The crash occurred on August 12th, 2024, around 1:00PM on US 65 at County Road 260. Kristoffer S. Gilson was travelling southbound in a 2020 Ford Explorer with passengers Jennifer L. Judy-Gilson and a 12-year-old child. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old driver and a 16-year-old passenger in a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta failed to stop at a stop sign heading westbound. This caused the front of the Volkswagen Jetta to strike the passenger side of the Ford Explorer, resulting in the crash.
Jennifer Judy-Gilson sustained moderate injuries while the 12-year-old juvenile sustained minor injuries. All occupants of the Explorer were wearing safety devices; they were transported by Carroll County EMS to Carroll County Memorial Hospital. From the Volkswagen, the 17-year-old driver sustained minor injuries and the 16-year-old passenger sustained moderate injuries. Neither of the individuals were wearing a safety device at the time; they were transported via private conveyance to Carrollton County Memorial Hospital. Both vehicles were totaled in the crash. The 2020 Ford Explorer was Towed by L & L Shoemaker Tow, and the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta was towed by Brotherton Tow, Chillicothe.
Crashes at intersections continue to account for more than 50 percent of the combined total of all fatalities and injuries in the United States (U.S. DoT Federal Highway Administration). Even when in a vehicle with passengers abiding by traffic laws and utilizing safety devices, there is an ever-present risk due to the unpredictable nature of other vehicles on the road, including those operated by juvenile drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash like this, the last thing you should have to worry about are complicated logistics such as dealing with insurance companies and medical bills. The A.W. Smith Law firm has worked with thousands of individuals involved in motor vehicle crashes and has accrued an abundance of specialized experience working with these types of cases. Our team is available to offer support and guidance to victims of crashes to allow them to focus on recuperating physically, emotionally, and financially. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one is suffering, you deserve the chance to work on healing and moving forward during this challenging season.