News

Teen Driver from Western Hills High Killed by Red Light Runner

January 11, 2011 - Frankfort, KY - A student at Western Hills High School was the victim of a fatal car accident that also sent her sister to the hospital.

Lex18.com reported the latest details on the crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Trista Shoemaker. The accident occurred on the afternoon of January 8 when Shoemaker was driving her Toyota Camry along Green-Wilson Road. She was attempting to turn left at the intersection of Highway 127 when a southbound SUV ran the red light and slammed into her vehicle.

Shoemaker was pronounced dead at the scene while her sister was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was flown to the University of Kentucky Hospital, although police have not released details of his name or condition.

Western Hills High School has set up counseling for students as they return to school after the tragic weekend. As one of the members of her school's volleyball team, Shoemaker will be missed both on and off the court, friends said. The Wolverine volleyball team is planning on retiring Shoemaker's #29 jersey number and presenting the uniform to her family.

Negligent drivers are often the cause of many fatal Kentucky car accidents. While you may take caution to drive in a responsible manner, you cannot always predict and avoid the neglectful behavior of other drivers who share the road. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident in the Lexington area, contact an experienced Lexington car accident attorney as soon as possible to file a personal injury claim.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2009 Kentucky Crash Statistics, there were 791 fatalities as a result of traffic accidents in Kentucky. While this was a 4% drop from 2008, fatal traffic accidents still occur and can be devastating to a family.

As a service to the residents of Louisville, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in the Louisville area that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

• single-vehicle accidents;
• accidents caused by hazardous road conditions;
• accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers; and
• accidents caused by defective or improperly maintained equipment. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

back to top