serious head injuries, the types of injuries commonly resulting from slip and fall accidents are the following:

fractures or broken bones (such as hip fractures or broken wrists, arms, and legs)

back injuries (including ruptured discs, herniated discs, lumbar pain, and other injuries)

neck injuries (such as sprains or cervical fractures)

orthopaedic injuries
many other types of injuries.

Perhaps the most traumatic of slip and fall injuries is a blow to the head, as in the case of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Brain injury victims do not always display symptoms of traumatic brain injury right away, and those who do may fail to realize their own symptoms immediately. Some of the symptoms of TBI are the following:

blurred vision

headache

confusion

unconsciousness

swelling

dilated pupils

numbness in the limbs

slurred speech

seizures

personality changes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of accident that involved a blow to the head or a slip and fall accident that resulted in any injury, seek medical care immediately. The above list is far from comprehensive, and only a physician can determine if you have a Kentucky traumatic brain injury. For more information on central Kentucky slip and fall accidents and Lexington injuries, feel free to contact our firm for free resources and answers to your questions. We handle slip and fall cases in Lexington and throughout central Kentucky.

To contact us, fill out our confidential online form or call our toll-free number, 866-239-0039.

Is Your Chrysler Vehicle Safe? Recall Affects Central KY Drivers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13085 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent recall issued by Chrysler applies specifically to Kentucky drivers of select Chrysler vehicles, since the stated defect is weather-related, according to the U.S. News & World Report website. While drivers of other states have cause for concern as well, the recall only applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in certain states, including Kentucky. The recall notice, which is filed with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), lists the 2005 and 2006 models of Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country minivans as vehicles with a defect that could inhibit the proper operation of airbags in the event of a crash. According to the automaker, "certain environmental conditions" may cause the front crash sensors to crack, allowing "water to enter into the sensor." As a result, the water may prevent the sensor from operating, which could keep airbags from providing protection when necessary. More than 300,000 Chrysler vehicles have been recalled for potentially having this defect.

To determine whether your Chysler vehicle is affected, check your dashboard for an airbag warning light. If you own one of the listed vehicles, you should receive a mailed recall notice in June, but you are welcome to seek repair ahead of time by contacting Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler dealers will replace the front airbag sensors for free. For more information regarding central Kentucky minivan accidents or car crashes, contact our firm online or by phone (toll free) at 866-239-0039. We will provide you with helpful resources and answer your questions for free.

DUI Driver of Fatal Lexington Crash Indicted, Accused of Manslaughter

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)13087 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The DUI driver of the tragic Lexington crash that resulted in the wrongful death of 49-year-old Brian Yanko was indicted in Fayette Circuit Court Monday, February 22, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Kimiko L. Ogle, 29, is accused of second-degree manslaughter for driving the wrong way and crashing head-on into the victim's vehicle on September 11. The fatal accident occurred at Lexington's Lane Allen and Harrodsburg roads, and court records reported Ogle's blood-alcohol level at .24%. Under state law, any driver with a level of .08 or above is considered intoxicated. According to the Herald-Leader, Ogle will be arraigned in circuit court on March 5.

If you have lost a loved one in a central Kentucky accident, we express our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We know that nothing can compensate for the devastating loss of a family member, but we do know that many families appreciate assistance with medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses so they can focus on recovery. If you would like free information and answers to your pressing questions, feel free to contact us for compassionate and professional help. Contact us via our confidential online form or at 866-239-0039.

Proposed Kentucky DUI Law to Affect Lexington & Central KY Drivers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)27328 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Passed in the Kentucky House this month, a proposed bill would require convicted drunk drivers in KY to pass a breathalyzer test before getting behind the wheel. How would House Bill 58 work if made into law? According to the Kentucky.com website, judges would be required to order breath-alcohol monitoring devices for the vehicles of convicted DUI drivers. A driver would blow into the device, which would lock the ignition and prevent the vehicle's engine from starting if a breath-alcohol concentration over 0.02 is detected. Under the proposed law, first-time offenders would be required to have the device on their vehicles for six months. Each additional conviction of DUI within five years would require use of the device for a longer period of time, with the maximum at 30 months. The vote for the bill was unanimous in the House, and its sponsor, Rep. Dennis Keene, reported that the bill would potentially prevent 70 deaths in Kentucky per year if passed. With one-third of DUI-related accidents involving repeat offenders, the ignition interlock devices could be life-saving.

For Lexington drivers and other central Kentucky motorists, the passing of this bill could mean less risk of being involved or injured in a Kentucky car accident. While we strongly support any measure to ensure more safety on Lexington roadways, we also know that negligent drivers will continue to cause dangerous or even tragic crashes. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a central Kentucky truck accident or car wreck, we express our deepest sympathies to you. For free answers to your important questions and more information about how we can help you, feel free to contact us online or by phone at our toll-free number, 866-239-0039.

KY Attorneys Report Recent Car Wreck Statistics | Drunk Drivers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12982 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

TWELVE DEATHS IN TWELVE CRASHES ON KY HIGHWAYS:
Alcohol factor in wrecks in Christian, Hopkins, McCracken and Ohio counties

Preliminary statistics indicate that twelve people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, February 15 through Sunday, February 21.

All of the crashes involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of 3 victims is unknown at this time. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Bell, Carter, Christian, Clark, Fayette, Hopkins, Madison, Marion, McCracken, Ohio, Pulaski and Warren counties.

The suspected use of alcohol was a factor in four crashes (Christian, Hopkins, McCracken and Ohio counties).

Through February 21, preliminary statistics indicate that 82 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010. This is 16 fewer fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2009. There were 74 motor vehicle fatalities and 40 of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Seven pedestrians have been killed. Ten crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle.One crash involved a scooter. A total of 18 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license plate number if possible.

These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas. Crash data for this report is generated from the Kentucky Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

Child Killed in Pulaski Co. | Two other Children Injured | Kentucky

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12945 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

DRIVER FALLS ASLEEP AT WHEEL: ONE CHILD IS DEAD
TRAFFIC INTERSECTION IS ALSO BLAMED.

Pulaski County, KY: A five-year old boy was killed on impact at the crash scene and two of his sisters were airlifted to area hospitals. Tentative police reports suggest that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel while approaching a deadly U.S. 27 traffic intersection in Burnside. However, many details are pending as the accident remains under investigation.

The Mayor of Burnside believes that a proposed traffic light may also be needed to prevent future accidents and that there have been previous discussions with the Kentucky Department of Transportation on this issue.

KY State Police | Trooper Escapes Serious Injuries | Madison Co.

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12949 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

LUCKY KENTUCKY STATE TROOPER AVOIDS SERIOUS INJURY IN RICHMOND CRASH

Richmond, KY: A severe one-car accident involving a Kentucky State Police cruiser shut down US Hwy. 421 for several hours Thursday afternoon near Kingston Elementary School.

Trooper Toney Allen was headed northbound on US Hwy. 421 when he lost control of his cruiser, slid sideways and struck a tree on the side of the road, said Trooper Chris Lanham, Post 7 spokesman.

Allen, a Madison County resident and five-year veteran of the state police, suffered a cut to his leg and was transported to Saint Joseph-Berea hospital for treatment, Lanham said.

The accident tore off the front end of the cruiser, which Lanham described as “a total loss” following the wreck.

Authorities were able to allow school bus traffic out of Kingston Elementary School, Lanham said.

Allen was off-duty when the accident occurred, Lanham said. State police accident reconstruction specialists were on the scene to determine the circumstances of the crash.

Serious Lexington Car Accident on New Circle Rd. Injures One

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12920 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A serious car accident on New Circle Road in Lexington this morning sent one man to the hospital in critical condition, according to the WKYT news website. The Lexington crash occurred shortly before 8:00 a.m. this morning when the 21-year-old driver ran off the road while passing another vehicle. After hitting an embankment, the car struck and tree and left the driver seriously injured. Following the Fayette County accident, which occurred on the inner loop of New Circle Rd. between Lexington's Georgetown Rd. and Leestown Rd., the victim was taken to U.K. Hospital.

At Hurt, Crosbie, & May, we hope for the full and fast recovery of the victim in this accident. Although it appears as if no one will face charges for this Lexington accident (pending further investigation), many central Kentucky crashes result from the negligence of another driver. If you have been injured in a car, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, or truck accident that was not your fault, contact us for free answers to your questions and helpful resources for your situation.

Contact us online or by phone at 866-239-0039.

Workers' Comp. Claims From On-the-Job Traffic Accidents

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)26984 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

We recently added an article to our library about workers' comp. claims that result from on-the-job traffic accidents. While victims of central Kentucky car and truck accidents may know that they may file auto accident claims to help pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses, they may not realize that they may be able to file workers' comp. claims if their car wrecks occurred while performing work-related tasks. To read the full article on Lexington crashes and workers' compensation, click here.

To contact Hurt, Crosbie, & May for free resources and answers to questions unique to your situation, fill out our online form or call us (toll free) at 866-239-0039. You may also chat with us directly by clicking the "click to chat" button on the top right side of our homepage.

Commercial Van Wreck Update | Lexington KY Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12892 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Lexington, KY Commercial Truck Accident Sends Injured Driver to Hospital

According to WLEX 18, Lexington police investigators believe ice on the roadway may have caused van driver to lose control of his vehicle. Police reports state that a man says he was driving a commercial van along Muir Station road in Lexington, when he couldn't stop because of ice. The van slid into Paris Pike and was t-boned by a car.

The van kept going, went over a guardrail about 20 feet into a creek, then caught fire. The driver was not hurt. but police say the driver of the car involved was taken to the hospital with injuries. Although the snow has stopped, central and eastern Kentucky highways and interstates remain hazardous.

Kentucky Lawyers Crosbie and Deckard Defend Police in Richmond

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12794 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Richmond officers plead not guilty to charges

A March 4 pretrial conference is scheduled for three Richmond Police Department officers charged in connection with the alleged intimidation of a woman who initially accused them of sexual assault.

The officers, Sgt. James Rogers and patrolmen Garry Murphy and Brian Hensley, each entered a not guilty plea at arraignment hearings Thursday morning in Madison Circuit Court.

Rogers faces a single count of either intimidating a participant in a legal process or, in the alternative, tampering with a witness. Murphy and Hensley face one count each of complicity to commit intimidating a participant in a legal process or, in the alternative, complicity to commit tampering with a witness. Murphy also faces a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault.

Each of the men appeared individually before Judge William G. Clouse along with the Lexington attorneys, Jim Deckard and Scott Crosbie, who are representing all three of the officers.

Assistant Common-wealth's Attorney Jennifer Hall Smith asked Clouse to enforce a no-contact order between the three officers and the woman, who, according to Madison County Sheriff Nelson O'Donnell, accused the men of sexually assaulting her before recanting the claims the following day.

Deckard and Crosbie filed representation waivers with the court at the hearing showing that all three of the officers have agreed to have the attorneys represent them as a group.

After the hearings, Deckard issued a brief statement and said his clients were not guilty of the charges.

"Our clients are innocent, and they proclaimed that today," Deckard said. He also said the officers are seeking a "very prompt resolution" to the cases.

All three of the officers are suspended without pay while both the criminal charges and administrative proceedings against them continue. A hearing on the administrative charges was postponed after the indictments were returned by a grand jury, and Chief Larry Brock said the hearing likely would be postponed until after the criminal cases are completed.

Deckard also has filed a civil suit against O'Donnell seeking to obtain cell phone records from the sheriff's office, including records of all calls between O'Donnell and the Richmond Register. O'Donnell denied a request submitted by Deckard for all cell phone records because the request would have included phone conversations between O'Donnell and witnesses or other confidential informants.

A hearing in that case is scheduled for April 1.

Source: Richmond Register
February 12, 2010 On-line Edition

Garrard County KY Car Wreck | Driver and Young Passenger Injured

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12804 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

              GARRARD COUNTY, KY CAR ACCIDENT: ICE FACTOR IN CRASH

            A woman and young boy were was hospitalized after a wreck in Garrard County Friday morning that may have been caused by black ice. The car accident happened at about 9 a.m. on Kentucky Highway 34.

           Police involved with investigating the accident scene say a Mustang may have hit a patch of ice crossed center line and hit a tan car traveling in the opposite direction. The driver of the tan car and a young boy had to be cut out of the vehicle and were taken to the hospital with undisclosed injuries. The driver of the Mustang and a small toddler girl who was in the back seat were not hurt.

New Kentucky Trucking Bill May Increase Lexington & KY Truck Accidents

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12806 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Heavy coal trucks and other road-equipment trucks may be given the legal right to block public roadways in Kentucky for up to one hour, according to the Kentucky.com news website. If House Bill 409 is passed, the trucks will be allowed to block the roads for up to sixty minutes in order to unload cargo. In the case that the unloading requires more time, truck operators would be able to purchase a permit allowing them to block roadways for up to four hours.

With Kentucky truck accidents among the most dangerous types of automobile accidents, several parties have cause for concern over the proposed law. Numerous trucking accidents have resulted in serious injuries or fatality due to stopped or slowed trucks on Lexington and other Kentucky area roadways, and future delays caused by stopped coal or road-equipment trucks may put drivers of smaller vehicles at-risk. Although the bill's sponsor believes the bill is necessary for the mining of coal and building of new roads, the state Transportation Cabinet expressed that the bill raises "questions about safety."

Especially concerned about safety is Whitesburg engineer Roy Crawford, who lost his 16-year-old son due to an accident between his son's car and a slowing coal truck. The truck's tail lights were covered in mud, blocked from the 16-year-old's vision.

If you have been involved in Kentucky truck accident or lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident such as this, we express our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Serious injuries affect every aspect of an accident victim's life, and nothing can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one. Certain measures can be taken, however, to receive help with medical bills and other expenses so you can focus on healing. For more information on how we can help you after a Kentucky accident, contact us online or at our toll-free number, 866-239-0039.

Winter Storm Causes Several Lexington Wrecks & Central KY Accidents

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12735 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Lexington and other parts of central Kentucky yesterday, but the warning could not keep drivers off the roads last night and this morning. As a result of the snow and dangerous road conditions, several Kentucky wrecks occurred in Fayette County and surrounding areas, according to the WKYT news site. A truck reportedly struck a utility pole and fled the scene at the intersection of Man O'War Blvd. and Richmond Rd., and the truck accident required the attention of workers from Kentucky Utilities to fix the damage. Among the other sites of car accidents in Lexington and central Kentucky were New Circle Rd., I-75, and I-64, with many of them involving vehicles that ran off the roadway. When responding to a call about a wreck off Bryan Station Rd., an ambulance got stuck. During the morning rush hour alone, 40 Lexington police officers were on standby to work accidents caused by the inclement weather.

Winter weather conditions often result in serious Kentucky accidents. If you live in Lexington or another part of central Kentucky, avoid driving during inclement weather as much as possible, and exercise extreme caution when you must get behind the wheel. For free answers to your questions about Kentucky car accidents that occur in bad weather, feel free to contact car accident attorney Scott Crosbie. He will gladly answer your questions concerning liability or other factors unique to your situation. Contact Scott Crosbie online or call (toll free) 866-239-0039.

KY Workplace Injuries & Workers' Comp. Claims

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)26465 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

We recently added an article to our personal injury library about common workplace injuries in Kentucky and the resulting workers' compensation claims. To read more about the types of injuries that constitute workers' comp. claims and the reasons employees are often afraid to file claims against their employers, click here.

No matter what type of injury you have suffered at work, feel free to contact Kentucky personal injury and workers' compensation lawyers Hurt, Crosbie, & May for a free evaluation of your unique situation and free answers to your most pressing questions.

Click here to contact us online, or contact us by phone at either of the following numbers:

(Toll free) 866-239-0039

(Lexington) 859-254-0000.

Coal Mining Safety | Accident Prevention | Eastern Kentucky

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12624 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

MSHA's Fatality Prevention Program Spotlights Outreach and Enforcement

MSHA has launched a new outreach and enforcement program designed to strengthen efforts to prevent mining fatalities. "Rules to Live By" will spotlight the safety and health standards most frequently cited during fatal accident investigations through outreach efforts with the mining industry and focused enforcement by federal mine inspectors. MSHA formally will kick off the initiative Feb. 11 in Austin, Texas, and Feb. 12 in Charleston, W.Va.

"While the mining community marked a record-low number of mining deaths last year and has seen a significant decline in fatal mining accidents during the past 10 years, too many miners still lose their lives in preventable accidents," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "MSHA and its stakeholders must remain committed to working together toward the ultimate goal of zero mining fatalities."

Over the past several months, MSHA conducted an analysis of the 589 mining fatalities that occurred from 2000 to 2008. The analysis identified the most common conditions and practices that contributed to mining deaths, as well as the most common violations of safety standards and root causes associated with these fatal accidents. As a result of that analysis, the agency identified 11 coal and 13 metal/nonmetal safety and health standards frequently cited in fatal accident investigations and grouped them into nine accident categories: falls from elevation, falls of roof and rib, operating mobile equipment (surface and underground), maintenance, lock and tag out, blocking against motion, and struck-by mobile equipment (surface and underground).

During the nine-year period, the highest number of coal mine fatalities occurred in West Virginia (94), followed by Kentucky (78). The highest number of metal/nonmetal mine fatalities occurred in Nevada (26), followed by Texas (21).

The fatality prevention initiative will roll out in two phases: industry outreach and focused inspections. During the first phase, MSHA will disseminate information detailing the causes of the targeted fatal accidents to every mine operator, labor organization and state training grantee, as well as other stakeholders. The MSHA Web site will provide compliance assistance materials such as engineering suggestions, packages of safety target materials and other information to ensure that mine operators and miners have the necessary resources to address and eliminate workplace hazards.

In mid-March, MSHA will begin focused inspections by paying special attention to violations of the 24 standards and reminding mine inspectors to carefully evaluate gravity and negligence — consistent with the seriousness of the violation — when citing violations of the standards that have tended to cause or contribute to mining fatalities. All mine inspectors will receive online training on inspector laptop applications specific to this initiative, enforcement summaries and inspector tip sheets.

"With the full support of the mining industry, ‘Rules to Live By' should make great strides in preventing fatal accidents," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health.

Texting Pilots Involved in Deadly Plane Crash | KY Plane Crash Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12570 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

TEXTING PILOTS IN THE COCKPIT?

When the National Transportation Safety Board meets on Tuesday to determine what caused the fatal crash of Continental Connection flight 3407 last February, it will hear how the first officer on the flight sent two text messages from the cockpit.

The messages have not previously been reported but they are described in a document that will be part of Tuesday's public hearing. One text was sent prior to the airplane being given taxi clearance, the second was sent five minutes before takeoff. This is problematic on two levels. First, Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit any activity in the cockpit not related to the flight after the plane has pushed back from the gate until it has ascended to 10,000 feet.

An exception to the rule, commercial airline pilots say, is when the airplane is holding on a taxiway with parking brakes engaged. It is not clear whether that was the case when the text was sent by Ms. Shaw, nor is it known who she was texting. More relevant to the texting is that five minutes before takeoff, all cell phones belonging to pilots and passengers alike are supposed to be turned off.

The crash of flight 3407, being operated for Continental by Colgan Air, killed all 49 people aboard the airplane and one person on the ground, when it crashed short of the runway in Buffalo on February 12, 2009.

Much of the discussion of what caused the disaster revolves around Captain Marvin Renslow's handling of the airplane as it approached Buffalo. But sure to be on the agenda is Ms. Shaw's text messaging and other preflight behavior that demonstrates a lax attitude on the flight deck.

Flight 3407 received a clearance to taxi at Newark Liberty Airport at 8:16 p.m. but did not take off until an hour later. During that period, Mr. Renslow and Ms. Shaw spent the entire time talking, only sixteen minutes of which involved the flight. This despite the fact that Newark airport was jam packed and weather along their route would be challenging.

For entire article, see this link.

Breathalyzers in Kentucky Bars: Will They Decrease Instances of DUI?

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12568 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Breathalyzer machines may be installed in Kentucky bars in an effort to reduce the number of drunk drivers, according to The Register Herald. Hoping to draw those who have been drinking and are considering driving toward the machine to test their blood alcohol content, West Virginia native Jeremy Fairchild aims to reduce the number of fatal auto accidents caused by drunk drivers throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, and other states. The concept is simple: if a drinker is over the legal limit, then he should make the choice to find a designated driver or wait until his blood alcohol content is reduced to a safe percentage. The point behind the breathalyzer machine is also simple, but important: often, people fail to realize that a couple drinks can set them over the legal limit, so the machine will serve to give them an accurate number and, hopefully, keep them from making decisions based on how they feel.

Despite the positives associated with the breath analyzers, others worry that the machines will promote drinking and driving or be misused by those treating them as part of a game. Fairchild responds by saying the machines will serve as a warning to potential drivers, regardless of their motives for using them. The breathalyzers should make drinkers think twice before they risk their lives and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel.

As Kentucky auto accident attorneys, we hope the machines drastically reduce the numbers of DUI accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, feel free to contact us with your most pressing questions. We will answer your questions for free and help you find the medical treatment and financial compensation you need to recover from your injuries and pursue your future goals. HURT, CROSBIE, & MAY | 866-239-0039

Wrongful Death From Fatal Car Accidents | KY Accident Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)26009 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the most tragic and traumatic experiences anyone can experience is losing a loved one in a fatal car accident. Although losing a loved one is indescribably difficult no matter what the cause, losing someone in a motor vehicle accident is exceptionally difficult due to the sudden, unpredictable nature of the loss. Knowing that the wrongful death of your parent, sibling, child, or friend resulted from another party's negligence is something that no one should have to bear. As personal injury, auto accident, and wrongful death attorneys, we are familiar with the indescribable pain and suffering associated with serious injuries or loss from car accidents, and we express our deepest sympathies to you if you have lost a loved one in a Kentucky car accident.

Although nothing can compensate for the tragic loss of a loved one, certain measures can be taken to help families and friends as they go through the grieving and recovery process. If you would like more information about how we can provide that assistance and the resources needed after devastating loss, feel free to contact the firm of Hurt, Crosbie, & May. We will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism at no obligation to you. Contact us online or by phone (toll-free) at 866-239-0039.

Bicycle Accidents, Risks, & Child Injuries | KY Auto Accident Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12560 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Among the types of Kentucky vehicle accident cases we handle are bicycle accidents, which often result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection surrounding a cyclist. Among the most tragic bicycle accidents are those involving children, which can result in traumatic brain injuries for kids riding without helmets or with helmets that are not secure. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the following risks are associated with bicycle accidents in which no helmets are used:

More than 60 percent of fatalities from accidents involving bicycles occur because of head or brain injuries.

Children or other bicyclists who fail to wear helmets are 14 times more at-risk of being killed in a roadway accident than those who choose to wear helmets.

Using a helmet while riding a bicycle could prevent 45% to 88% of bike-related brain injuries.

Helmets do not protect against all injuries, however. Whether a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle results in moderate or severe injuries, the victim should receive medical attention immediately, even if he or she was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. When a car, truck, or SUV turns directly in front of a bicyclist, pulls out in front of a cyclist, or fails to yield (at a stop sign, intersection or red light) to the bicycle rider, the bicyclist is typically entitled to recover damages from the negligent driver. Many bike-related accidents involve DUI drivers, distracted drivers, or drivers who simply fail to look both ways before resuming acceleration at stop signs.

If you or your child has been injured while riding a bicycle, feel free to contact us with your most pressing questions. As Kentucky car accident and bicycle accident attorneys, we will answer your questions for free, help you find the best medical care, and provide you with important resources. You may contact us via our online form or by phone (toll-free) at 866-239-0039.

Newer Vehicles Decrease Chances of Whiplash, Say Researchers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12555 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

New car shoppers are less likely to suffer from whiplash in auto accidents, say researchers at NRMA Insurance Queensland. According to a new study, the head restraints in new vehicles are better designed than those of older cars, small trucks, or SUVs, based on a test of 148 new cars and the effectiveness of their head restraints. Among the manufacturers who have improved their models are Volvo and Saab, which have seats that cover the entire head of drivers or passengers and follow neck movement forward to provide support in the event of sudden deceleration. Although many new vehicles have significantly improved in terms of safety--with higher head restraints, shorter distances between the restraints and the passengers' heads, and more effective surrounding cushions--other new vehicles received ratings of "marginal" or "poor" in the study. Almost thirty percent of new vehicles received the low ratings, with commercial vehicles among the most unsafe.

Not only do commercial vehicles put its passengers more at risk of whiplash, but, of course, older vehicles are still on the roadways creating risk for car accident victims. Knowing that new car models are potentially safer than others does not enable everyone to purchase a new vehicle, meaning that millions of Americans are at-risk of whiplash injuries every second. If you drive an older vehicle, commercial vehicle, or any other type of automobile and have been injured in a Kentucky car accident, feel free to contact us with your most pressing questions regarding whiplash and car accident claims. As Kentucky car accident lawyers, we will answer your questions for free, help you find the best medical treatment for your condition, and provide the resources you need to move forward.

Contact us online or by phone at 1-866-239-0039.

Hit-and-Run Accidents: How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)26008 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One question we hear often at our firm is whether we handle hit-and-run accidents, especially those in which the driver has not been located or identified by police. Concerned that they might not be able to recover compensation for injuries since the at-fault party is unknown, victims of hit-and-run car accidents ask how we can help them receive financial help paying for medical bills, affording other bills in light of their time off work for recovery, and moving forward to achieve their future goals. What many do not know is that their own uninsured motorist coverage can be used in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Uninsured motorist coverage protects the victim from having to pay for treatment and other bills out-of pocket when auto accidents such as this occur, and it is also designed to provide additional compensation for the victim's pain and suffering.

To learn more about uninsured motorist coverage in Kentucky, hit-and-run accident claims, and how to receive help finding the best medical treatment, feel free to contact our firm. We at Hurt, Crosbie, & May will answer your questions for free concerning your unique situation at no obligation to you. Click here to contact us online or call us toll-free at 866-239-0039.

First Objective Test for PTSD Underway | KY Car Accident Lawyer

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12554 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a recent study of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) victims, researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a pattern of brain signals that point to the condition, making the possibility of an objective test for PTSD more likely (University of Minnesota News website). With motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of PTSD, an objective test would potentially help car accident victims with post-traumatic stress disorder identify their condition, receive medical help, and lessen the stigma often associated with PTSD. According to the news release, such a test would guide those who determine who should receive disability payments or other forms of compensation.

What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder typically characterized by nightmares and the involuntary reliving of traumatic experiences such as car accidents. In fact, the pattern researchers identified in PTSD patients appeared "to be a flaring up of brain networks that have to do with reliving experiences." For car accident victims, PTSD may cause sever anxiety every time they get in a vehicle or behind the wheel. Often characterized by fear and a feeling of no control, PTSD can cause its sufferers trouble on the job or in school, as well as on the roadway. No matter how severe the symptoms, PTSD must be treated, and car accident victims who suffer PTSD as a result of the related accident should be compensated for their suffering.

If you have been injured in a Kentucky car accident and believe you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, feel free to contact our office for free answers to your most pressing questions, help finding medical treatment, and more information on the condition. As Kentucky auto accident and personal injury attorneys, we will consult with you for free concerning your unique situation with compassion and professionalism. Contact us online or call us toll free at 866-239-0039.

Lexington KY Police Look For Wrongful Death Witnesses

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25821 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Lexington-Fayette County Police Seek Help From Public

Lexington police are seeking witnesses in a wrong-way crash that killed a Lexington woman last week.

On Jan. 19, between 11 and 11:30 p.m., a gray Hyundai XG350 driven by Adam T. Leake collided head-on with a car driven by Connie S. Layne, 40, of Lexington.

Layne was killed and the traffic accident has devastated the victim's family members, many from eastern Kentucky, who are seeking answers to what happened that evening.

According to media reports, Leake, 24, of Lexington, was driving his automobile with his headlights off while traveling the wrong way on the inner loop of New Circle Road, police said. Alcohol is also believed to have been a factor in the wreck.

Lexington police ask that anyone with information about this car crash call Lexington police at (859) 258-3679.

New Article on Concussions & Car Accidents

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25796 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

We recently added an article about scientists' recent suggestion to use the term minor traumatic brain injury to describe a concussion. It is important that car accident victims and other injured victims know that a concussion is a brain injury, and using the new term may help them (and doctors as well) treat their conditions more seriously. To read more about doctors' tendency to treat a patient diagnosed with "concussion" with less concern than a patient diagnosed with a minor "brain injury," click here.

If you have suffered a head injury in a Kentucky area car accident and have questions regarding cases of concussions, how to find the best treatment, or liability, feel free to contact our firm. We will answer your questions for free concerning your unique situation.

Contact us online or by phone at 866-239-0039.

KY Slip and Fall Article Has Been Posted | Weather, Snow and Ice Hazards

keaves@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25574 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

NEW ARTICLE POSTED: UPDATE

The Law Firm of Hurt, Crosbie and May have written an updated article on the weather related dangers associated with snow and ice-covered parking lots and sidewalks. This article provides you with valuable information in an overview format about the questions, steps and processes associated with slip and fall accidents.

Take a moment to read Hurt, Crosbie and May's most recent posting and do not hesitate to contact our firm should you have any unanswered questions or desire additional information.

Winchester, KY Car Accident | 2nd Car Crash in Clark County within Minutes

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25659 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Clark County BP Station is site of 2nd Accident involving Same Driver

A central KY driver involved in accident has second car wreck within minutes. As police arrived to investigate car crash, the driver's foot slipped off gas peddle and plowed into BP station in Winchester, Kentucky. Fortunately, there were not injuries as a result of 2nd wreck.

The vehicle caused significant property damage.

Jessamine County Van Wreck | Driver and Passengers Hospitalized

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12342 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

JESSAMINE COUNTY, KY VAN ACCIDENT:
DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS SENT TO LEXINGTON HOSPITAL

Source: WLEX-18
A motor vehicle wreck in Jessamine County, outside of Nicholasville, KY, sent three people to a Lexington, Kentucky hospital Saturday morning.

The Jessamine County Sheriff's Department says a van slipped off Chrisman Mill Road around 11:30 Saturday morning. Authorities say the male driver, who suffered lower leg injuries, had to be extricated by emergency personnel responding to the van wreck.

The driver's son and adult granddaughter also went to the hospital with minor injuries.

The preliminary accident report states that none of the van's occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Leslie County Coal Mining Accident | Fatality of KY Miner | Rock Fall

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12330 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

MINING ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE IN LESLIE COUNTY, KENTUCKY

The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting that a Leslie County man lost his life while working in an Eastern Kentucky mine.

The coal miner died Friday when he was hit by flying debris when a pillar of coal and rock gave way at a Bledsoe Coal Co. mine in Leslie County, state officials said. Travis Glenn Brock, 29, of Helton, who was operating a continuous miner, died in the rock fall at the Abner Branch Mine, said Deputy Coroner Jimmy Darrell Couch.

Officials from the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing are investigating the accident, which is called a "rib roll," according to a press release from the state Energy and Environment Cabinet. Brock was the first Kentucky coal mine death of 2010, officials said. Funeral arrangements were pending at the Walker Funeral Home in Hyden, Couch said.

Eastern Kentucky Coal Truck Accident | KY Head-on Crash is Fatal

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12331 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

HEAD-ON COAL TRUCK ACCIDENT IN JOHNSON COUNTY INVOLVING SUV:
CLAIMS FLOYD COUNTY WOMAN'S LIFE

WMYT Reports:

One woman is dead after police say she hit a coal truck head on. The crash happened Thursday morning on U.S. 23 in the Hager Hill area of Johnson County. Witnesses say her SUV exploded and burst into flames.State police say the woman believed to be 33 year old Valerie Spurlock, was driving on the wrong side of the road on U.S. 23 when she hit the coal truck head on.

The coal truck flew across all lanes of traffic and landed in the ditch next to a hill on the other side of the highway. Firefighters from five departments got to there in minutes and put out the flames, but crews say the woman in the SUV died at the scene. Police believe Spurlock drove on the wrong side of the road for several hundred feet before the crash. They do not know why yet.

“Not at this point in time. Something we're going to have to try to determine, but we may or may not be able to determine why she was left of center,” Trooper Mike Goble said.

Police say the coal truck driver, 42 year old Harold Hall, Jr went to the hospital and was treated and released.

KY School Bus Accident | Versailles Woman Killed

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12332 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT:
WOODFORD COUNTY, KENTUCKY

The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting that a woman is dead after her minivan hit a school bus on Ky. 33 in Versailles Thursday morning. Mearion Smith, 30, of Versailles, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

According to police, Smith's vehicle crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a Woodford County school bus almost head-on. The bus carried five special needs children. One of them was taken to Bluegrass Hospital in Versailles with minor injuries, police said.

The bus driver, Debra Pierce of Versailles, also suffered minor injuries; she and two monitors who were assisting the children on the bus were taken to Bluegrass Hospital. Police are still determining the cause of the accident.

Lexington Man Taken to Hospital, Seriously Hurt After Car Accident

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12329 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Lexington car accident seriously injured one man early this morning when his vehicle slammed into a tree and landed on its side, according to the WKYT news website. The northern Fayette County accident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m. when the man's Saturn VUE veered off the roadway of Faulkner Ave near I-75. Following the Lexington crash, the driver was taken to U.K. Hospital for the treatment of serious, if not critical, injuries. According to police, alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the serious Kentucky crash.

Although this accident involved only one vehicle, it resulted in serious injury and may have been caused by DUI. At our firm, we handle more car accident cases involving at least two vehicles than we do cases involving only one vehicle, but many of these cases involve drunk driving. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver or that you believe was not your fault, feel free to contact our office for free answers to your questions about liability, negligence, or your unique situation. Feel free to contact us online or by phone at 866-239-0039.

Lexington KY Car Wreck | Alcohol Believed Factor | Fayette County

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25464 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Lexington Police Believe Alcohol Contributor
In Another Fayette County Motor Vehicle Crash

27-WKYT is reporting that a Lexington, KY road is now back open after a serious crash early Friday morning. A man driving a Saturn VUE crashed along Faulkner Avenue just after 5 a.m. That is off Russell Cave Road, near I-75, in northern Fayette County.

The road was closed until around 8 a.m. The vehicle wrapped around a tree and ended up on its side. One man was inside the vehicle. He was transported to U.K. Hospital. Police believe he suffered serious or critical injuries.

The victim has been identified as Jackie R. George, 33, of Lexington. Police believe alcohol contributed to the crash.

This is the second alcohol-related car crash in the past week on Lexington roads.

New Circle Road Tragedy | Multi Car Accident in Lexington | Alcohol

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12274 — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

NEW CIRCLE ROAD ACCIDENT RESULTS IN FATALITY:
Alcohol is suspected as a factor.

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

A 40-year-old Lexington woman died in a head-on collision on the inner loop of New Circle Road on Tuesday night.

Police said a gray Hyundai driven by Adam T. Leake, 24, of Lexington was traveling the wrong way on the inner loop of New Circle east of Tates Creek Road with its headlights turned off about 11:30 p.m.

Leake's car sideswiped a car driven by Kelley Medley, 32, of Lexington, then collided head-on with a gold Suzuki Firenza driven by the unidentified woman.

The force of the crash sent Leake's transmission and engine into the travel lanes of the outer loop of New Circle Road, where they hit a car driven by Chelsea Oliver, 24, of Lexington.

Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash, police said. The name of the victim has not been released pending notification of family. Leake, Medley and Oliver all suffered injuries. Everyone was wearing seat belts.

While it is not yet known whether the driver was intoxicated, it would certainly compound this tragedy if the driver was driving drunk at the time of the crash.

Oldham County Interstate Multi-Car Crash | Traffic Accidents on Rise in 2010

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25307 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

FOUR-CAR HIGWAY WRECK IN OLDHAM COUNTY, KENTUCKY

The Louisville Courier Journal is reporting another multiple car crash on its website. Minor injuries were reported after a four-car accident in Oldham County on Ky. 329 near the ramp to Interstate 71, according to a county dispatcher.

The accident occurred at 6:47 p.m., and police were still on scene as of 7:30 p.m., the dispatcher said.

No other information was immediately available.

So far in 2010, the number of car and truck accidents have increased substantially with many traffic accidents resulting in injuries to both drivers and passengers.

Driver continue to need to be cautioned that road conditions are not suitable for driving at fast speeds as many of these automobile wrecks have been attributed to speeding and careless driving.

KY Personal Injury Attorneys | Axe Thrown at Driver | Trucker Arrested

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25308 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

PICK AXE THROWN NEAR CAR WINDOW ON I-75:
Truck driver being identified as being responsible for violent act.

Police in Boone County have arrested a man they say threw a pick axe through a woman's back window while on I-75.

Jasmine Ulm was sitting in the back seat of her car at the time when she says the driver of a truck repeatedly pulled in front of them and slammed on his brakes. Ulm says the man passed them in the emergency lane. The driver of Ulm's car pulled off at an exit to get away, that's when Ulm says she heard a loud sound. She says the pick ax the man threw at her vehicle barely missed her head.

This truck driver is in custody and faces serious criminal charges.

Wonder if this case justifies carrying concealed, deadly weapons in Kentucky's automobiles? Anyone with thoughts about this crime?

Moving Truck Involved in Tragic Accident in Fayette County

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12252 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

WKYT IS REPORTING: Deadly Traffic Accident Near I-75 in Lexington

Source: WKYT 27 NEWSFIRST
Update: The Fayette County coroner is now on the scene. 27 NEWSFIRST has learned the death occurred in the mini-van. The driver of the moving truck was taken to the hospital with what appears to be non life-threatening injuries. Police still have the road blocked while the investigation into the crash continues.
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Lexington Police are on the scene of a deadly car crash on Georgetown Road at Kearney Road. The crash happened just before 1:00pm.

Initial information from the scene is the crash involves a mini van and a moving truck; at least one person has been killed. Georgetown Road is blocked near the old Linlee Elementary School while police work the scene.

Lexington Woman Killed in Tragic Accident Outside of Versailles, KY

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25173 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A deadly car crash closes part of Versailles Road, in Woodford County, in front of the castle, for more than four hours. The motor vehicle accident happened just before noon, on Sunday.

The 27-year-old driver of the Saturn, was ejected and pronounced dead on the scene. Police say the driver of a Saturn somehow lost control, and slid into the west bound lanes and into the path of a Ford van.

The Woodford County Coroner identified the victim as 27-year-old Chastity Boyd, of Lexington.

Go to WKYT Channel 27 for additional details.

Red Light Cameras May Increase Accidents | Ky Accident Lawyers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25176 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Do Red Light Cameras Contribute to More Accidents?

In today's USA Today, there is an interesting news article that discusses how many communities are responding to the public's backlash regarding the installation of red light cameras to catch violators operating motor vehicles. In summary, the article identifies recent statistics that suggest that traffic cameras may actually contribute to car and truck accidents at traffic intersections on our nation's roadways.

Hurt, Crosbie and May would be interested in hearing any comments you may have regarding the benefits and/or problems associated with traffic cameras installed at intersections.

Lexington Crash Between Car and Tractor Trailer Blocks I-64 | KY Car Accident Lawyer

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25155 — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A multi-vehicle accident blocked I-64 (Interstate 64) for approximately two hours Thursday, January 7, according to the Kentucky.com website. Lexington police responded to the Clark County crash, which occurred around 9:00 p.m. when a car clipped the front of a tractor trailer. Authorities reported that the semi-tractor-trailer rig blocked all three of the interstate's eastbound lanes near the Kentucky car accident site, but it was not known at the time of the report whether any injuries were involved.

As a Kentucky car accident and personal injury law firm, our attorneys have witnessed the devastating effects of serious car accidents on injured victims. If you have been involved in a Lexington area car accident (or any motor vehicle accident in Kentucky), feel free to contact Hurt, Crosbie and May for helpful resources and answers to your most pressing questions.

KY Passenger Auto Fatality | Shepherdsville Woman Killed on Interstate

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12234 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

I-65 Car Accident Results in Fatality of Passenger

Source: Louisville Courier-Journal

A 42-year-old Shepherdsville woman was killed and her husband severely injured Saturday morning in a one-car accident on Interstate 65, near the Brooks Road exit at mile marker 121.

The accident happened at 6 a.m. in the southbound lanes, when a pick-up truck being driven by Anthony Abell left the road and went into the ditch, traveling several hundred yards before coming back onto the road and flipping over, according to Danny Thompson, a chief deputy with the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office. Thompson said the truck flipped over at least twice, and ejected passenger April Abell, who was not wearing a seat belt.

Anthony Abell was wearing a seat belt and remained in the vehicle as it continued to flip into the median. He was transported by helicopter to University Hospital in Louisville. There was no word on his condition Saturday afternoon.

Thompson said it appeared Anthony Abell overcorrected his steering as he tried to guide the truck from the ditch back onto the roadway.

“It’s difficult to bring a vehicle off a slanted median and back onto the level roadway at 70 mph, unless you’re a very good driver,” Thompson said. The accident closed down a portion of I-65 for several hours Saturday morning.

KY Nursing Home Abuse | 1/3 of US Nursing Homes Cited For Neglect

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12235 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One-Third of Nursing Homes Have Been Cited For Violations in U.S.

Over 1.6 million people live in licensed nursing homes across the United States and another million live in other long-term care or assisted living facilities. As the baby boom generation gets up in age these numbers will soon increase significantly. If you or a loved one is shopping for a nursing home, or already reside in one, you may not yet be aware of the increasing reports of nursing home abuse and neglect that occur in these facilities. Here are just a few things that recent studies have revealed:

One study found that 44 percent of nursing home residents have suffered some form of abuse. 48 percent reported having been treated or handled roughly. 38 percent reported having witnessed the abuse of others.

Roughly 30 percent of long-term care staff had witnessed some form of physical abuse of a patient in the previous year. 81 percent report having seen some form of verbal, physical, or other form of abuse over this same time period. 40 percent admit to committing such acts at least once over the previous year.

66 percent of nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive problems which severely limits their ability to take care of themselves or be aware that abuse is occurring.

One third of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities have been cited for violations that had the potential to lead to abuse and 10 percent were cited for actual physical abuse.

85 percent of nursing home staff blames staffing shortages for the cause of abuse.

Perhaps the most alarming statistic indicates that only 20 percent of instances of nursing home neglect and abuse are ever reported. There are several possible reasons that such instances do not get reported. For one, many nursing home residents are too cognitively impaired to make a report on their own, whether they suffered the abuse or witnessed another resident being abused.

Those who are capable of making a report often choose not to out of fear that doing so would only cause further abuse. Considering that many nursing home residents do not have friends or relatives nearby who can check on them regularly to see that they are being treated properly, this abuse can become a chronic issue.

Anderson County Car Accident | Mercer County Woman Dies in Traffic Fatality

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25018 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Mercer woman dies in Anderson wreck

The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting that a Mercer County woman died after a two-car crash Wednesday night on U.S. 127 in Anderson County, Kentucky State Police said. Rosemary B. Spurlock, 65, of Salvisa was flown to University of Kentucky Hospital, where she died from the injuries sustained in the automobile accident, state police said in a news release.

The driver of the other car, Francis R. Downs Jr., 28, of Bardstown, was not injured. Police said Spurlock was attempting to cross both northbound highway lanes of U.S. 127 to go south when her 1998 Chevrolet Malibu was struck by a northbound 1999 Toyota Camry driven by Downs. The crash happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

Laurel County Auto Accident | Traffic Death on Kentucky Highway

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25023 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

LAUREL COUNTY, KENTUCKY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC FATALITY

WKYT is reporting that a tragic car accident occurred in Laurel County, Kentucky this morning. At least one person has died in the early morning crash. It happened around 7 a.m. Thursday on Somerset Road, also known as Highway 1956.

No other details have been released. A medical helicopter has also been called to the scene to provide emergency aid to the victims.

Ladder-Related Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)25050 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

We added an article to our library yesterday about ladder and platform-related injuries from slip and fall accidents. To read more about workers' compensation and personal injury cases involving ladder accidents and why you may have a legal case from your ladder-related injury, click here.

If you have been injured in a Kentucky ladder- or platform-related accident, feel free to contact our office for free resources, help finding the best medical care for your injuries, and answers to your most pressing questions. Although nothing can truly compensate for the pain and suffering caused to you by accident-related injuries, certain measures can be taken to make the recovery process easier.

You may contact us online or by phone at 859-254-0000.

Kentucky Fights Text Messaging Car Accidents | KY Personal Injury Law

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12182 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

With the support of the Obama administration, a new non-profit group launched a national initiative Tuesday to prohibit the use of cell phones and texting devices while driving.

A key focus of the group — called FocusDriven and organized by relatives of the victims of distracted-driving accidents — will be to encourage state legislatures and Congress to pass laws making such activity illegal.

“It’s up to all of us to keep our eyes on the road every single time we’re behind the wheel,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said at a news conference unveiling the new campaign. “I don’t want your children or my grandchildren to suffer at the hands of a driver who’s too busy to pay attention to the rules of the road.”

He repeated the message he delivered to automakers at the Detroit Auto Show Monday: “We’re going to save a lot of lives,” LaHood said.

In 2008 almost 6,000 people died and 500,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted or inattentive drivers, he said.

Janet Froetscher, president of the National Safety Council, cited a Harvard University study that estimates about 28 percent of all motor vehicle accidents involve drivers using cell phones or texting. “For us not to stop it is absolutely unforgivable,” she said.

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have banned texting while driving; other states restrict texting by younger drivers. Seven states and the District of Columbia have banned hand-held cell phone use, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

There are currently no such restrictions in Kentucky, but this year’s General Assembly is expected to consider legislation to prohibit or limit the amount of text messaging by drivers.

For full article in Courier-Journal, click here.

I-71 Tractor Trailer Accident | Oldham County Truck Accident Lawyers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24894 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

TRACTOR-TRAILER COLLISION OUTSIDE OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY:
Interstate 71 in Oldham County has been closed since early morning.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A tractor-trailer and another vehicle have collided on Interstate 71 in Oldham County, closing the northbound lanes. The Courier-Journal of Louisville reports the crash is at the 24 mile marker and occurred about 5:15 a.m. It is unknown if the accident resulted in any serious injuries or fatalities at this time.

I-75 Kentucky Car Wreck | Winchester Personal Injury Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24888 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

POLICE SUSPECT DRINKING AND DRIVING BEING
INVOLVED IN I-75 CAR WRECK:
Interstate back open after violent auto crash into pick-up truck.

I-75 is back open on Monday morning after an alleged drunk driver crashed his vehicle into the back of a pick-up truck on the interstate near Winchester Road in Fayette County sending the victim's vehicle down embankment late Sunday night. The driver and passenger inside the automobile along with driver of truck were sent to Lexington hospitals following the accident seeking emergency treatment for their serious personal injuries arising from the impact of crash.

Texting and Driving Caused Serious Injury | Kentucky Auto Accident Lawyers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24755 — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

OHIO MAN SENTENCED FOR HITTING PEDESTRIAN
WHILE TEXTING AND DRIVING.

William Miralia, of Bainbridge, Ohio, was sentenced by Geauga County Common Pleas Judge David Fuhry Friday to 6 months in jail and fined $2,000 for injuring a pedestrian in a traffic accident on May 5 while texting and driving. Miralia, 50, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular assault, a fourth degree felony, on Nov. 12.

Fuhry said that texting while driving equals recklessness and that it was lucky this car accident didn't result in a fatality. Miralia struck and injured Linda Kupiec, of Bainbridge, while she was walking her dog in the Bainbrook subdivision, near a local highway. According to authorities, Miralia discovered damage to his Toyota minvan the morning after the accident and contacted police.

Following the accident, Bainbridge police Det. Sgt. Andy Kelley said Miralia turned himself in to police May 6 and admitted that he was responding to a text message while he was driving and was distracted. "His attention was directed at that and he wasn't paying attention," said Kelley. Fortunately, this car wreck did not result in a death.

Miralia said he didn't realize he had hit anyone. For more on this unfortunate story, click here.

Lexington, Kentucky law firm Hurt, Crosbie and May represents individuals and their family members who seek justice from negligent drivers.

Kentucky Car Accident Attorneys | Car Crash Results in KY Fatality

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12133 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Weather Blamed for Kentucky Highway Death

One person was killed in a weather-related crash Thursday in Barren County while most other accidents in the region resulted in only damage.

While up to 2 inches of snow fell in the region, slick secondary roads closed most area schools again today, including Bowling Green City Schools.

“We had 35 accidents that we worked in the post area,” said Kentucky State Police Trooper Charles Swiney, spokesman for the Bowling Green post.

Swiney said most of those accidents were minor. The Barren County Sheriff’s Department handled the wreck in which 43-year-old Barry D. Hughes, of Barren County, was killed.

Deputies said Hughes was traveling on Herbert Turner Road, eight miles northwest of Glasgow, when he lost control of his vehicle on the snow covered road shortly before 4 p.m. Hughes’ vehicle crossed the road and struck a tree. Hughes, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene, according to a news release from the department.

“I think the state and the city did an excellent job of preparing the roads,” Pruitt said. “We got a little snow, it stopped and then we got some more and temperatures dropped. I think what happened is people were just driving too fast for the road conditions.

“I saw these people with four-wheel and front-wheel drive barreling down the streets,” Pruitt said. “Sure they can go, but when it comes to stopping, four-wheel drive does nothing to help them.

“A lot of the accidents we worked (Thursday) ... were where people slid off the road or into another vehicle because they couldn’t get stopped.”

Motorists driving on slick roads should remember to keep at least four car lengths between them and the vehicle in front and drive considerably slower than posted limits, Pruitt said.

Morehead Kentucky Drunk Driver Kills Passenger | KY Accident Attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12134 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

MOREHEAD MAN CHARGED WITH DRUNK DRIVING:
TWO PASSENGERS SERIOUSLY HURT WITH BURN INJURIES

Two people were taken to the hospital Saturday and one man taken to jail after their car turned over and caught fire.

According to police, Phillip Cooper, 28, of Morehead was allegedly driving a 1984 Jeep CJ7 under the influence (DUI) of alcohol on Pond Lick Road when it overturned on a hill catching fire. An unidentified friend dropped off his two passengers Audrey Quillen, 23, and Michael S. Plank, 29. of Morehead at SCR.

Quillen and Plank were transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center where they are both in serious condition with severe burns.

“We had gotten a call after the two had been transported to the hospital and we initially had been called to look for the driver because he wasn’t accounted for,” said Rowan County Rescue Squad Chief Wes Helterbrand. “We went as far as we could as far as the main road. KSP called and said it was on a logging road on Pond Lick. We met them at post and transported them to Pond Lick. The driver was found at a residence with minor injuries.”

“We were just making sure everything was alright,” Helterbrand said. “The wreck was two miles up the logging road. It was accessible by four wheel drive only.”

Cooper is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol second offense, failure to maintain required insurance, no or expired Kentucky registration receipt, no or expired registration plates and failure to register transfer of motor vehicle.

KSP Trooper Josh Pigman is in charge of the investigation.

Kentucky DUI Accident Lawyers | Hardin County Program Reduces Deaths

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12135 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drunk Driving Arrests Are Down in Hardin County:
New Program on DUI Awareness Credited

HARDIN COUNTY – A program launched two years ago that gives drivers convicted of drunken driving a dose of awareness to go with punishing fines and court costs could be contributing to a reduction in DUI cases here.

Local police officials also say public awareness efforts by state and local agencies could be contributing to a significant dip in DUI statistics in Hardin County.

Since the fall of 2007, all those pleading guilty to DUI charges have been required to attend a class known as the Victims Impact Program — VIP for short — in addition to paying standard fines and court costs. Through VIP, offenders pay $50 to hear stories of loss and pain from those who know it best: victims of drunken driving and their survivors.

Among those with stories to tell is Roseshell Davidson. She lost two adult children after a head-on crash in Louisville caused by a drunken driver.Davidson described the horrifying scene she found when she arrived at the crash site on Fegenbush Lane. Her daughter, Jennifer, was dead. Her son, John, was lying under a tarpaulin on the road.

“I just wanted to rub his head and tell him it was OK,” she said in a February 2008 interview. “But it wasn’t.”

According to Davidson, the driver at fault had been celebrating his birthday at a nearby bar. He passed out behind the wheel of a pickup and crossed four lanes of traffic before crashing into the car her children were in, she said.

The impact left the truck’s driver paralyzed and imprisoned, convicted of charges stemming from the wreck. He has since been released.

Years have passed, but Davidson’s pain still is apparent.“I’m still going through it,” she said. Stories like Davidson’s can have a profound impact on offenders, according to Assistant Hardin County Attorney Jenny Pitts. Seeing the impact a story such as Davidson’s can have, especially on a DUI offender, Pitts brought VIP to Hardin County two years ago. The effort is paying off in the form of public safety, Pitts said.

Since the program began, only two of the 1,137 offenders who have attended VIP have been charged with a subsequent DUI charge. That is less than a 1 percent DUI recidivism rate — an almost unheard of rate. Pitts is not shy about making the connection between it and the VIP program’s impact. “We believe that this program is impacting our community by reducing the number of repeat offenders, which in the end, will make our roads safer,” Pitts said. “We want to remind everyone who chooses to drink or who uses other drugs that impair, even if it is prescribed by a doctor, to find someone to drive them.”

Through feedback forms, Pitts said VIP attendees frequently comment on how they fail to think of how a simple choice to drink before driving can produce devastating impacts on others. For full story, click here.

Leslie County ATV Death | Second Fatality in Eastern Kentucky

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24743 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

KENTUCKY DRIVER DIES IN TRAGIC ATV ACCIDENT IN LESLIE COUNTY

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the body of a Leslie County man was found Friday morning beneath his all-terrain vehicle in a ditch in a rural area of the county, Leslie County Coroner Greg Walker said. The man was reported missing on Thursday

William Ingram, 66, apparently was driving down a steep road, and the vehicle ran off the roadway and into a deep ditch, overturning and landing on top of him, the coroner said. "It was slick up there," Walker said. "I'm sure the weather did contribute to the accident."

An autopsy was scheduled to determine whether the accident or something else caused Ingram's death. The nature of his injuries were unknown at the time of publication.

Ingram was last seen alive by a neighbor about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Neighbors and others went looking for him after he did not return home. One of the search groups found his body about 6:20 a.m. Friday. He had been dead for some time, Walker said.

Bourbon County SUV Accident | Driver Transported To Mt. Sterling, KY Hospital

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24746 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

BOURBON COUNTY, KENTUCKY MAN INJURED IN SUV ACCIDENT

Drivers of automobiles and trucks, particularly SUVs, are cautioned about dangerous highway and interstate driving conditions. Late this evening, a Bourbon County SUV wrecked in a ditch, outside of Paris, resulting in serious personal injuries to the driver. He was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.

The Kentucky State Police is again asking that drivers use caution while traveling on central Kentucky roadways due to hazardous driving conditions.

I-64 Lexington Kentucky Accident | Semi Tractor Trailer Accident Clark County

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24689 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

I-64 18 Wheeler Accident Stops Kentucky Interstate Traffic for Several Hours

Interstate 64 was blocked in Clark County near Winchester for several hours after a car clipped the front of a semi-tractor-trailer rig about 9 p.m. Thursday.

All three eastbound lanes of the interstate at the 90-mile marker, between Bluegrass Station and the 94 exit, were blocked by the rig after the accident, according to authorities.

Traffic was detoured at Bluegrass Station. Lexington police closed I-64 at the Haley Pike exit in Fayette County because of the accident, Lexington Police Lt. Scott Blakely said. The Kentucky Herald-Leader does not identify whether there were any fatalities or serious personal injuries. However, it does indicate that the weather conditions in central Kentucky are dangerous and drivers should drive with utmost caution.

Dangerous Roads on Kentucky Highways and Interstates | I-75 Experiencing Whiteout Conditions

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24694 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Central Kentucky Traffic Conditions are Dangerous:
Drivers Urged to Stay off Highways and Interstates

Fayette County officials are warning of dangerous driving conditions throughout central Kentucky during the arctic winter snow blast that has impacted the Bluegrass region. Counties such as Madison and Jessamine have salt trucks out in force trying to prevent accidents and injuries during this period. Kentucky State Police are encouraging people to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. Traffic accidents have occurred throughout the region this evening.

Kentucky Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer | 18 Wheeler Wreck Top Kentucky Story

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12094 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Five Tractor Trailer 18 Wheelers Involved in Kentucky Wreck
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky Truck Driver Involved

A blowout of a semitrailer’s right steer tire resulted in two wrecks involving five semis south of Elizabethtown on Tuesday. According to a Kentucky State Police Post 3 news release, the collisions began at 12:27 a.m. Tuesday when a tire on a New Yorker’s 2001 Mack blew at the 74 mile-marker in Hart County.

The disabled rig was slowing onto the shoulder when a Freightliner driven by another New Yorker rear-ended it, knocking a load of steel coil loose from the Mack. An Ohio trucker stopped for the coils then was struck by a Canadian’s rig.

That truck jackknifed to strike a Lawrenceburg trucker’s International that was parked on the shoulder because of the first wreck.

The New Yorker driving the Freightliner and the Canadian trucker were admitted to Hardin Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, according to KSP. The other three truckers were not seriously injured.

Police say all five drivers were wearing seat belts.

Richmond Kentucky Car Accident Attorneys | Multiple Madison County Car Wrecks

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12095 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two People Killed Outside of Richmond, Kentucky in Madison County
Separate Accidents on KY 52 Claim Lives

Two people were killed in separate accidents Monday and Tuesday along the same state highway east of Richmond.

Kentucky State Police and the Madison County Coroner responded Tuesday morning to the scene of a two-vehicle accident involving a passenger car and a pickup truck near the intersection of Concord Road and KY 52 just east of Richmond.

Coroner Jimmy Cornelison said Kayla Miller, 20, of Richmond, was killed in the accident, while the driver of the other vehicle, a man, was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.

State police did not respond to a request Tuesday for more information about the accident, which took place around 8 a.m.

Hours earlier, a two-car accident on KY 52 near Waco killed an Irvine man, Kentucky State Police said in a news release.

Joe R. Carr, 57, was killed around 9:17 p.m. Monday when he was thrown from his 2005 Dodge Magnum after it was involved in the accident.

State police say the accident occurred when a 2007 Lexus sedan driven by David Thompson, 38, of Richmond, left the right side of the road and spun back into Carr’s path as both cars were traveling east.

Carr struck Thompson head-on and both cars overturned several times before landing upside down on the side of the road, police said.

Carr, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from his vehicle during the accident and was killed. Thompson was wearing a seat belt and was uninjured.

No alcohol or drugs are suspected to be involved, and Trooper Toby Coyle is investigating the accident.

Lexington KY Wrongful Death | Kentucky Drunk Driver Accident Attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12104 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY GRAND JURY WILL REVIEW EVIDENCE OF
FAYETTE COUNTY DRUNK DRIVING DEATH

The case of a Lexington man charged with manslaughter was waived to the grand jury Thursday.

Kimiko Lavell Ogle, 29, was arrested Dec. 26 on a charge of second-degree manslaughter. Police said Ogle was driving the wrong way at Lane Allen and Harrodsburg roads a little after 9 p.m. Sept. 11 when his vehicle collided head-on with a Chevrolet. The driver of the Chevrolet, Brian D. Yanko, 49, died Sept. 16 from his injuries.

According to court records, Ogle's blood-alcohol level was .24; drivers with levels of .08 or higher are considered intoxicated.

Ogle has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge.

Lexington KY Wrongful Death | Kentucky Drunk Driver Accident Attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12105 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY GRAND JURY WILL REVIEW EVIDENCE OF
FAYETTE COUNTY DRUNK DRIVING DEATH

The case of a Lexington man charged with manslaughter was waived to the grand jury Thursday.

According to court records, Ogle's blood-alcohol level was .24; drivers with levels of .08 or higher are considered intoxicated.

Ogle has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge.

Somerset Pedestrian Death | Kentucky Wrongful Death Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24660 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY PICK-UP TRUCK AND
KILLED OUTSIDE SOMERSET, KENTUCKY

According to a report in the Lexington Herald-Leader, a pedestrian was struck and killed Wednesday night by a pickup truck in Pulaski County.

Ricky Tucker, 49, of Bronston, was walking near the highway on the westbound lane of Ky. 90 about six miles south of Somerset about 11 p.m. when he was hit by a 1993 Toyota pickup truck driven by Tabitha Bowman, 40, of Monticello, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. Tucker was taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the Pulaski County coroner.

The accident and death is under investigation. It is not known whether alcohol or drugs are involved, but the article does not suggest that any driver impairment was suspected.

Morgan County Accident Attorneys | Ambulance Crash on Highway

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24662 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

ROWAN COUNTY AMBULANCE ACCIDENT:
PATIENT FROM MORGAN COUNTY TRAPPED.

Officials were on the scene in Rowan County Thursday morning after an ambulance overturned in a culvert.

The traffic accident happened at about 10:45 a.m. On Kentucky 519. The patient in the back of the ambulance, which was from Morgan County, was trapped for short time, but has since been freed. That patient and two EMTs in the ambulance have all been taken to St. Claire's Hospital.

Officials say the EMT's, including the driver, suffered minor personal injuries, but there is no word on the extent of the injuries on the patient.

Richmond Car Wreck Attorneys | Safe Driving Tips From KSP

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12051 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

SAFE DRIVING TIPS ON KENTUCKY HIGHWAYS

State police offer winter driving tips (Richmond Register)

As the possibility of hazardous road conditions caused by winter weather increases, the Kentucky State Police are offering motorists safe driving tips.

“Winter provides new challenges and responsibilities to the public and the Kentucky State Police,” said state police Commissioner Rodney Brewer. “We ask that drivers be prepared to meet the challenges of the upcoming winter season in Kentucky.

Plan ahead, make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained, drive defensively and be sure the vehicle is properly maintained to handle the effects of cold temperatures.”

In 2008, slippery roads contributed to 15,766 crashes and 97 deaths statewide, according to state police statistics.

Lt. David Jude, commander of the state police’s highway safety branch, suggests that drivers be familiar with how their vehicle will react in snowy or icy conditions.

“Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently,” Jude said.

“If you find yourself in a skid, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. This procedure, known as ‘steering into the skid’ will bring the back end of your vehicle in line with the front,” he said.

The state police suggest preparing a vehicle emergency kit with supplies, including blankets, a cellular phone and charger, a first-aid kit, a windshield ice scraper, jumper cables, a tool kit, sand or cat litter, a flashlight, dried or canned food, a tire repair kit, waterproof matches, a compass and paper towels.

Police also recommend preparing vehicles for winter by checking antifreeze levels, adding winter windshield washer fluid, keeping the fuel tank filled to prevent ice build-up in fuel lines and filling tires to the manufacturer-recommended air pressure.

Motorists can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

Scott County Pickup Truck | Traffic Death outside of Georgetown Kentucky

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24390 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

U.S. 25 GEORGETOWN KENTUCKY ACCIDENT LEAVES ONE MAN DEAD, TWO INJURED

A Georgetown man was killed and two others were taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center after a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 25 in Scott County Saturday afternoon. Michael Sifford, 25, was driving a red Nissan Sentra northbound on U.S. 25 near Coleman Lane shortly after 4 p.m. when he apparently lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and ran into a white Dodge pickup truck traveling southbound on U.S. 25, police said.

Sifford, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. Emergency crews took him to the University of Kentucky Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

The driver of the Dodge pickup truck, Everett Glenn Rogers, 43, and a passenger, Everette Petrey, 29, both of Georgetown, were also taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for injuries. They appeared to be in stable condition, Scott County sheriff's deputies said Saturday.

Parts of U.S. 25 were closed for almost an hour on Saturday while emergency crews cleaned up the accident site.

Kentucky Plane Accident Attorneys | Somerset Commuter Plane Wrecks

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24395 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

No one injured as commuter plane hits fence at Somerset airport

No one was injured when a commuter plane's landing gear apparently malfunctioned, causing the plane to hit a fence at the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport on Saturday, officials said.

Emergency crews were called to the airport when Locair Flight 151, traveling from the Baltimore/Washington International Airport, landed shortly after 3 p.m. Somerset Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Katron said the landing gear on the plane apparently malfunctioned, making it difficult for the pilot and co-pilot to steer the plane.

The plane left the runway and came to rest against the airport's security fences. The pilot, co-pilot and one passenger were not injured, emergency crews said.

Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration are expected to arrive Sunday to conduct an investigation. The plane suffered minor damage

Hurt, Crosbie and May provides legal assistance throughout Kentucky for individuals involved in airline or airplane crashes caused by negligence. Hurt, Crosbie and May has experienced attorneys who have worked in every Kentucky jurisdiction.

Scott County Accident Update | Georgetown Car Wreck Lawyers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24396 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED AFTER SCOTT COUNTY CRASH

Posted: Jan 2, 2010 11:21 PM

WLEX 18 is reporting:

U.S. 25 in Scott County is open again about a mile north of the Fayette County line, after an accident shut it down for nearly two hours Saturday. That accident left 25 year old Michael Sifford Jr. dead, and it sent two others to UK hospital.

"I've never seen anything quite like that, it was a very violent collision," says Scott County Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Day.

The violent collision split the Red Nissan Sentra that Sifford was driving. Police say the 25 year old lost control of the car while driving north on 25.
The car collided with a white pickup truck heading south towards Lexington.

"They were both talking, both occupants of the white truck were talking to emergency responders at the scene," says Day.

But police say when paramedics arrived, they found Michael Sifford Jr. lying on the highway.

"That person was ejected onto the roadway, and upon arrival emergency crews began performing CPR, and other life-rescue efforts," says Day.

Sifford died shortly after he was taken to UK hospital. The driver of the pickup, 43 year old Everett Glenn Rogers, and his passenger,
29 year old Everette Petrey, were both injured but expected to be okay.

"It's just a very unfortunate accident we've had today on an otherwise beautiful but cold day, and it's the first of the year,
and it's an unfortunate reminder of what can happen anytime, any day," says Day.

Police are still looking into exactly what caused Sifford's car to lose control. Both the men in the pickup truck were listed in fair condition at UK hospital Saturday night.

Kentucky Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer | Tractor Trailer Wreck Top Story

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12045 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

TRACTOR TRAILER WRONGFUL DEATH AND CONVICTION
VIEWED AS TOP STORY OF 2009

Montgomery County prosecutors made history this year by convicting a commercial tractor-trailer truck owner and a garage proprietor with homicide.

In January, a 1997 Kenworth truck hauling a trailer failed to stop in time when it rounded an interstate curve and plowed into four cars, killing 49-year-old David Schreffler.

Schreffler, whose Infiniti sedan was pinned under the 37-ton rig, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Montgomery County coroner.

The state police and district attorney’s investigation revealed that the truck had been traveling across the country; on the morning of the crash it was hauling produce to New Jersey. The truck’s severely-worn brakes were deemed to be the cause of the collision.

The truck’s driver, the rig’s owner and the inspection station owner, who sold inspection stickers to the truckers without even working on the vehicle, were charged with homicide by vehicle and related offenses.

County Detective Rob Turner, the Detective Bureau’s traffic reconstructionist, said the DA’s Office spent many hours on the crash investigation. Recently, he pulled out pictures of the truck’s 10 sets of brakes laid out in a certified inspection shop.

“We spent an entire week just inspecting the brakes,” Turner said.

The Kenworth truck’s left front brakes were found to be “worn and dangerously thin,” according to court papers. As well, many brakes showed signs of overheating, scoring and improper sizing.

Inspection reports determined leaking fluid contaminated the brake linings in a rear axle. In another rear wheel, the brake lining had been heated up to such an extent, the lining had adhered to the brake shoe. The trailer’s brakes were also reportedly scored and “heat cracked.”

Days before the Jan. 23 crash, the rig’s driver, Valerijs Belovs, called his boss, Victor Kalinitchii, when he was near Chicago to complain that he had trouble getting the tractor-trailer to stop when he applied the brakes, but the owner urged him to continue on to California to pick up a load of produce.

The brakes were so bad, Belovs told investigators he resorted to using the emergency brake to attempt to slow the vehicle. Previously, the driver had been stopped by police driving the truck in Maryland, Iowa, Arizona and California, and the vehicle had been in an accident in 2008 in Kentucky.

In December, Kalinitchii, the truck’s 41-year-old owner, admitted responsibility for allowing the tractor-trailer to be driven knowing its brakes were defective. He, too, entered a plea of vehicular homicide. Besides owning the truck, Kalinitchii also owned the trucking company, First Guild Inc.

Kentucky Auto Accident Crash Attorneys | Oldham Car Wreck Attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12046 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

People who knew Sheri Howell said Tuesday they are still reeling from her Christmas weekend death in an out-of-state traffic crash.

Howell

They're also amazed her infant daughter survived.

Howell, 34, of Edgewater drove to Michigan two weeks ago to visit her father, who was in the hospital, friends said. The mother of four was driving back to Florida when she was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday in Kentucky, state police said.

Howell's 4-month-old daughter, Reyna, survived the crash uninjured. Although Howell was ejected from the car -- police said she was not wearing a seat belt -- her daughter was found safely strapped into her car seat in the back of the 2000 Chevy Blazer.

Co-workers at the Coconut Palms Beach Resort in New Smyrna Beach said Howell was a single mother of four. They said she worked at the front desk of the resort for 3 1/2 years and would be missed. They described Howell as a "strong person" who was going to school and working while trying to raise her children the "best she could."

Kentucky State Police said the crash was reported to them at 3:25 a.m. on southbound Interstate 65, about 50 miles south of Louisville.

Troopers said Howell's Blazer drifted into the center median, and she overcorrected. She swerved back across the southbound lanes. The sport utility vehicle rolled over as it swerved off the right shoulder. Howell was taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.

Lexington Kentucky DUI Accident Lawyers | Drunk Walking More Dangerous

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12047 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Experts: Drunk walking more
deadly than drunk driving

Most New Year's party-goers know better than to drive drunk as tipsy celebrations loom. What they likely don't know, traffic experts say, is that walking drunk after tying one on is dangerous, too. Jan. 1 is a deadly day for pedestrians in the United States, consistently averaging the highest number of walkers killed in motor vehicle crashes and a greater proportion of victims who are legally intoxicated.

Between 2004 and 2008, 107 pedestrians were killed in Jan. 1 crashes, said Anne Fleming, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s in addition to the 410 pedestrians killed in New Year’s Day accidents between 1986 and 2002, according to the agency’s 2005 landmark report on motor vehicle crash deaths. “Year after year, we find that it’s true,” Fleming said.

Nearly 60 percent of the fatally injured pedestrians in the report published in the journal Injury Prevention were legally drunk, posting blood alcohol levels of .08 percent or higher. Alcohol impairment is likely what accounts for Jan. 1 posting more pedestrian crash deaths than any other day, the report concludes. Halloween, another booze-soaked holiday, at least for adults, comes in a close second. But emergency room workers say the risk for intoxicated pedestrians goes beyond grim encounters with cars.

“The drunk walkers turn everyday objects into deadly weapons,” said Dr. Ryan A. Stanton, a Lexington, Ky., emergency room physician who has treated several badly injured pedestrians on past New Year’s Days.

“They trip over a crack in the sidewalk, they hit their heads on curbs and light poles,” said Stanton, who is ER medical director at the University of Kentucky Good Samaritan Hospital.

The data were extracted from Fatality Analysis Reporting System, or FARS, kept by the U.S. Department of Transportation. For comparison, more than 37,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2008, including 4,378 pedestrians.

Lexington Drunk Driving Checkpoints | Kentucky Car Wreck Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24373 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

WKYT 27 News is reporting that Kentucky State Police and Lexington-Fayette police officers will both be cruising the roads and highways this weekend with the hopes of keeping drivers safe from drunk drivers. The stepped-up enforcement is to prevent automobile accidents which result in serious personal injuries or death.

Police say they plan to spend the last day of 2009 looking for drunken and law-breaking drivers. Authorities will be doing DUI checkpoints and extra patrols. Officers will be looking for speeders, distracted driver and people not wearing seat belts.

Kentucky Hit and Run Auto Accident | I-75 Accident Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24374 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Coroner: Man found dead involved in New Year's Eve hit and run

The Fayette County Coroner says a man found dead in a Lexington field next to Interstates I-75 and I-64 is the same man police had been looking for in connection with a New Year's Eve hit and run that caused serious personal injuries. The investigation by Kentucky State Police and Lexington-Fayette Police is on-going. It is not know whether he had alcohol in his bloodstream or whether he had been driving drunk at the time of the earlier accident.

Coroner: Man found dead near interstate involved in New Year's Eve hit and run
Police investigating after body found next to interstate

Lexington Fayette Police Work Car Accident | Kentucky Wrongful Death Attorneys Receive Report

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24375 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

FIVE CAR ACCIDENT IN LEXINGTON. NO SERIOUS INJURES REPORTED Fugitive causes five-vehicle crash on Nicholasville Drive in Lexington, Kentucky. The vehicle driven by the fugitive was stolen. Car when through first intersection after running red light. No serious personal injures or deaths resulted from the dangerous driving of driver reckless attempt to flee from Lexington-Fayette Police.
Fugitive causes 5-car pileup

Lexington Personal Injury Lawyers | Physical Assault Cause Personal Injures and Medical Damages

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24376 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

LEXINGTON-FAYETTE POLICE RESPOND TO ASSAULT AND PERSONAL INJURIES

Lexington-Fayette Police are searching for a suspect involved in a home invasion.

Police were called to a home on 6658 Russell Cave Road, north of New Circle Road outside of downtown Lexington. Officers say, a man entered the home and show the female homeowner he had a knife and ordered her to get down on the floor. When the victim fought back, the man cut her face with a knife causing serious injuries.

He fled the scene after. No word on the suspect name's or description.

Hurt, Crosbie and May currently represents an injured victim who suffered serious personal injures from a home invasion. If you have been a victim, give Hurt, Crosbie and May a call to discuss any potential legal claims available.

Tanker Truck Accident | Powell County Truck Wreck Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24377 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

WYMT is reporting that a passenger car hit a tanker truck on a busy Eastern Kentucky road, sending two people to a hospital.

The crash happened Thursday afternoon on the Mountain Parkway, near the Slade exit in Powell County.

The tanker was carrying used motor oil. Police say a car was heading east, lost control, crossed the median and hit a westbound tanker truck. Fortunately, there were no deaths involved and it does not appear that the personal injuries suffered were life threatening.

The westbound lanes were closed for more than one hour.

Kentucky Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers | Deadly Accident Avoided After Police Chase

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24378 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Drunk Driver Captured By Police Before Car Crash

An Evansville man is facing a number of charges after he ran a red light in front of police and then leading them on a short pursuit early Friday morning.

According to a police report, 21-year-old Dewone Broomfield allegedly was traveling on Kentucky roads at a high rate of speed without his headlights on when he ran a red light and almost caused an car accident with police. Officers attempted to stop Broomfield, but he continued. As the car continued, officers saw “multiple objects being thrown from the driver’s side window,” according to the report. The vehicle finally came to a stop without further incident.

When officers asked Broomfield how much he had to drink he told them he’d been drinking all day and that he had just left the nightclub Icon where he had also been drinking. When officers asked him what he had been drinking he replied “everything.” According to the report, Broomfield failed all of the field sobriety tests. Police recovered 11 grams of marijuana from the vehicle as well as a Lortab pill.

Broomfield is being held on a $5,200 cash only bond at the Vanderburgh County Jail. He is facing preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and possession of a schedule III narcotic, both class D felonies; possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, dealing marijuana, both class A misdemeanors l and operating a vehicle without receiving a license and reckless driving, both misdemeanors.

If you have any information that you would like to share about this incident, please comment on the Hurt, Crosbie and May community blog.

Pike County Car Accident | Eastern Kentucky Vehicle Wreck Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24380 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

North Carolina Man Dies in Pike County, Kentucky in Tragic Car Accident

A North Carolina man died in Pike County, Kentucky Friday after the car he was riding in rolled multiple times.

53-year-old Steven Wayne Threadgill from Lexington, North Carolina was a passenger in the vehicle driven by his girlfriend. The accident happened on US 460 East near Pikeville in eastern Kentucky.

Mr. Threadgill was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt. The driver swerved to avoid a tree hanging over the eastbound lane. The vehicle overturned multiple times.

Drugs or alcohol are not suspected and charges are not expected to be filed.

Happy New Year

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23916 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Happy New Year 2010 from the attorneys and staff at Hurt, Crosbie and May. We hope that you have a wonderful and safe new year.

Kentucky Van Accident | Lexington Car Wreck Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24335 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

VAN ACCIDENT IN KENTUCKY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES TO DRIVER

A Maysville, Kentucky man was personally injured in a van accident on a rural Mason County road, Thursday.

Shortly after 12:15 p.m., emergency crews and first responders were called to a single vehicle accident off Kentucky 11 near the railroad tracks at Mill Creek Road near May's Lick.

According to Mason County Deputy Terry Fryman, John Mitchell, 35, was traveling west on Mill Creek Road when he lost control of his 2007 Chrysler minivan, which left the road and struck a tree.

Members of the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department and Maysville Fire Rescue responded to the accident, Fryman said.

Mitchell was taken to Meadowview Regional Medical Center by Maysville Fire/EMS.

According to first responders, Mill Creek Road was very muddy in places and warranted caution by other responders.

MFD Officer Mark Mains said the mud appeared to be from other vehicles, possibly a tractor tracking mud onto the road.

Kentucky Van Accident | Lexington Car Wreck Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24336 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky ATV accident attorneys | Eastern Kentucky ATV wrongful death lawyers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24337 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A teenager was life flighted after an ATV accident in Henderson County this week after crashing his vehicle into another ATV head on. The driver of the other vehicle was also a teenager. Both teens involved in accident remain hospitalized with serious personal injuries. Kentucky State Police report that the wreck occurred on KY Highway 268.

Kentucky Wrongful Death Lawyers | Lexington Kentucky Injury Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24342 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Lexington, KY Police have closed the interstate ramp from I-64 to I-75 on the "Southern Split" in Fayette County this morning following the discovery of a dead body. No other details are known at this time. Investigators will be on scene today to determine if this was a wrongful death due to the negligent or intentional conduct of the another person.

Kentucky Van Accident Attorneys | Minor injuries in Motor Vehicle Wreck

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24364 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Princeton woman and a Hopkinsville woman suffered minor personal injuries and were sent to the hospital after their motor vehicle ran off the road onTuesday evening and crashed into a ditch, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Two minor children in the van were not injured in the wreck.

The Kentucky State Police are continuing their investigation into the traffic accident.

Kentucky tractor trailer accident attorney | Lexington car crash lawyer

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12019 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky.com is reporting that there was a brief police chase in Lexington early Wednesday night ended after the suspect hit five different cars in an unsuccessful attempt to flee. No one was seriously hurt, and officers soon determined that the man they arrested already was wanted elsewhere. The man's name was not immediately released.

The case began unfolding at about 6:15 p.m. and ended soon afterward at Nicholasville Road and Zandale Drive.

According to police, an officer with the Lexington-Fayette Police Department who was getting ready to refuel his cruiser at a Speedway station noticed a car rapidly pulling out of the station. It turned out that police had just received stolen vehicle report on the car. When the officer followed, the vehicle took off, police said.

According to officers, the car ran through an intersection, colliding with one car and ricocheting into four other vehicles before coming to a stop.

Police said the man is wanted on "multiple warrants" from other jurisdictions, including Louisville. Lexington police said they also plan to add to that list, with charges of receiving stolen property and many traffic violations.

Kentucky car accident attorney | Lexington car wreck lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12025 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting that two proposals to ban texting while driving are moving forward. Driver distraction caused more than 53,000 crashes in Kentucky last year, resulting in more than 15,000 injuries and 199 deaths, according to Kentucky State Police. At least seven of those fatalities were related to cell phone use.

For years, the Kentucky General Assembly has brushed aside attempts to ban talking on cell phones while driving. Many lawmakers argue that talking isn't a distraction. But this winter, several bills have been pre-filed to prohibit texting while driving, on the grounds that anyone reading and writing clearly has stopped looking at the road.

A number of studies have shown that texting is much riskier than other distractions, such as listening to books on tape, because it occupies the drivers' hands and eyes. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute released a study in July finding that texting can make it 23 times more likely that a truck driver will crash or have a "near-crash event."

See full H-L article here.

If You Get Pulled Over on New Years Eve, Follow These Steps.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23915 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Kentucky State Police and local jurisdictions in Fayette, Scott, Madison, Clark, Bourbon and Woodford counties will be looking to prevent tragedy on our roadways tonight. They are on the lookout for drunk drivers (DUI) and are trying to protect our safety.

If you see blue lights tonight (and every night),take the following steps to make a traffic stop less stressful for both you and the police officer.

Pull the vehicle off the road.

Remain calm. Do not be argumentative.

Remain in the vehicle unless ordered out.

Turn off your engine, headlights, radio and cellular phone.

Turn on your flasher lights.

Keep both hands on the steering wheel (10 and 2 position).

Roll down the driver's side window.

Comply with the officer's requests.

Tell the officer what you want to do before doing anything.
Tell the officer where your license and registration are before retrieving them.

Mt. Sterling Accident Attorneys | Kentucky Traffic Accident Lawyers

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24304 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

WLEX 18 is reporting that a Mt. Sterling woman was killed when she was struck by a vehicle in the Stinnett community of Leslie County.

Investigators say 48-year-old Pennie Rogers was attempting to cross the highway at the traffic intersection of HWY 406 and 421 at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 30th when she was violently struck by a vehicle operated by Roger Bowling of Stinnett.

Rogers injuries were so severe that the Leslie County Coroner's Office pronounced Rogers dead at the scene.

Police say Bowling was transported to Mary Breckenridge Hospital by private vehicle. He was treated for his medical injuries and released.

Police have not filed any charges and continue to investigate.

Lexington Nursing Home Resident Sent to Hospital

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24309 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

One resident of a Lexington nursing home went to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation after a Thursday morning fire was quickly extinguished.

Fifteen other Fayette County residents of Lexington Country Place, 700 Mason Headley Road, were moved to another part of the nursing home as smoke was cleared from the facility, said Lexington Fire Battalion Chief Brent Frizzell. The fire was reported shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday. It started in Room 105 in a wall-mounted electrical heater, Frizzell said.

The fire was confined to that room and was already extinguished by a maintenance employee when firefighters arrived. However, there was smoke in the hallway outside the room, so 15 residents were moved elsewhere in the building.

The woman who was in the room was taken to a Lexington hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, Frizzell said. Three or four employees of the nursing home were checked for smoke inhalation at the scene but did not require further treatment, he said.

Increased State Police Patrols and DUI Checkpoints On New Years Eve.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24311 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky State Police will begin increased patrols Wednesday night. Police say they plan to spend the last day of 2009 looking for drunken and law-breaking drivers. In Lexington and other central Kentucky cities, increased patrols and DUI checkpoints will be utilized in an effort to stop drunk drivers before they kill innocent victims.

Officers will also be looking for speeders, distracted driver and people not wearing seat belts.

The death toll on Kentucky's roads and interstates (I-75 and I-64) is about 50 fewer than it was this time last year and authorities want to keep it that way. Increased patrols will continue through Sunday.

Lexington Personal Injury Attorneys | Kentucky Drunk Driver Accident Attorneys

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24333 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Law enforcement authorities say a woman found passed out in a stolen delivery van earlier this month registered a blood alcohol content of .708 — nearly nine times the legal limit and a possible record for the state.

Police said Wednesday that 45-year-old Marguerite Engle was found slumped over the van's steering wheel along a highway on December 1st with the highest blood alcohol content state chemists could recall was a .56. South Dakota's legal limit is .08.

Authorities say Engle missed an initial court hearing Dec. 15, but that they found her Monday in another stolen vehicle, and that she had been drinking.

She was being held on two counts of driving drunk.

Enough said. Always have a designated driver in Kentucky.

Kentucky car accident attorney | Louisville car wreck attorney

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12011 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Last year, Nicole Meredith walked away from a car accident in which she totaled her car while sending a text message to a friend. She fortunately suffered no personal injuries in the crash. In August, her story was featured in Seventeen Magazine as a cautionary tale about distracted driving.

Since then, she has been busy educating others about the dangers of texting while driving or doing any activity that can take your eyes off the road. She has shared her story on her blog and at a Kentucky distracted-driving summit Oct. 14.

In late October, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety came to her Louisville home to film a public service announcement in which the 18-year-old looks into the camera and says: “Distracted driving is deadly driving.” The television spot has aired across Kentucky, from Louisville to Lexington.

She has been asked by one company to serve as a teen advocate and is planning speaking engagements in the spring. “It's not nerve-wracking anymore,” she said. “I'm speaking from experience.”

See more in the Courier-Journal.com or contact Hurt, Crosbie and May, Lexington's personal injury attorneys.

Kentucky tractor trailer accident attorney | Lexington semi truck

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)12012 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The average semi-truck weighs about 18,000 pounds without a trailer, while an empty trailer adds about 10,000-15,000 additional pounds. If the semi is making a delivery, the vehicle most likely weighs upward of 60,000 pounds or more. On the other hand, the Kentucky manufactured, GeorgetownToyota Camry, which was 2009’s best-selling passenger car, weighs in at about 3,300 pounds. It is no surprise, then, that accidents involving large trucks and passenger cars are often devastating.

For example, in 2007, large trucks accounted for 12 percent of all driving-related fatalities. Unquestionably, of all the vehicles traversing the nation’s roads, semi-trucks have the potential to cause more damage and more serious injuries in an accident.

Two major texting laws are making the rounds in Washington, D.C. Additionally, a growing number of state laws banning or restricting mobile devices have been passed.

On top of all this, the President recently called for action on the matter. It seems that truckers will, along with the rest of us, soon fall under mobile-device restrictions and bans. Most truckers utilize onboard computers while driving. These are used to find directions and stay in contact with other truckers. With mounted monitors, keyboards on the dash or in the lap, and the ability to send and receive e-mail or browse the Web, these computers are likely to be distracting.

When it comes to banning technology, though, the trucking industry wants these computers labeled exempt. However, usage among tractor-trailer drivers according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is wide-spread and dangerous. The Institute studied truckers who used onboard computers showed that a trucker’s risk of crashing, nearly crashing or swerving outside the lane was 10 times greater if the trucker used a cab computer on the road.

Onboard computers do pose less of a threat than other mobile devices, which multiplied the risk of crashing by 23. Truckers cite the expectations of the trucking industry and their unwillingness to deviate from the tight schedules they must keep as reasons they should be allowed to use the computers. Whatever the increased risk of crashing or the usefulness of onboard technology, however, an accident involving a semi-truck and a passenger car is an uneven match.

Automobile Traffic Accident And Injury Reports Are Now Available Online.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23914 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

For those needing immediate access to their traffic and automobile accident reports, the Kentucky State Police collision reports can now be purchased electronically at www.kyonlinereports.com.

To obtain a copy of a traffic collision report in another jurisdiction, a person needs to contact the Investigating Agency. Each agency has a different dissemination procedure.

The Kentucky State Police procedure for requesting a copy of a collision report is as follows:

In addition, an authorized person may obtain a copy of a collision report, in person or by written mailed request, from the Kentucky State Police Post that worked the collision. Written requests made to the Kentucky State Police must include a self addressed/stamped envelope.

The cost of a copy of a paper collision report is $5.00 per report.

Payments submitted to the Kentucky State Police must be by check or money order made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Payment for a requested collision report must be received by the Kentucky State Police before a copy of the report will be disseminated.

Persons authorized to receive copies of a Collision Report per KRS. 189.635 include:

Parties to the accident;
Parents or guardians of a minor who is a party to the accident;
Insurers or their written designee for insurance business purposes of any party who is the subject of the report;
Attorneys of the parties

Kentucky Lawyers Will Be Mandated to Maintain Trust Accounts

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24139 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Twenty-two years after it was recommended by the American Bar Association, Kentucky next month will finally make it mandatory for lawyers to participate in a banking program that raises money for legal aid to the poor. For more on this development impacting all Kentucky attorneys, see the Courier-Journal article.

Interstate 75 Car Wreck Claims Life of Ohio Woman

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24195 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

In an accident that shut down I-75 for several hours, an Ohio woman died in a crash on in Rockcastle County on Monday night.

Donna Kamp, 80, of Warren County, Ohio, which is located south of Dayton, Ohio, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her husband, Charles Kamp. After the vehicle crashed on I-75 near Mount Vernon Monday, Donna Kamp was taken to St. Joseph Hospital-Berea, where she was pronounced dead, said Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison.

Charles Kamp was listed in serious condition at the University of Kentucky Hospital late Tuesday afternoon.

The crash caused the northbound lanes of the interstate to be shut down for a while Monday evening.

Woodford County Woman Killed in Motor Vehicle Accident

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24196 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Lexington-Herald Leader is reporting that a Versailles woman died in a crash in southern Woodford County Tuesday afternoon. The woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was driving on Cummings Ferry Road when she lost control, Versailles police said. Her identity had not been released Tuesday night.

The woman overcorrected and hit a plank fence on the left shoulder, then crossed the road and went through another fence on the other side of the road. She was wearing a seatbelt. Versailles police were called to the scene at 2:52 p.m.

Louisville Metro Corrections Officer Injured While Off-Duty Trying to Stop Shoplifter

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24199 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Courier-Journal is reporting that an off-duty Louisville Metro Corrections officer was injured when he was dragged by a car while trying to stop a shoplifter early Tuesday morning. The officer saw a suspected shoplifter shortly after midnight at the Thorntons convenience store at the corner of West Broadway and South First Street, said Pam Windsor, a corrections spokeswoman.

After confronting the suspect out in the parking lot, the officer was dragged by the suspect's car for about half a block, Windsor said. The suspect reportedly fled down the nearby ramp to southbound Interstate 65, said Louisville Metro Police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley. The officer was taken to University Hospital with bruises and abrasions, and he was released later Tuesday morning, Windsor said.

The suspect was reportedly driving a gray car, Smiley said. No arrests have been made.

FAA Cracking Down on Gulfstream and Pilot Management Issues.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24238 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Business Week, reporting through Bloomberg, outlines serious s afety concerns regarding small regional airlines, certain airplane manufacturers and the condition of airline pilots who are flying commercial aircraft. It is certainly worthwhile to review and understand how the FAA is beginning to provide greater oversight on these issues. Lexington, Kentucky along with communities in Richmond, London, Frankfort and other small towns lost numerous loved ones in a tragic crash at Bluegrass Airport and the issues set forth in this article are similar to those raised in the Comair litigation for law firms that have been representing families.

Kentucky Interstates and Highways Could Be Dangerous on New Years Eve

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24268 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Party revelers on their way to New Year's Eve celebrations should beware of possibly slick roads in Lexington and on major interstate and highway roadways. On I-75 and I-64, travelers need to be particularly careful while driving on overpasses and bridges.

The Bluegrass region from Danville to Frankfort will be experiencing unusually cold temperatures weather forecasters have been reporting. Precipitation left on roads from Wednesday evening showers will likely freeze as a cold front moves in on Thursday evening.

So, when out hitting the New Year's parties, bring in 2010 with this reminder in mind. Also, make sure that you have a designated driver if you are going to be drinking and be careful as there will be many drunks out on our roadways into the early morning hours.

Wrongful Death of Motorcyclist Could Mean Jail Term for Driver

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24269 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Rowan County grand jury indicted Brian Robinette, 39, on two counts of second-degree manslaughter in the deaths of two motorcyclists. Robinnette also was charged with one count of wanton endangerment. The indictment was returned Tuesday.

The case dates to an incident in early August, when Robinette lost control of his 1994 Camaro on Ky. 1274 in Rowan County, striking motorcyclists William Walker, 62, and Bruce Miller, 64, both of Grayson. Miller and Walker were rushed to the University of Kentucky Hospital but didn't survive. Police initially reported that Robinette, who was traveling west, ran off the edge of the roadway, overcorrected and crossed the center line, hitting the oncoming motorcyclists. Officers later said Robinette was drunk driving (DUI).

Lexington Man Criminally Charged for Driving Drunk and Causing Wrongful Death of Fayette County Citizen

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24270 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a report by the Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington-Fayette County police have filed manslaughter charges against a Lexington man involved in a traffic fatality. Kimiko Lavell Ogle, 29, was arrested Dec. 26 on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

Police said Ogle was driving the wrong way at Lane Allen and Harrodsburg roads a little after 9 p.m. Sept. 11 when his vehicle collided with a Chevrolet head on, Lexington police Lt. Doug Pape said. The driver of the Chevrolet, Brian D. Yanko, 49, died Sept. 16 from his serious injuries, Pape said.

Toxicology results from the Kentucky State Police crime lab showed that Ogle had a blood alcohol level of .24, according to court records. That's three times the level at which a driver is legally considered drunk.

Three Motor Vehicle Fatalities Over Holiday Week

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24273 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Last year there were 10 highway fatalities during the same enforcement period.

Two of the crashes involved motor vehicles and neither victim was wearing a seat belt. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Marshall and Shelby counties and the crash in Marshall involved the suspected use of alcohol and DUI. The other holiday crash involved an ATV in Pike county. The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Through Dec. 27, preliminary statistics indicate that 768 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009. This is 52 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008.Crash data for this report is generated from the Kentucky Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

Hurt, Crosbie and May represent clients who have been seriously injured in automobile accidents relating to drinking and driving.

Auto Accident Verdict: Man Found Negligent in Causing Wrongful Death.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24277 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Charlotte businessman and a Lancaster County rehab center was found negligent by a Marlboro County court in a fatal 2007 accident.

Frank Davidson, 43 and the Lancaster Recovery Center were found civilly liable by a Marlboro County jury for the deaths of 17-year old Abigail McBryde, of Raeford, 18-year old Hannah McBryde, of Wagram, and 1-year old Dale Oxendine, of Maxton, according to several media reports. An undisclosed settlement was reached.

Just weeks before the verdict, Davidson pleaded guilty to four DUI charges stemming from the wreck. He could receive up to 90 years in prison.

The accident happened around 9:20 p.m. on Jan 21, 2007, when Davidson's 2003 Mercedes Benz collided with Abigail McBryde's 2004 Dodge Neon on U.S. 15-401 about a mile north of McColl, S.C.

Hannah McBryde and Dale Oxendine died at the scene while Hannah McBryde died later in Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte. A 13-year old was also critically injured in the incident, receiving wounds to his spine. They were heading home from church.

Authorities said Davidson had cocaine in his system at the time of the accident.

214 Accidents In Only a Few Hours. Driver Negligence or Weather?

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11974 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

WHAS11 is reporting an interesting story. On Monday, December 29, 2009 several accidents were reported in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

214: That's the number of slide-offs and crashes reported to metro Louisville dispatch Sunday night. So what happened? Were people driving without caution or were the roads not prepared for a winter blast?

A steady shower of snow fell Sunday and combined with cold roads, drivers hardly stood a chance.

From 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, to 4:00 a.m. Monday morning, navigating roadways throughout Jefferson County was risky business.

"You could probably see in a month's time a thousand calls. So 200 in one night is pretty heavy," said Stephen Strong, the Operations Manager of Suburban Towing.

In that 14 hours stretch, Metro Louisville dispatch received 157 calls reporting accidents without injury; 57 calls about accidents with minor injuries; 25 reports of stranded vehicles and six reports of hit and runs.

"The crews were out, but it was that difficult black ice that a lot of folks simply had difficulty driving on, they were unaware of. It was a tough couple of hours back there," said Metro Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson.

So tough that Metro Police asked Suburban Towing for help to clear the roads.

"There were cars literally littered everywhere. The Watterson was really bad. The Gene Snyder was bad. As well as 65N. They had just multiple pile-ups everywhere. It seemed like every overpass, every off ramp... nothing had been salted, nothing had been prepared. And so it was really bad," said Strong.

But according to officials, the roads were prepared for Mother Nature's cold front. The Mayor said city crews were out salting and according to Andrew Clifford with the Transportation Department:

"We had personnel patrolling the interstates in the early evening hours. Crews began treating the roadways when temperatures started dropping below the freezing point and the precipitation began sticking to the roadways."

But all of that may not be enough.

"When you start going into your overpasses and your off ramps that are elevated, then you're going to run into a problem. That's when people are misjudging it. A lot of black ice and that's when they have their accidents," said Strong.

Prestonsburg Bus Crash Film | Kentucky Bus Wreck Attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11988 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a follow-up to earlier announcements, the Associated Press is reporting that the documentary film about the school bus crash that killed 26 children and their driver is set to debut February in Prestonsburg, near the site of the tragedy 51 years ago.

The Independent of Ashland reports the film "The Very Worst Thing" will chronicle the events and memories of the Feb. 28, 1958, crash at Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. The film includes photos and recordings made at the crash site and interviews with Martha Burchett, one of the children who escaped the bus and was rescued from the river.

The premiere of the film directed by Michael Crisp will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Kentucky State Police Provides Up-to-the-Minute Information Regarding Traffic and Roadway Conditions

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23913 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

For those traveling over the holidays, Kentucky has a fast way of learning about road and highway conditions. This information can be obtained by dialing 511 within Kentucky from your cellular phone. Outside of Kentucky, dial 1-866-737-3767.

Wave of Future? Face on Twitter after Drunk Driving Arrest.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24053 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you get arrested for drinking and driving in one Texas county this holiday week, your name may end up on Twitter.

The district attorney's office of Montgomery County has decided to post the names of those charged with driving while intoxicated between Christmas and New Year's Eve, reported ComputerWorld.

"There is definitely a deterrent effect in the potential public humiliation people may face when they get arrested for DWI," said assistant district attorney Warren Diepraam, who came up with the idea of posting the arrests on Twitter. The names will be posted to District Attorney Brett Ligon's Twitter page.

What do you think about this idea? Is it a fair deterrent? What about those who are ultimately acquitted by a jury?

Without question, many citizen believe more should be done. According to Consumer Reports in December 2008, there were 7,104 motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. with 520 of them related to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Child Safety Restraints Can Make the Difference Between Life and Death for your Child.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24087 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. Parents and caregivers are urged to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed in their vehicles to prevent injuries and deaths amongst their children. Click here to learn more.

Pike County Teen Killed on ATV

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24089 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Lexington-Herald Leader is reporting another ATV fatality on its website. A teenager from Belfry High School in Pike County died in an ATV crash Friday on Dix Fork in Sidney.

Andy Case, 18, was not wearing a helmet when the left front tire came off the machine, and it overturned and hit a tree, said Kentucky State Police Trooper Mike Goble, spokesman for the Pike state police post. Case was taken to South Williamson Appalachian Regional Healthcare hospital, where he died, police said.

Richmond Man Treated For Personal Injuries Following Robbery

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24140 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Richmond-Register is reporting that a Madison County man spent part of Christmas Eve being treated for personal injuries suffered in a robbery at gunpoint outside a Dixie Plaza home.

The man was assaulted as he attempted to leave the home after visiting overnight, said Sgt. Willard Reardon, Richmond Kentucky Police Department spokesman.

As the man went to his car, a white male opened the driver’s door and struck him in the head several times with a handgun, Reardon said. Another man then reached for the victim and took a Samsung Blackjack cellular phone and $22 in cash before the robbers fled on foot.

The robber who struck the victim was described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and had a black bandana across his face, Reardon said.

The victim suffered a laceration on the top of his head and was treated at Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center. He has since been released from the hospital and expected to recover from his personal injuries.

Man O'War Boulevard Accident Believed to be Caused by Slick Roads

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24141 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

WKYT 27 is reporting that slick roads in Lexington, Kentucky may have played a role in a crash that sent a car flying into the backyard of a Lexington home. The Ford Mustang was on Fayette County's Man O'War Boulevard near Alumni Drive when the driver says another car passed her, causing her to lose control of the car.

The car ended up in a culvert. The Mustang took out some trees and a fence. The driver suffered minor personal injuries.

New Circle Road Reopens After Van Flips on Icy Roadways in Lexington, Kentucky

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24143 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

WLEX 18 News is reporting that New Circle Road, inside Lexington, has reopened following a van accident this morning. The van was traveling in front of LexMark when it slid on a patch of ice and flipped over. No personal injuries have been reported.

Sports Deaths in 2009. Excellent Article Written by The AP News Service

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11950 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

By FRED LIEF
AP Sports Writer

From Tennessee to Georgia to Nicaragua, gunfire crackled in July. The causes differed - a romance gone wrong, a robbery botched, a self-inflicted wound - but the outcome did not. A gun was the weapon of choice, and all were dead: a former star quarterback and two ex-boxing champions.Sports in 2009 looked down the barrel of a gun. See the rest of Fred Lief's article and analysis after the jump.

Hurt, Crosbie and May Attorneys Defend Richmond City Police Officers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11957 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

From the Richmond-Register:

Attorney for officers responds to allegations

By Ronica Shannon
Register News Writer

One of two attorneys representing three Richmond police officers responded Tuesday to administrative charges filed against his clients last week.

The non-criminal charges were filed Friday by Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock against the officers who allegedly were involved in an October sexual assault case.

A record of the administrative charges is not obtainable under state law regarding open records, according to Richmond’s city attorney Garrett Fowles.

“The officers’ names and the specifics regarding these matters are and remain confidential during the pendency of any administrative proceedings,” said Scott Crosbie, attorney with the Lexington-based Hurt, Crosbie & May PLLC. “The continuation of an administrative procedure isn’t the same as, for example, a criminal charge.”

An administrative charge against a city official or city employee is handled by the city’s governmental body.

According to Kentucky Revised Statute 95.450, the Richmond City Commission “ ... shall fix the punishment of a member of the police or fire department found guilty, by a reprimand, suspension for any length of time not to exceed six months, by reducing the grade if the accused is an officer, or by combining any two or more of those punishments, or by dismissal from the service.”

The case against the three officers spawned from an October investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

The alleged victim first told deputies she was sexually assaulted by the officers, but later recanted her story. Because of this, deputies were unable to bring criminal charges against them.

However, the Richmond Police Department later conducted an internal investigation that resulted in the filing of administrative charges.

“It is unfortunate that this preliminary administrative decision was made,” Crosbie said. “It is our clients’ continued position that they have not acted inconsistent with or in violation of any administrative policy, procedure or regulation of the Richmond City Police Department. We remain confident that as this process moves forward and the decision-makers are provided with all of the facts and circumstances, our clients will be fully vindicated.”

Crosbie voiced concerns about comments made by Madison County Sheriff Nelson O’Donnell at the onset of the Sheriff’s Department’s involvement in the case.

“We remain greatly concerned by the public statements made by Sheriff Nelson O’Donnell relating to the consensual, private relationship among the parties involved,” Crosbie said. “Not only have his statements relating to on-going investigation violated the Sheriff's Office Departmental policies and Kentucky Revised Statutes, they further appear to violate the Constitutional rights of each of the individuals involved.”

O’Donnell responded Wednesday to Crosbie’s allegations.

“Mr. Crosbie will find that my integrity is in tact and has been established with the courts in Madison County for over 35 years,” O’Donnell said. “The citizens of Madison County will find that the outcome of this investigation will prove that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, nor any of its agents, have violated anyone’s constitutional rights. Furthermore, the case has been handled no differently from any other case that is investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.”

The officers also are being represented by Jim Deckard of Hurt, Crosbie & May PLLC.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Issues New Report on Workplace Injuries and Death

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11960 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Each day, U.S. workers suffer injury, disability, and death from workplace incidents. On average, 15 workers die each day from traumatic injuries.

Overall, 5,400 workers died in 2007 from an occupational injury and more than 4 million workers had a nonfatal injury or illness. In the private-sector alone every day, we see 11,500 nonfatal work-related injuries/illnesses with more than half of these injuries/illnesses requiring a job transfer, work restrictions, or time away from the jobs as a result.

Among all workers, not just the private sector, 9,000 workers are treated in emergency departments each day, and approximately 200 of these workers are hospitalized. In 2004, this resulted in an estimated 3.4 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses among civilian workers that were serious enough to be treated in hospital emergency departments.

For more current information, see this report. Or, contact Hurt, Crosbie and May in the event that you or a loved one have experienced a work-related injury.

Kentucky Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys | Lexington Insurance Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11969 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Drunken driving is one of America's deadliest crimes. Last year, 11,773 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.

That is why the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) announced today it is joining wi th sheriff's offices, police departments and the Kentucky State Police to take part in a national crackdown on impaired driving - Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

"Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive, if you are driving impaired, you will be arrested. No exceptions. No excuses," said KOHS Executive Director Chuck Geveden. "Officers will be out in force statewide conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and using undercover officers to get more drunk drivers off the road-and save lives that might otherwise be lost."

In Kentucky last year there were more than 5,000 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 2,754 injuries and 160 deaths. Twenty fatalities - eight involving alcohol - occurred during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

"Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state, yet we continue to see far too many people suffer debilitating injuries and loss of their loved ones as a result of impaired driving," said Boyd Sigler, director of the KOHS Division of Highway Safety Programs. "This careless disregard for human life must stop."

Geveden said drunken driving is simply not worth the risk. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant," said Geveden. "Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses."

Sigler wants all motorists to do what is necessary to protect themselves against a drunk driver. "Both drivers and passengers must realize that seat belts are the single most important safety device in the vehicle," said Sigler. "Not only is it the law, it is your best defense against injury and death."

The Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. impaired driving crackdown is a deterrence program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It combines high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.

This December's effort is supported by $7.5 million in national advertising to help put everyone on notice that if they are caught driving impaired, they will be arrested.

If you see a person operating a vehicle while impaired, please call your local law enforcement agency or the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.

Federal Government Cracks Down on Distracted Drivers Using I-Phones, Blackberries.

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11970 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Leading the call for a cultural shift in how Americans view safe driving, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today challenged over 250 safety experts, industry representatives, elected officials and members of the public to help put an end to distracted driving. The Secretary's call to action kicked off a two-day Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, DC that will highlight the under-recognized dangers of distracted behavior behind the wheel.

“Every single time someone takes their eyes or their focus off the road - even for just a few seconds - they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” said Secretary LaHood. “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.”

Secretary LaHood today announced new research findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that show nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. On any given day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.

Across the board, federal researchers who have directly observed drivers of all ages found that more and more people are using a variety of hand-held devices while driving – not just cell phones, but also iPods, video games, Blackberrys and GPS systems. In particular, cell phone use for talking and texting is now more prevalent on our nation's roads, rail systems and waterways, carrying a dangerous potential for accidents.

Cell phones and texting are now the primary means of communication for many people, especially young adults. NHTSA’s research shows that the worst offenders are the youngest drivers: men and women under 20 years of age.

“We now know that the worst offenders are the youngest, least experienced drivers,” said Secretary LaHood.

Kentucky's Highway Death Toll in mid-December

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23912 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

As of December 23, 2009, there have been 762 traffic-related fatalities in Kentucky. This is a positive trend considering that there were 798 deaths on Kentucky roadways during the same period in 2008 and an even greater number of 846 in 2007. Yet, there is still more that can and should be done to prevent tragedy on Kentucky roadways. If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, contact an attorney at Hurt, Crosbie and May for an evaluation of your case.

Breaking News: Kentucky State Police Are Forced to Shoot Suspect who stole Police Cruiser

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24009 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Herald-Leader Staff Report

Kentucky State Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a Tennessee man on Friday by two police officers in Hardin County.

According to police, Thomas Everett, 39, of Elizabethton, Tenn., was shot after he brandished what officers believed was a pistol at two Radcliff police officers.

KSP spokesman Trooper Bruce Reeves said Saturday that investigators now say the pistol was a fake weapon. Police in Vine Grove started pursuing Everett after getting a report that he and his girlfriend failed to pay a bar bill. Police said he crashed his car and then stole a police cruiser. Reeves said as he sped away in the cruiser, Everett struck a police officer, who suffered minor injuries. Police followed him to John Hardin High School where he stopped the car after getting a flat tire.

Ford Worker suffers catastrophic, ultimately fatal injuries while working at Ford Plant

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24010 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Associated Press | Courier-Journal Reporting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The girlfriend of a Ford Motor Co. maintenance worker who died after an accident at the Kentucky Truck Plant says he was cutting a steel joist with a torch when the joist fell on his head and neck.

Rhonda Scott told The Courier-Journal on Sunday that her boyfriend, 54-year-old Ronald S. Cassady of Louisville, had been a lifelong millwright.

Deputy Jefferson County Coroner Jim Wesley said Cassady was pronounced dead Saturday morning at University Hospital of multiple blunt force injuries.

The Kentucky Truck Plant, which employs more than 4,000 workers, makes the Ford F250-F550, Super Duty, Lincoln Navigator, and the Expedition, according to the Ford Web site.

Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans said the plant was down for maintenance and construction at the time of the accident, which she said is under investigation by the company and the workers' union, United Auto Workers Local 862.

Evans said Cassady was a 16-year veteran of the plant, which is one of two Ford factories in Louisville.

Former UAW Local 862 President Lewis Sexton said the on-the-job death was the first for a UAW worker at either of Louisville's two Ford factories since the mid-1970s.

Dick Brown, a spokesman for the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, said a state occupational safety and health inspector went to the truck plant Sunday to investigate.

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

State with laws which prohibit or ban texting while driving

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24011 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Here are states with laws restricting cell phone use while driving:

- Require hands-free devices while using cell phones: California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington plus the District of Columbia.

- Prohibit bus drivers from using cell phones: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia plus the District of Columbia.

- Ban text messaging behind the wheel: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Conneticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Washington plus the District of Columbia.

In addition, Governor Steve Beshear has just recently announced regulation s relating to texting and use of official government vehicles.

As fans return from UK Bowl Game, more than 200 accidents have been reported due to icy roads.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24012 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Icy roadways, including I-75 and I-64 are making roads dangerous for drivers returning from the UK Bowl Game against Clemson. The road conditions do not appear to be approving as of yet. As a result, the insurance company adjusters will be busy tomorrow attempting to settle personal injury and property damage claims.

Shelby County Truck Crash kills Truck Driver and Sends Driver of Automobile to Hospital with Injuries

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24013 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to WHAS, a Finchville, Kentucky man is dead and a Louisville man is in the hospital after a crash in Shelby County, Kentucky. It happened around 7:30 Saturday night on Fisherville road.

Police say 28-year-old Dennis Murphy Junior lost control of his truck, struck a tree head-on. He was thrown from the truck as a result from this he died from his injuries.Another car driven by Calvin Hall of Louisville hit the back of Murphy's truck. Hall was taken to University Hospital where he is expected to recover.

December Is Federal Drunk Driving and Driving Impairment Month

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24049 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Citing the dangers posed by drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, President Barack Obama has proclaimed December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month' Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, announced on December 10, 2009.

“During this holiday season, we must all be especially vigilant in protecting our families, friends, and neighbors from drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” the President said in the proclamation.

“Although we have succeeded in decreasing the number of drunk drivers in recent years, we have seen a disturbing increase in Americans driving under the influence of drugs,” the President said. “Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs poses the same risks as drunk driving, and we must do more to stop this growing epidemic.”

The recently released National Roadside Survey, conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, showed that 16 percent of nighttime drivers on weekends tested positive for drug use. During the daytime hours, about 11 percent of motorists tested positive.

The survey showed that the drugs most commonly used by nighttime drivers were marijuana, cocaine, and prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

“Drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory,” said Director Kerlikowske. “These effects can be dangerously magnified when the drugs are also consumed with alcohol, even in cases where a driver’s blood alcohol level is below legal limits.”

New Technology Makes Drunk Driving Checkpoints Less Effective

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24055 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Studies have found sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes because they create awareness about the risk of arrest. But some public-safety officials say that message might be lost on the group most at risk — young drivers.

Trying to elude arrest for drunken driving, young people use technology to keep each other informed about the location of sobriety checkpoints. Tools include Twitter, text messages and an iPhone application specifically designed to identify checkpoints.

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any legal remedy to prohibit such "Paul Revere" activities between teenagers. This will continue to be a problem in Kentucky without any clear solution. Drunk drivers should simply stay off of our highways and roadways and leave the texting at home.

Kentucky Highways (I-75 and I-64) Rank in Top 10 in United States

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24056 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky's state highway system ranks among the Top 10 in the nation for efficiency and cost effectiveness.

According to the Reason Foundation's 18th Annual Highway Report, only North Dakota, New Mexico, Kansas, South Carolina, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota and Georgia provide taxpayers a better road system than the Bluegrass.

The results of the study are based on data recorded between 1984 and 2007 and reported in 2007. North Dakota continues to have the nation's most efficient state-owned highway system. The study also found that more than 50 percent of all state-owned highways across the country are congested and 25 percent of bridges are deficient or functionally obsolete.

Cincinnati Bengals' Cheerleader Sues for Defamation

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24063 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a Courier-Journal article, a Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader who also works as a school teacher in northern Kentucky is suing a gossip Web site for libel over a posting that she says falsely claims she was exposed to two venereal diseases. For more on this developing story, go to Courier-Journal.com.

Multiple Accidents on I-75 including Tractor-trailer accident outside of Lexington.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24064 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Multiple crashes occured on Kentucky roads Sunday night after ice formed on Interstate 75. Several crashes in Fayette County caused injuries. An 8-vehicle crash happened near Exit 108 on I-75 North around 11 p.m. One of the vehicles was a Greyhound bus. 10 people were injured, including at least 2 on the bus. The crash had I-75 North shut down.

In one crash, a tractor-trailer jack-knifed, striking a passenger car. In another incident, a driver was crossing a bridge in the same area and slid into a Sheriff's Deputy's vehicle. At least a dozen crashes occured in Scott County Sunday night as well.

Within a 7-mile stretch of I-75, emergency responders scrambled to help all of the drivers who had crashed after losing control on the roads. Road crews are working on putting salt down to make the roads safer.

Investigators investigate Catastrophic Interstate Crash on I-75 Near Mt. Vernon

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24083 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Interstate 75 is back open tonight after being closed for a short time at mile marker 69 near the Mt. Vernon exit in Rockcastle County. Witnesses say an SUV crashed and caught fire sending two people to the hospital. The fire was caught on tape by a WLEX 18 viewer who says there was also several explosions. Police continue to investigate.

UPDATE: Cincinnati Bengals' Cheerleader Defamation Suit | WLEX Reports

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24084 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

WLEX-18 is reporting that a Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader who also works as a school teacher in northern Kentucky is suing a gossip Web site for libel over a posting that she says falsely claims she was exposed to two venereal diseases. The woman, identified in court records as "Jane Doe," said the posting on the Web site thedirty.com is libelous and was posted online to hurt her reputation. The Web site doesn't use her full name but mentions both of her jobs. The posting, dated Dec. 7, 2009, and headlined "The Dirty Bengals Cheerleader," identifies the woman by her first name and last initial, says she's a teacher in northern Kentucky, claims her ex-boyfriend cheated on her with more than 50 women, contracted chlamydia and gonorrhea and likely gave it to her as well.

Underneath the post and photo, 90 people had left comments, some sexual in nature and others supportive of the woman. The woman's attorney, Eric Deters of Independence, said the rumors posted on the site aren't true, but co-workers have asked about them. Deters said the posting has not cost the woman her job nor her cheerleading spot with the "Ben-Gals" but it has been a source of embarrassment. See WLEX for continuing updates.

Kentucky Drunk Driver Laws: A Quick Summary.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)24086 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

LEGALLY DRUNK IN KENTUCKY:

Non-commercial drivers age 21+ are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or more.
Drivers of commercial vehicles are legally drunk when their blood alcohol concentration is .04 percent or greater. Under Kentucky law, school bus drivers are commercial drivers.
Drivers under 21 are legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .02 or more.

PENALTIES:

Punishment for first-time offenders is a term of imprisonment of 48 hours to 30 days. First-time offenders must also pay a fine ranging from $200 to $500. The driver’s license revocation period is 30 to 120 days.
Those who commit a second offense within five years face seven days to six months in a county jail. They must also pay a fine ranging from $350 to $500. The driver’s license revocation period is 12 to 18 months.
Those who commit a third offense within five years face 30 days to one year in a county jail. They must also pay a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000. The driver’s license revocation period is 24 to 36 months.
For a fourth or subsequent conviction within five years, the offender faces a prison term of one to five years and a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The driver’s license revocation period is five years.
Greater Mandatory Minimum Prison Terms if an “Aggravating Circumstance” is Present
If an “aggravating circumstance” is present, the mandatory minimum prison term will be increased. “Aggravating circumstances” include speeding in excess of 30 miles per hour above the speed limit; operating a vehicle in the wrong direction on a limited access highway; operating a vehicle that causes an accident that results in death or serious physical injury; operating a vehicle with a BAC of .18 or above; refusing to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test; and operating a vehicle while transporting a passenger under 12 years of age.

Accident Reconstruction Experts Will Utilize Computer Simulation in Bengals' Henry Investigation

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11909 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Based on a recent article in the Examiner.com, investigators will utilize accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of Bengals' wide receiver Chris Henry's death to determine if his fiancee should be charged criminally. The use of computer simulations is becoming a standard for accident investigators in these types of incidents.

Lexington Herald-Leader Editorial Addresses Texting and Driving

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11936 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hurt, Crosbie and May attorneys have supported the enactment of additional safeguards in Kentucky to penalize individuals who allow their personal distractions to cause serious injuries and, possibly, death on Kentucky highways. For more information, click here.

Nurse Receives Appropriate Jail Sentence After Deadly Mixture of Drugs and Alcohol Found in Her System

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23981 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

WTVQ is reporting that the woman who pleaded guilty to running over a man as he crossed a busy Lexington street two years ago has been sentenced.

Sheila Whitler's attorney asked the judge for probation. But judge Pamela Goodwine argued Whitler, who is a nurse, should have known better than most people what the effects of combining drugs and alcohol can do.

Whitler, who pleaded guilty last month to second degree manslaughter and driving under the influence, could have received a maximum of ten years in prison for running over John Vice, 31, who was on his way to work as he crossed the intersection of Man O' War Boulevard and Lyon Drive that morning in November of 2007.

Whitler's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the accident. She also had a combination of prescription drugs in her system.

FAA Opens New Safety Prevention Office

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23997 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The FAA has placed a much greater emphasis on accident prevention in recent months. As part of a strategy to reduce emerging aviation risks using national safety data, the agency’s Office of Aviation Safety is staffing a new Accident Investigation and Prevention Service that integrates the work of the Offices of Accident Investigation and Safety Analytical Services. Here is the link announcing this change

Probe of Airline Safety Following Jamaica Crash | Wall Street Journal Article

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23999 — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal provides excellent insight into the role of investigators evaluating the crash of the U.S. airplane in Jamaica. The focus of the article relates to how investigators are trying to unravel what happened. The investigators are poised to dig into the training history and actions of the pilots, as well as some previously identified safety deficiencies at the airport.

Bus Crash Subject of Documentary Film | Kentucky Bus Crash Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11896 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

More than 50 years later, the 1958 school bus crash in Floyd County that killed the driver and 26 children remains one of the worst of all time.

For the last year, local film maker Michael Crisp has been turning the tragic story into a documentary for the big screen. The film is called "The Very Worst Thing."

On Feb. 28th, 1958 the bus carrying 48 students went off the road, down an embankment and into the Big Sandy River. 22 students made it safely to shore, while 26 others and the bus driver died.

Crisp gave LEX 18 an exclusive sneak peak of the final cut of the film. It will premiere early next year and is described as a new look at a dark part of Kentucky history.

The film examines how the crash could have happened, it's impact on the small eastern Kentucky town of Prestonsburg and offers chilling tales of survival.

It features the first-ever on-camera interview with a survivor of the crash.

The movie premiers at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19th at The Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Crisp is also working on a Lexington showing at the downtown Kentucky Theatre.

Lexington Kentucky Justice Lawyers | Frankfort Financial Injury Attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11901 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky Law Firm Hurt, Crosbie and May involved in litigation against International Gambling Websites seeking multi-million dollar recovery.

Kentucky Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys | Lexington Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11908 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Christmas holiday traffic accident sends several people to local hospitals in Ohio after a pickup truck crashes into a nativity scene. One person died in the accident and several people suffered serious personal injuries.

Richmond, Kentucky Nursing Home Receives Second Worst Rating in United States

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23909 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Richmond nursing home where a hidden video camera caught nursing aides abusing an elderly resident last year is the second worst performing nursing home in the country—and the worst in the state—the U.S. Government Accountability Office said in early December.

The GAO, which provides oversight of federal agencies for Congress, said that of the 10 Kentucky nursing homes on a national list of poor performers, nine scored below the national median.

The specific rankings were based on December 2008 information that included deficiencies found in the facilities' three prior federal surveys, investigations of complaints and revisits, according to GAO officials.

I-75 Finally Reopens after Truck Accident on Christmas Day

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23965 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Interstate 75 reopens after being closed on Christmas Day following near tragic truck and trailer accident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Ohio investigators worked the accident scene for several hours to determine the cause for the incident.

Second Christmas Day Accident Closes I-75. Two-Vehicles Involved, But No Serious Injuries.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23966 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

I-75 reopens after second major automobile crash on Christmas Day. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Elderly Pike County Man Struck By Driver Charged With Driving Drunk

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23969 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 92 year-old Pike County resident out for shopping trip prior to Christmas was allegedly struck and run-over by drunk driver. WKYT-TV reports that he suffered serious personal injuries and was transferred to the University of Kentucky Hospital. Both the driver and passenger of the vehicle were charged.

Drunk Driver Leads Police on Wrong Way Pursuit on I-64 in Scott County, Kentucky

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23970 — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Police say a drunk driver led them on a chase going the wrong way on Interstate 64 (I-64). Law enforcement officers from the Versailles Police Department finally pulled the car over in the westbound lanes near the Scott County line. Police used their cruisers to stop the car and turn it in the right direction The suspect's name hasn't been released

Airliner Splits in Two After Overshooting Runway

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11876 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 150 people onboard an American Airlines flight to Jamaica were lucky to be alive Wednesday after their rain-drenched plane ripped apart and skidded within 15 feet of collapsing into the roiled waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The jet, carrying 154 passengers and crew on a late-night flight from Miami, slid across a runway in Jamaica's capital in heavy rain after it crash-landed Tuesday, injuring more than 40 people.

A team of investigators from the National Federal Transportation Board

is traveling to Jamaica to help investigate into the crash. Panicked passengers screamed and baggage burst from overhead bins as Flight 331 from Miami careened down the runway in Kingston, one passenger said.

The impact cracked the fuselage, crushed the left landing gear and separated both engines from the Boeing 737-800, airline spokesman Tim Smith said.

Crews evacuated dazed and bloodied passengers onto a beach from a cabin that smelled of smoke and jet fuel, passengers said. Rain poured through the plane's broken roof, one said.

Some 44 people were taken to hospitals with broken bones and back pains and four were seriously hurt, airport and Jamaican government officials said. American Airlines said two people were admitted to the hospital and nobody suffered life-threatening injuries.

Heavy turbulence on the way to Jamaica had forced the crew to halt the beverage service three times before giving up, Pilar Abaurrea of Keene, New Hampshire, told the AP

by phone. The pilot warned of more turbulence just before landing but said it likely wouldn't be much worse, she said.

"All of a sudden, when it hit the ground, the plane was kind of bouncing. Someone said the plane was skidding and there was panic," she said.

U.S. investigators will analyze whether the plane should have been landing in such bad weather, Smith said, adding that other planes had landed safely in the heavy rain.

One passenger told NBC's "Today" that the plane began to skid upon landing and "before I knew it, everything was black and we were crashing."

"Everybody's overhead baggage started to fall. Literally, it was like being in a car accident. People were screaming, I was screaming," she said.

"There was smoke and debris everywhere," after the plane halted, she said. "It was a mess. Everybody could smell jet fuel."

Passenger Robert Mais told The Gleaner newspaper of Jamaica that he had heard the engine's reverse throttle but that the plane didn't seem to slow as it skittered down the runway.

The plane came to a halt about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) from the Caribbean Sea and passengers walked along the beach to be picked up by a bus, Mais said. Rain came through the roof of the darkened jet and baggage from the overhead compartments was strewn about the cabin, he said.

The plane originated at Reagan National Airport in Washington and took off from Miami International Airport

at 8:52 p.m. and arrived in Kingston at 10:22 p.m. It was carrying 148 passengers and a crew of six, American said. The majority of those aboard were Jamaicans coming home for Christmas, Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz said.

Smith said there were two "significant" cracks in the fuselage, and the engines are designed to separate from the wings during an accident as a safety measure.

The airport reopened early Wednesday after officials had delayed flights because of concerns that the plane's tail might be hindering visibility.

State Police Increasing Enforcement Efforts over Holidays

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11887 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

December in the Bluegrass is filled with joyous occasions, family tradition and festive events celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve. Many of these holiday gatherings will include the consumption of alcohol, lending way to the potential for impaired drivers on Kentucky roadways.

Every year, law enforcement officials make a plea to those who drink to stay off the roads. Statistics show that the holiday season has the greatest incidence for crashes involving alcohol.

The Kentucky State Police will be participating in the "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" impaired driving enforcement campaign sponsored by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.

The official holiday enforcement period begins Thursday at 6 p.m. and extends through Sunday.

"Life is too precious to be lost in a senseless tragedy that causes indescribable hardship," said Rodney Brewer, KSP commissioner. "KSP has a ‘no-tolerance’ policy. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will go to jail."

No warnings or second chances will be given, Brewer said. Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 will result in an immediate arrest, even for a first offense.

Brewer said KSP will increase road patrols and operate safety checkpoints statewide during the holiday period cracking down on drunk drivers.

Lt. David Jude, Commander of the Highway Safety Branch urges friends and family members to take the keys away from anyone who consumes alcohol and arrange for them to be driven home.

"We know there are going to be holiday celebrations and office parties this time of year where alcohol will be consumed, so your best bet is to always designate a sober driver before the parties begin," Jude said.

"In my experience, a lot of people who get behind the wheel of a car, and had the proverbial ‘two beers,' honestly don't believe they're intoxicated," Jude added. "They don't believe they have consumed enough alcohol to reach the presumptive level of .08, but in fact, they have."

"In 2008, KSP made 29,064 DUI arrests in the Commonwealth," remarked Jude. "We need every citizen’s help to keep impaired drivers off the road."

Airplane Crash on Christmas Day.

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11893 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Courier-Journal is reporting that one person was killed in a small passenger plane in Western Kentucky on Christmas Day.

Eastern Kentucky Car Wreck Attorneys | Berea Truck Crash Lawyer

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11894 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Rock slide nearly resulted in tragic fate for driver and passenger of automobile. Although rocks slid into vehicle, they avoided death and serious injuries after guardrail stops car from going over embankment.

Lexington Hit and Run on Christmas Morning.

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11895 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Pick-up Truck Discovered Overturned in Rowan County; Driver Killed.

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11897 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Elderly man killed outside of Lexington in Rowan County He was driving his pick-up truck which somehow crashed and overturned in creekbed. Details and investigation by Kentucky law enforcement is continuing.

Crosbie Named "Rising Star" By Lexington Young Professionals

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11899 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky personal injury lawyer named as "Rising Star" by Lexington Young Professional Association.

Lexington Prosecutor Ray Larson has Good Natured Laugh with Candidates

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11900 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Fayette County Attorney, Ray Larson, enjoys poking fun at Lexington Mayoral Candidates including Hurt, Crosbie and May Attorney Scott Crosbie. See link.

Hurt, Crosbie and May Attorney Retained to Represent County against Jailor

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11902 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hurt, Crosbie & May Attorney Jim Deckard has been retained to provide legal advice to the Barren County, Kentucky Fiscal Court.

Hurt, Crosbie and May Involved in Ground-Breaking Litigation Important to Consumers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11903 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Hurt, Crosbie and May Attorneys Bill Hurt and Bill May have been working with the Kentucky Governor's Office and Kentucky Justice Cabinet in major litigation involving hundreds of international defendant corporations.

Hurt, Crosbie and May Attorney Matt Malone Retained in Potential Action

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11904 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If Santa Delivered a new ATV, Make Sure You Understand Kentucky Laws.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23908 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Did Santa Deliver an ATV under your Christmas Tree. Here is what you need to know

Laws vary from state to state, only your local Department of Motor Vehicles can give you definitive information.

Street legal ATV riding will also have limits on how and where you can ride on the road.

A street legal ATV would need to be road worthy including turn signals, headlights, brake lights and a rear view mirror. A minimum ride height may also be required.

Proper licensing, registration, insurance and paperwork is not optional for ATVs. In fact obtaining an insurance quote may prove to be a frustrating experience.

Kentucky laws are less restrictive than some states, but be sure that you review the Rules of the Road before testing out that new ATV in your subdivision.

Helmets save lives!
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Kentucky State Government Bans Texting While Driving

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11731 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Governor Beshear Takes Initiative to Ban Texting While Driving | December 16, 2009

Governor Beshear issued an Executive Order today that prohibits Kentucky state employees who are operating official, state vehicles from using their cell phone or other PDA devices to text while driving. This will likely be the first of several initiatives from the executive and legislative branches to educate Kentucky drivers on the dangers of caused by distracted operators of motor vheicles.

Letcher County Miner Dies in Roof Collapse Wrongful Death Issue Being Investigated

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11735 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kentucky 6th coal mining related death occurred in Letcher County Kentucky. Phillip Newton, age 34, of Thorton, Kentucky, died when the roof collapsed at the Sapphire Coal Mine where he was working. The Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing will investigate.

3rd Major Lawsuit Filed Against Lexington-Fayette County Detention Center

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11812 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Mayor Jim Newberry on Saturday called for an independent investigation into management and personnel policies at the Fayette County Detention Center, which faces a spate of lawsuits alleging harassment, sexual discrimination or retaliation by male employees. Newberry's announcement came two days after the most recent suit was filed by corrections officer Tanya Newcomb, who alleged that her supervisor, Capt. Dwight Hall, retaliated against her for filing a complaint about a warning he gave her in 2006.

Newcomb's complaint also described a "sexually hostile atmosphere" at the detention center — a theme that arose in a previous lawsuit brought by a female corrections officer in November. A witness in that lawsuit told the Herald-Leader on Saturday that she saw a male supervisor physically harass the female officer. And a third female officer alleged in a lawsuit in January that she was stripped of her rank and placed on leave by Ron Bishop, director of the Division of Community Corrections, after raising questions about issues at the jail.

The city's law department told Newberry the two previous situations were unrelated to each other.But Newberry, in a news release issued Saturday afternoon, said in light of the third complaint, "I think we need an independent agency to take a look at employment practices at the jail." The FBI also has been investigating allegations that corrections officers abused the civil rights of some inmates in the jail since at least January 2006, which was before Newberry took office. The investigation Newberry is calling for will cover all levels of personnel from the actions of top brass to policies governing jail officers, said Susan Straub, the mayor's spokeswoman.

Bishop said in an interview he welcomed the investigation and would fully cooperate. He said he didn't sense his job is in jeopardy. "Yes, it will be a top-to-bottom review, but I don't feel I'm on the hot seat," he said. "But when you're the head of an agency, you're accountable for anything that happens there, and I accept that responsibility."Bishop said he couldn't address the specific allegations in the lawsuits. And no new policies have been put in place because rules already exist to discourage discrimination and harassment in the workplace, he said.

Until now, Newberry has remained largely quiet about the lawsuits, citing the sensitive legal nature of the cases. Newberry is expected to select an organization to conduct the review this week. Straub said the inquiry could be conducted by a law firm or a government watchdog group that specializes in corrections issues. Several Urban County Council members, including At-Large Councilwoman Linda Gorton and 2nd District Councilman Tom Blues, said they think the time is right for an investigation. Vice Mayor Jim Gray said he wanted the mayor to consult with the council "about the scope of the independent study so it examines root causes as well as symptoms.".

In addition to Newcomb's lawsuit filed Thursday, a complaint brought by Charlotte Trotter last month also alleges misconduct by male employees at the jail. Trotter alleged in her suit that Maj. Michael Korb grabbed his crotch and yelled "you know you want this." Former Fayette County Detention Center corrections officer Beth Despain said in an interview Saturday she saw the alleged harassment of Trotter and will testify in Trotter's civil case. Despain said she told human resources officials about the event in October and was fired Dec. 4 after jail officials learned she was having a relationship with a supervisor and had sent him several "inappropriate e-mails" on her government e-mail account. Bishop said he couldn't address issues brought in Trotter's lawsuit. But he confirmed Despain and the supervisor with whom she was having a relationship were fired. He said multiple "offenses that are so egregious" led to the terminations, although he declined to give further details.

Towing Company's Alleged Negligent Driver is Subject of Richmond, Kentucky Lawsuit.

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11848 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

As reported by the Richmond Register, a towing company has been sued by an individual who heen asked to assist a tow truck operator with a towing cable. Based on the overview of the lawsuit, the individual was requested to pull a towing cable for purposes of attaching to a stuck truck. However, the trucking company employee allegedly failed to exercise "ordinary care" and retracted the cable before it was attached to the truck.

Western Kentucky Car Crash Leads to Criminal Charges

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11888 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

MURRAY, Ky. -- Kentucky State Police say a Western Kentucky man has been charged with complicity to commit murder after a body was found in the remnants of a car crash.

Trooper Dean Patterson says 31-year-old Jayson Workman was charged Wednesday night in the death of 23-year-old Herbert Donald Scandell of Murray.

State police say they found Scandell's body in the back of a car that drove into a creek bed near Murray on Wednesday afternoon. Patterson says after removing Workman and a 21-year-old woman, they found Scandell with stab wounds to his chest, neck and back.

The woman, who had not been charged as of Thursday morning, was at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville with serious injuries from the collision. Jayson Workman was in the Calloway County Detention Center on Thursday.

State police say the investigation is continuing

Kentucky tractor trailer accident attorney | I-75 truck accident attorneys

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11889 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

HUNTINGTON -- A three-car accident along U.S. 60 near the 29th Street-Interstate 64 interchange sent at least one person to the hospital.

According to a Cabell County 911 dispatcher, three cars were involved in an accident around 4:55 p.m. Wednesday in the westbound lanes.

He said traffic was briefly shut down while patients were treated and cleanup could start. A squad transported at least one, he added.

Because of the time of the accident, traffic was backed up around the area.

Popular Scott County Gospel Singer Dies in Car Wreck

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11890 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Roger Barkley, 61, a popular Scott County minister and gospel singer, died Tuesday night from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle accident on Long Lick Pike. Barkley was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Scott County Sheriff's deputies responded to the accident at 9:39 p.m. The sheriff's office reported that Barkley's 1990 Ford F-150 truck crashed into a large tree adjacent to the road.

Barkley was treated at the scene by Georgetown-Scott County Emergency Medical Service and Scott County Fire Department personnel. He was later transferred by ambulance to Lexington, Kentucky hospital.

Tragedy Avoided in Louisville. Father Allegedly Twice Legal Limit Viewing Light Display.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23907 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

One man took the holiday celebration a little too far on Tuesday night, driving drunk through the Louisville Zoo’s MEGA Cavern Lights Under Louisville display with five children in his vehicle.

Fortunately, it appears that tragedy was avoided in Louisville over the holidays. Clinton Davis was driving through the Christmas light display under the Louisville Zoo when other drivers told off-duty police officers working the event he was driving erratically.

According to Louisville-Metro Police, Davis’ car was swerving and even took out a few light displays. It was further reported that five children were in the car with him, three of whom were his. The off-duty officers stopped Davis, who blew nearly twice the legal limit during a field sobriety test, and arrested him shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday

This year was the first year people were allowed to drive their own vehicles inside the cavern to see the holiday lights, which featured 35 displays. Hurt, Crosbie and May hopes that everyone uses a designated driver during the holiday season.

Insurance Information Institute Releases Top Nine Car Insurance Tips

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23848 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Time to consider new car insurance? Here are some valuable comparison tips and ideas on how to get the lowest rate. Remember to ensure that you have adequate underinsured and no-fault coverage under any policy of coverage. It is important to know that you have sufficient insurance protection in case of a car, truck or motorcycle wreck in Kentucky, particularly, if you are seriously injured.

First Major Multi-Car Accident of Holiday Closes Interstate

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11846 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to reports from the Courier-Journal, I-65 has reopened after a multiple car accident.

Southbound Interstate 65 was closed early Tuesday afternoon at Eastern Parkway following an injury accident.

The southbound lanes were closed for a couple hours after the accident, which involved five vehicles, according to a Trimarc report. Police cleared the scene around 7 p.m., according to MetroSafe Communications.

One person was transported to University Hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, according to a MetroSafe Communications supervisor.

Please drive carefully over the holidays and always call a designated driver if you have had too much to drink.

Department of Transportation Releases New Action Plan on Motorcoach Safety Issues

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11850 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

In early November 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation released its Motorcoach Safety Action Plan which lays out concrete steps for improving motorcoach safety across the board. The action plan addresses major safety issues such as driver fatigue and inattention, vehicle rollover, occupant ejections and oversight of unsafe carriers.

While motorcoach travel is a very safe mode of highway transportation in the United States, carrying 750 million passengers annually, an average of 19 motorcoach occupants are killed in crashes each year according to data collected by DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Three Days of Shopping Left

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23785 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

With only a few days of shopping left, many of you may feel like there is no perfect gift for someone you love. One idea is to give a gift in memory or in honor of a friend, family member or loved one. Hospice of the Bluegrass plays such an important role to so many central Kentucky families who are confronted with a loved one facing a terminal illness. The attorneys of Hurt, Crosbie and May ask you to consider this important agency during the holiday season.

Another Terrible Accident at Notorious McDonald's Intersection In Winchester, Kentucky

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23846 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Winchester, Kentucky has several dangerous intersections, but probably the one that is best known for serious automobile accidents is the Lexington Road/McDonald's location. The Winchester Sun published a picture that demonstrates why there needs to be more stingent enforcement of traffic laws in Clark County. Many of the folks that I have represented in and around Clark County believe that Winchester has a disproportionate amount of car and truck accidents in comparison to the size of its population.

More updates on Russell Cave Car Accident

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23719 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Lexington-Herald Leader is reporting additional information on this tragic death of a Lexington teenager.

No More Sitting on the Tarmac at Airports. Penalty: $27,500 Per Passenger.

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23757 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Finally, the Department of Transportation has taken steps to compensate passengers and to penalize airlines punatively for forcing passengers on airlines, often under stressful and outrageous conditions, to pay. The new regulation, as reported by Fox News, requires a penalty of $27,500 in individual compensation. This is clearly a victory for consumers and should put the airlines on notice that this activity will no longer be tolerated.

Like many of you, I have had this experience. One time several years ago, I was forced to remain on an aircraft for six hours while they airport made numerous attempts to de-ice the plane. It was clear that the conditions would not allow for the flight. Yet, six hours later, we were all still sitting there. This is a major step to recognizing the rights of passengers which the federal government has often ignored.

Tragic Reminder of Slick Roads

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23716 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lexington Police have identified the victim killed in a terrible crash on Russell Cave Road in Lexington. WLEX-18 reports that investigators said 18-year-old Kevin Sipple was driving on Russell Cave near Hughes Lane around 7:00 a.m., Sunday morning, when his Dodge pick-up went into a ditch, then caught fire. Sipple died at the scene.

Police say it looks like speed and slick road conditions were to blame for the crash.

November a Deadly Month For Car and Truck Accidents

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23717 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Eight of the crashes involved motor vehicles and 9 of the 11 victims were not wearing seat belts. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Fayette, Jessamine, Clay, Woodford, Madison and Owen counties.

The largest single fatality wreck occured on U.S. 42. A triple-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Boone county involving a package delivery truck and a pick up truck on U.S. 42 at Miller Owens Road.

Through November 22, preliminary statistics* indicate that 687 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009. This is 33 less fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2008. There were 553 motor vehicle fatalities and 307 of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Thirty-five pedestrians and 5 bicyclists have been killed. Seventy-eight fatalities involved a motorcycle and fifteen fatalities involved an ATV. Sixty-nine crashes involved a commercial motor vehicle. A total of 145 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

If you have been injured in a car, motorcycle or trucking accident in Kentucky, call Hurt, Crosbie & May for an evaluation.

Powell County Wrongful Death Lawyers | Kentucky Truck Crash Lawyers

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11910 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Wrongful death lawsuit filed against trucking company allegedly responsible for death of two teenagers who were tragically killed on I-75. Examiner.com is reporting that the victims attorneys are seeking $5,000,000 in damages.

Judge Finds Pilot Negligent in Comair Crash

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23664 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Federal Judge Karl Forester determined that the Comair pilots negligence caused the tragic plane crash at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport. This decision is significant as it allows the jury to consider the issue of punitive damages against Comair.

Bengals' Player Tragically Dies in Truck Accident

scrosbie@hcm-law.com (blog Author)23570 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

    On the morning of December 16th, Charlotte police officers and emergency personnel found Chris Henry seriously injured in the middle of the street.

    Preliminary police reports have determined that he was riding in the back of a pick-up truck being driven by his fiancee. It will be difficult to know at this stage of the investigation if his fiancee will be charged with a criminal offense.

    However, it is likely that she will assert a defense relating to possible domestic violence at the residence based on how media reports have characterized the circumstances.

Bourbon County accident attorney | Lexington wrongful death

blog@www.KYTrialAttorneys.com (news Author)11721 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Crash kills woman in Bourbon County | December 16, 2009

A woman died Tuesday night in a one-vehicle accident in Bourbon County.

Leisha Setters, 31, was traveling on U.S. 460 about 9 p.m. Tuesday when her truck left the road, hit a guardrail and rolled, Bourbon County deputy coroner DeeGee Ison said.

Setters was thrown from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene, Ison said. Alcohol might have been a factor in the accident, Ison said. Toxicology results are pending.