Car Accident Tragedy Helped Build KY Spinal Injury Research Fund

May 6, 2010 - What began as a tragic car accident would help create a research program with the potential to change thousands of lives. In 1993, Maggie Brooks, the niece of Kentucky Senator Tim Shaughnessy, was paralyzed from the shoulders down in a devastating car accident. Seeing what other states had done with programs that used traffic citation fees to fund medical research, Shaughnessy knew he could use this tragedy to benefit Kentucky accident victims similar to his niece.

Shaughnessy then proposed a program that would allow $12.50 from each Kentucky speeding fine to be gathered into a special account to fund spinal cord and head injury research. Between 1995 and 2009 that program-called the Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust-has raised $41.7 million which has been used to build and maintain spinal cord injury and brain injury research centers at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

While the impact of a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury can have life-long consequences for car accident victims, at least one positive thing has resulted from Maggie Brooks' ordeal. Now 35 years old, Brooks told the Courier-Journal, "When I stop and think about it, it's very humbling...I'm hoping it's positive for a lot of people and has far-reaching effects."

Because of changes in the funding that took place in 2002, the Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Trust now receives 6.5% of all court costs imposed on traffic, felony, and misdemeanor cases.

If you have been involved in a Kentucky car or truck accident that has left you seriously or permanently disabled, the Louisville car accident attorneys at Gray and White Law are here to listen to your story. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your case - 1-800-634-8767.