It has been reported that Trista Shoemaker was killed in an car crash in Franklin County, Kentucky on Saturday January 8, 2011 at an intersection on U.S. 127. Witnesses report that 31 year old Kevin Butler, of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, ran a red light and struck the passenger side of Shoemaker’s 1999 Toyota. Trista was 17, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 15 year old passenger in her car was taken to Franklin County Regional Medical Center.
Butler, who was driving a 2002 Chevy truck, was airlifted to UK Hospital.
The accident is under investigation, and anyone with information about it should call the Frankfort State Police Post at (502) 227-2221.
If the initial reports are correct, there should be a personal injury lawsuit brought on behalf of the injured 15 year old and a wrongful death suit brought by the Estate of Ms. Shoemaker. In both suits, recovery of medical bills, pain & suffering, and lost wages should be sought. In the case of the death of Ms. Shoemaker, the Estate’s claim will be substantial because of the claim for a lifetime of lost wages and loss of consortium claim of her parents. An accident re-constructionist may be immediately needed to start gathering proof of what happened here.
Kentucky personal injury attorney Brent T. Ackerson stated: “This is a tragedy when one young life is taken and another is forever changed. We have two families that will never be the same. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families.”
For more information of the rights of persons injured or killed in automobile accidents, contact the Ackerson Law Offices at (502) 882-5176, or email attorney Brent T. Ackerson at by clicking here.