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Truck Accidents
Lincoln County Kentucky Crash Takes the Life of Maggie Cornett
In a horrible accident Saturday evening one person was killed and three others were injured.New Truck Regulations Implemented
Hart County truck accident focuses attention on new federal regulations. Tanker Truck Filled with Gas Crashes in Kentucky Killing it's Driver
In an accident near Sebree, Kentucky a tanker truck filled with gas crashes and the driver was killed.School Bus Pushed Over Embankment Injuring 2 Children in Kentucky
A collision between a bus and a pickup truck in Lee County Kentucky injures both a 4 and 5 year old.Could the Tragedy on I-65 Have Been Prevented
After the devastating accident killing 11 the National Transportation and Safety Board has determined the trucking company, Hester, has a poor safety rating. Truck Accident Takes Two Workers Lives
A truck driver driving without a license strikes and kills two men putting up road warning signs in Pike County Kentucky. Why Do Truck Accidents Require Immediate Legal Action?
Trucking companies will often have their expert accident reconstructions at the scene of an accident before the vehicles are removed Texting While Driving Banned For Commercial Vehicles
Truck Drivers and Bus Drivers Face criminal and civil penalties for texting while drivingBullitt County Kentucky Woman Killed in Rollover Accident
Bullitt County accident takes the life of woman on I-65 south early Saturday morning.Snowy B. Hall Killed in a Collision With a Utility Truck
An accident involving a SUV and a utility truck ends the life of 18-year-old Snowy B. Hall.Tragic Accident in Boone County with Fed-Ex Truck Kills Three.
The identities of the three family members tragically killed in this accidenthave been released by the Boone County Sheriff's Department.Double Fatality in Rowan County Kentucky Kills Johnny B. Blevins and Devin Wayne Campbell
Two men hauling a trailer with a bull killed in an accident Saturday.Michael Brunello of Rineyville, Kentucky Facing Criminal Charges after Fatal Accident in Hardin County Kentucky
Rineyville, Kentucky Man Facing Criminal Charges after Causing Fatal Accident-Kentucky Truck Accident Attorney
DATE: November 7, 2009
LOCATION: Hardin County Kentucky
TYPE: Driver of vehicle responsible for fatal accident on Kentucky 434 Saturday night has been charged criminally.
In a devastating accident on Saturday evening 30-year-old Thomas A. Langley died as a result. In Hardin County Kentucky at about 8:30 p.m. on Kentucky 434 there was a fatal accident. The accident happened when a truck being driven by 24-year-old Michael Brunello was heading east on the highway and struck another vehicle. The other vehicle, driven by Mr. Langley, left the roadway and overturned, ejecting him. He later died at Hardin Memorial Hospital. Police have reported that Langley was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Mr. Brunello fled the scene of the accident but was later apprehended. He is now facing several criminal charges; leaving the scene of an accident, operating a vehicle under the influence and having no insurance.
My sympathies go out to the loved ones of Mr. Langley.
Kentucky Teen Hospitalized After Being Thrown From Cargo Bed of Pickup Truck
16-Year-Old Boy Suffers Injuries After Being Thrown From Cargo Bed in Pickup Truck in Kenton County Kentucky-Kentucky Truck Accident AttorneyDATE: October 24, 2009
LOCATION: Thorn Hill Drag Strip, Northern Kentucky
TYPE: Teenaged boy suffered potentially serious head injury as a result of being thrown from the bed of a pickup truck.
Kenton County Police are investigating an accident that occurred in the parking lot of the Thorn Hill Drag Strip located in Kenton County Kentucky. According to the initial police report the boy was in the cargo bed of a pickup truck when the driver began to cross the lot.
The boy fell from the bed of the truck striking his head on the pavement. He was then transported by medical helicopter to University Hospital in Cincinnati where his identity and current condition have not yet been released. Police have also reported that the driver of the pickup was not aware of the teen in the cargo bed.
Riding in the bed of trucks is fun but is a highly dangerous activity. Many have been killed or injured as a result of riding in the beds of pickup trucks. As a passenger in the bed you have very little to protect you if you are thrown or if there is a collision. Be safe and do not ride or allow friends to ride in the bed of trucks.
Hundreds Die Yearly From Riding in Cargo Areas of Pickup Trucks
Pickup Truck Cargo Safety-Kentucky Truck Accident AttorneyOne of the most popular vehicles these days is a pickup truck. A friend of mine just purchased one and said it was so he could haul things. Every time anyone has to move something or needs help transporting a large appliance we go through our mental rolodex to see which of our friends has a pickup truck. They are popular in rural areas and with teenaged boys. They are great vehicles to have.
They can also be dangerous. Dangerous when passengers are allowed to ride in the cargo area. Hundreds of people die each year as a result of riding in the cargo area of pickup trucks. It should be noted that half of the victims are children or teenagers.
The common thought is that the injuries and deaths are only from being ejected from the cargo area. Serious injuries can also be sustained by exposure to carbon monoxide from exhaust fumes when riding in a covered bed. There are situations when riding in the bed or cargo areas are safe. Parades and hayrides are two examples but these are short slow rides with controlled surroundings.
There are several states that now have restrictions on passengers in the cargo area; many of them are age related. Kentucky does not have any restrictions at this point. Please remember how dangerous this activity is. Encourage your friends and loved ones not to participate in this potentially deadly activity.
Fatal Accident Kills Two in Madison County Kentucky
Double Fatal Accident in Madison County Kentucky-Kentucky Fatal Accident Attorney
DATE: October 2, 2009
LOCATION: Madison County Kentucky
TYPE: A pickup truck attempting to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone caused an accident resulting in the death of two passengers.
Kentucky State Police have reported an accident on north Kentucky 627 in Madison County Kentucky that has caused the death of Martha Collins and Martha Gipson. Ms. Collins was driving when she attempted to pass another vehicle in a no passing zone. She hit a semi truck going in the opposite direction
As a result of the crash Ms. Gipson was ejected from the car and died at the scene. Ms. Collins was trapped in the car and had to cut out. She was transported to the hospital where she later died. Ms. Collins infant son was also in the vehicle and was trapped under the dashboard. A witness held the dash off the child until help arrived and transported the infant to the hospital. The baby has been treated for a broken ankle but is expected to recover. The driver of the semi was not injured.
Our thoughts go out to the families of Ms. Collins and Ms. Gipson. We also hope for a complete recovery of those injured. We need to always remember to heed the signs prohibiting motorists from passing; they serve as a caution that passing is not safe on that part of the road.
Fatal Accident in Jefferson County Kentucky Claims Life of Cyclist
Pickup Truck Strikes and Causes the Death of a Bicyclist in Louisville, Kentucky-Kentucky Accident Attorney
DATE: October 1, 2009
LOCATION: Poplar Level Road
TYPE: Late last evening a truck hit and caused the immediate death of a cyclist in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
On southbound Poplar Level Road last night shortly after 9 a Dodge Ram pick up truck struck and killed a bicyclist. The severity of the cyclist’s injuries caused his immediate death at the scene of the accident,
The identity of the cyclist, as well as the identity of the driver has not been released by the Louisville Metro Police Department. He is believed to be in his 40’s and is also believed to be from the neighborhood around the accident scene. The investigation is ongoing and as a standard part of the investigation a toxicology test will be performed on the victim. According to the police at this point no charges have been filed against the driver.
I know I sound like a broken record but drivers need to keep their speed in check and cyclists need to do everything they can to make sure they are visible. This is the time of year when it is getting dark earlier but is still warm enough to be on a bike that can be dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. It is the responsibility of both the motorists and cyclists to keep the roads safe.
Crash on Interstate 71 in Oldham County Kentucky Kills One
Crash on I-71 Kills One in Oldham County Kentucky-Kentucky Fatal Accident AttorneyDATE: September 30, 2009
LOCATION: Interstate 71 North
One person was killed in an accident on I-71 in Oldham County Kentucky
Police are investigating an accident that took place on I-71 in Oldham County Kentucky early this morning. Few details have been released at this point but what has been reported is that at around 3:00 a.m. this morning a vehicle, possibly a SUV, struck a semi from behind and went under the trailer. The accident happened on northbound I-71 near the 13 mile marker. Some reports have said the semi was parked on the side of the road.
Several questions pop into my head as a fatal accident attorney; was speed involved is one as is if the truck was parked on the side of the road were flashers or reflectors in place to warn oncoming drivers. This is another sad case and my thoughts go out to the family of the deceased.
Teen Chase Trent Killed and Brent A Wahl Injured in Crossover Accident in Henderson, KY
A teen-ager, Chase Trent, was killed and another man was seriously injured in a head-on collision between a pickup truck and a car Saturday night in Henderson, Kentucky.Mr. Trent, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene while 56-year-old Brent A. Wahl was airlifted to St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville. As of Sunday afternoon his condition was listed as critical.
The wreck happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. as Trent was westbound on Kentucky 351 in a 2002 Nissan. Kentucky State Police say Wahl was eastbound in a 2004 Ford pickup when his vehicle veered left of center near St. Olaf Circle and struck the Nissan head-on.
The investigation is on-going and police have yet to release why the vehicle crossed the center line. They have reported that both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Our sympathies go out to the family suffering this loss as well as hopes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
Fatal Accident Kills Jason L. Smith in Early Morning Collision
20-year-old Jason L. Smith Dies After Wreck on I-65 in Louisville, Kentucky-Kentucky truck accident attorneyDATE: August 23, 2009
LOCATION: I-65 near Ourer Loop
TYPE: Fatal single vehicle collision in Louisville ejects and kills passenger.
Early this morning, August 23, an accident on I-65 kills one and injures driver. The accident occured when a black truck traveling north in the interstate lost control of the vehicle. The truck then hit the guard rail causing the passenger, Jason L. Smith of Shepherdsville, Kentucky to be thrown from the truck. Emergency services responded and pronounced the Mr. Smith dead at the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital and their condition has not been released. Both the identity of the driver and the deceased have not been released. Police strongly suspect alcohol to be involved and are still investigating.
Our sympathies go out to the family of the Mr. Smith and hope for a recovery for the injured. There is never a reason or excuse for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or anything that will hamper your ability to control your vehicle. This is a tragedy, one family has been robbed of a loved one.
Ice Cream Truck Driver Killed in Highway Accident
Apparently, in the early morning hours of July 7th Steven Jackson, age 41, was killed while driving an ice cream truck. His death was the result of an accident on northbound Interstate 264 near Dumesnil Street in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. It seems the truck hit a guardrail ejecting Mr. Jackson from the truck. He died at the scene. The truck kept going for a short distance before striking another vehicle which was parked on the side of the road. Fortunately, there was not anyone near or in the vehicle on the side of the road. Alledgedly, the seatbelt in the truck was not operable therefore Mr. Jackson was not wearing one.For more information on attorney Mike Schafer go to mikeschaferlaw.com
Seven Million Dollars in Contempt Fines Against Allstate Lifted
In an accident dated September 15th, 2000 in Jackson County, MO It was reported Dale Deer had stopped his truck on Interstate 70 in a construction zone. While his truck was stopped another car, driven by Paul Aldridge, ran into the back of Deer's truck.
It doesn't seem to be a very complicated incident but nearly eight years later litigation is still ongoing. Allstate was the insurer for Aldridge and after several excruciating delays settled with Deer for approximately 1.2 million dollars. Prior to that settlement Aldridge filed suit against Allstate for acting in bad faith and mishandling the case. Aldridge was basing his suit on a series of internal documents that intend to show a claims payment system that is designed to low-ball clients which allows Allstate to acquire huge profits.
Among these documents were a series of slides prepared by consulting firm McKinsey & Co. which supposedly suggest a protocol for Allstate to use to settle claims quickly and for pennies on the dollar. It also suggests they fight claimants who resist the low settlements for as long as it takes. For years if necessary.
During the litigation of this suit Jackson County Circuit Judge Michael Manners cited Allstate for contempt and levied fines against the company for not producing internal documents. The fines were cited at $25,000 a day which gave the case national attention. After several months the fines had reached over seven million dollars.
The contempt order has now been lifted as Allstate has produced the documents. Allstate is claiming they did not purposely ignore the judges' orders. They are claiming that their former attorney had failed to respond to discovery requests. In court documents Allstate stated "Allstate litigates hundreds of bad faith cases each year. It responds to discovery requests--just like the ones in this case--in many of them. There is no reason in the world for Allstate not to participate in discovery--particularly on this case, where there is an underlying judgment of $1 million."
As an attorney that deals with insurance companies on a daily basis I find it very frustrating as do my clients when insurance companies use delay tactics. This leads to lengthy litigation as well as what I consider unnecessary additional expenses.
For more information on Louisville attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.
Speed and Rain Possible Cause In Truck Fatality
Speed and rain may have been the cause of an overnight fatality early this morning. The ramp from south bound Interstate 71 onto west bound Interstate 264 was the scene of a fatal accident where 58 year-old George Taylor died at the scene. The accident happened around 3:00a.m. A tractor-trailer driven by Mr. Taylor which was full of cargo turned over on the ramp killing him. Police are still investigating this accident.
The fatality on the ramp was just one of several accidents that occurred this morning in the Louisville, Ky. area. None of the others have reported serious injuries.
These accidents include an injury accident on Bardstown Road at Village Drive. This is in the Highlands area. Another was reported on the 10200 block of Dixie Highway when a car struck a tree. This is in the area of Valley High School. Another tractor-trailer was involved in an accident on Interstate 65 in the northbound lanes. The tractor-trailer jack-knifed on the stretch of Interstate 65 known as "hospital curve". The highway was closed for several hours as the tractor-trailer was carrying diesel fuel and hazardous workers were dispatched to clean the spill. Shortly before 8:00 a..m. an injury accident was reported on Preston Highway at the I-264 ramp. It is not known how many vehicles were involved or the extent of the injuries.
Rainy conditions on the roadway is a perfect reason to drive slower and exercise more caution while driving. Wet roads can often times be slick.
For more information on Louisville, Ky. Attorney go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.
Near Deadly Accident on I-65 in Bullitt County Kentucky
The afternoon of August 7th could have been deadly on I-65 according to Bullitt county Sheriff’s Deputy. The northbound lanes were closed for almost an hour after an accident involving a Ford F-150 and a FedEx tractor-trailer.
It has been reported that the driver of the Ford was traveling north on I-65 in Bullitt county, Kentucky at 75-80 miles per hour when he fell asleep at the wheel. He struck the FedEx tractor-trailer that was pulled over and parked in the shoulder of the road. Both drivers were injured but they appear not to be serious.
The driver of the truck has head and neck injuries while the driver of the tractor-trailer, astonishingly, did not have any visible injuries. He was trapped in the cab of his tractor and authorities had to use the Jaws of Life to free him. Had the driver of the truck had any passengers they would more than likely been killed in the truck accident. According to the sheriff’s deputy, the truck was completely demolished except for the driver’s area.
For more information on Louisville, Ky attorney Mike Schafer go to http://www.mikeschaferlaw.com/.
Sleep Related Crashes
Three years ago in Wisconsin a bus carrying high school students crashedinto an overturned tractor trailer killing five people. The National
Transportation Safety Board investigated the crash and determined the
driver of the tractor trailer had fallen asleep while driving. He
drifted off the side of the road then swerved to get back onto the
highway causing his rig to overturn. The bus traveling behind the
truck was not able to avoid the accident and crashed into the truck.
The NTSB has suggested that trucking companies work harder insuring
their drivers get adequate rest while traveling long distances on the
road. They have asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
to be more aggressive in insuring the trucking companies records are
kept up to date as well as the drivers diligently filling their log
books. A driver is allowed to drive for 11 hours only after 10 hours of
off duty time and their log book is a record of their time on the road, off the road and sleeping times.
There is also technology in the very early stages that may reduce
fatigue induced crashes. An dash mounted camera is in the works that
will track eye and eyelid movement and will sound an alert if the driver
appears to be nodding off. Since drivers are often not aware of their
fatigue this could be beneficial. Several luxury cars now have similar
options available for their cars
So many automobile accidents are the result of a drivers lack of
responsibility. It is the drivers responsibility to drive only when
rested and to not drive when they are fatigued.
For more information on Louisville, Kentucky attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.
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The Schafer Law Office
440 South Seventh Street
Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40203
Phone: (502) 584-9511
Fax: (502) 589 -9472
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