Attorney Blog

Cary Police Officer Injured In Collision With House

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28084 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Cary police officer suffered personal injuries after crashing his patrol vehicle into a home on the night of March 10 after losing control while attempting to catch up with a speeding driver.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Senior Police Officer Mike Smith was sitting in his vehicle with a radar gun and clocked a driver speeding. He turned his vehicle around and tried to catch up with the speeder, according to Deputy Chief Barry Nickalson.

Nickalson said Smith’s wheels spun on the wet road and he lost control at SW Maynard Road and Pond Street. The car rand into a yard and collided with a house, which was unoccupied at the time.

Smith suffered lacerations to the left side of his face and a concussion. Nickalson said he was released from the hospital the following morning.

Nickalson said the impact knocked a hole in the house’s foundation and it has been declared uninhabitable.

Fayetteville Man Killed In Collision With Coca-Cola Truck

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28083 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Fayetteville died of the personal injuries he suffered on March 11 in a collision between his car and a Coca-Cola truck on Carl Freeman Road.

According to Trooper J.B. Jones of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 47-year-old Harold Emmett Lewis II died at the scene of the accident, which took place shortly before 8 a.m.

Jones said that Lewis was traveling northeast and lost control of the PT Cruiser he was driving and ran off the road. The vehicle reentered the road, crossed into the southwest lane, and entered the path of a Coca-Cola Inc. distribution truck driven by 28-year-old Donald Keith Naylor. Naylor swerved into the northeast lane in an attempt to avoid a collision, but Lewis had pulled his vehicle back into the northeast lane.

Jones said that the truck impacted the PT Cruiser on the driver’s side door. He said speed was not believed to have been a factor in the crash.

Claim for Loss of Consortium Now Allowed After Death

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28079 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

When Comair Flight 5191 crashed near the Blue Grass Airport in August 2006, killing all 49 people aboard, all the families of the deceased settled with the airline company except one.

Wanting the airline to publicly acknowledge responsibility for the crash, Bryan Keith Woodward’s widow sued Comair, citing loss of consortium. The lawsuit was allowed to go forward when the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled recently that a spouse can sue for loss of physical and emotional companionship after the death of a spouse. Before the ruling, loss of consortium could be claimed only in cases of incapacity, not death.

A U.S. District Court jury awarded Mr. Woodward’s family $7.1 million.

Punitive Damages Awarded In Drunk Driving Case

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28074 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Plaintiff was awarded $660.00 in compensatory damages and an additional $6,000.00 for punitive damages. Defendant caused the head on collision when driving while impaired. Plaintiff sought treatment the day after the collision at an Urgent Care and did not see a doctor again until three and a half months later and only for several weeks. Plaintiff insisted that she was still having pain due to the accident and defendant’s defense was that she had no prior convictions. The jury deliberated a total of three hours on this case.

Mall Pays Damages for Inadequate Security

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28073 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 56 year old woman was abducted from a shopping mall. She was raped and robbed by the attacker. The woman claimed damages for post-traumatic syndrome rape and robbery and was awarded $1,200,000.00 in July 2009. The woman was taken from the shopping center by knifepoint, was raped and robbed, and then she was taken back to the shopping center by the attacker. She alleged that there was insufficient security in the mall and after her attack, more occurred. She is still seeking counseling due to this situation.

Head On Crash Results in Significant Injuries

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28068 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

On December 12, 2006 a head-on collision occurred and due to the amount of damages plaintiff was awarded $250,000.00 in March 2009. Both drivers were operating their vehicles on the same road but in opposite directions, when defendant veered into plaintiff’s lane causing the head-on collision. Due to the extent of her injuries she spent a total of four days in the hospital receiving treatment for her lacerated spleen and liver, chest wall contusion and induced anemia. She also suffered significant injuries to her foot and scapula which yield her to obtain a 40% impairment rating to her left foot and requiring pain management for the rest of her life.

$6.5 Million Awarded in Defective Seatbelt Injury

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)28064 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A judgment against Ford Motor Company was awarded to a Tennessee Teen’s family after he was paralyzed from the waist down in a two car crash in 2002 that killed 3 which included his Father and Grandfather.

Billy Meals was a rear seat passenger in his grandfather’s Ford when they were struck head on by John Harris, who was also killed in the accident. Billy was wearing his seatbelt. However due to his size, the adult seatbelt did not fit him properly and the shoulder strap was located behind his back. The Memphis Tennessee Court found that Ford was responsible for the boy’s enhanced injuries. They also found Billy’s father to be 15% at fault as the custodial parent. The defendant, John Harris, who was intoxicated and tested positive for cocaine was found to be 70% at fault.

Two Half Brothers Killed In Davidson Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27955 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two half brothers suffered fatal personal injuries in a traffic accident early on the morning of March 7 and were discovered by family members nearly 12 hours later.

According to estimates the North Carolina Highway Patrol made based on information gathered by troopers, the crash occurred on Odell Owen Road in Davidson at approximately 4:30 a.m.

The driver, 22-year-old Brandon Terry Rush, and passenger, 28-year-old Darrell Eugene Everhart Jr., died after Rush ran off the road, collided with a guardrail, and collided with several trees before the vehicle finally came to a stop.

A report filed by Trooper E. Phillips said that Rush and Everhart were northbound when the vehicle crossed the center line then continued off the roadway before hitting the guardrail.

According to the report, both men were ejected from the vehicle, which the impact split into two pieces.

Phillips estimated that the vehicle was traveling at a rate of speed of 100 mph prior to the accident and 85 mph at the time of impact.

Rush and Everhart were discovered at approximated 3:30 p.m. on March 9 by their fiancés, a stepsister, and the brother of a fiancé.

Lumberton Man Fatally Struck By Van

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27954 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man suffered fatal personal injuries on the night of March 5 when he was struck by a vehicle while walking on the side of N.C. 211 near the Bladen County line, according to a March 8 statement from the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Sgt. Freddy Johnson said that 51-year-old Lumberton resident Richard Alan Berger was walking west shortly after 11 p.m. when a westbound Honda van driven by 44-year-old Whiteville resident Penny Price Williams hit him.

Johnson said that Berger was wearing dark-colored clothing and walking in an unlit area at the time.

Berger was transported to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Johnson said that no charges are expected to be filed.

One Killed, One Injured When Drunk Driver Runs Off N.C. 904 And Through Backyard

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27953 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

One man suffered fatal personal injuries on March 6 when he was struck by a pickup truck that ran off the road on N.C. 904 while traveling at an estimated rate of speed of 90 mph, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Patrol Sgt. John Lewis said that 20-year-old Shallotte resident Miguel Toribio Ascencio was standing in the backyard of a residence when he was fatally struck by a truck driven by 31-year-old Calabash resident Thomas Kenneth Paradise.

Lewis said Paradise has been charged with second-degree murder and DWI.

According to Lewis, Paradise’s blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.23 percent after the crash, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Another man, Margarito Aguirre, was also struck by Paradise’s truck, but he was released from Columbus Regional Healthcare in Whiteville after undergoing treatment.

Lewis said that Paradise was westbound on N.C. 904 when he rounded a curve, dropped off the shoulder, overcorrected, and ran off the east side of the road. He ran through a telephone equipment box, traveled through three front years, and entered the backyard where Ascencio and Aguirre were standing.

Lewis said that there was no indication that Paradise attempted to apply the brakes until after the truck ran through the backyard of another house, jumped a ditch, and uprooted a tree.

Laurinburg Woman Killed In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27952 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman suffered fatal personal injuries in a single-vehicle crash on the morning of March 9 approximately two miles south of Laurinburg, the North Carolina Highway Patrol reported.

According to a report filed by Trooper R.C. Carlyle, the crash was reported shortly after midnight on Hasty Road.

The report said that 49-year-old Laurinburg resident Lisa Wilkes Vallandingham was northbound on Hasty Road when her vehicle ran off the road to the right, collided with a mailbox, skidded back onto the road, ran off the road to the left, and overturned.

Vallandingham was not wearing her seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle, according to the report.

Vallandingham received transport to Scotland Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Employee's Prolonged Exposure to Asbestos Will Cost Scapa Dryer Fabrics and AstenJohnson $10.2 Million

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27944 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Henry Barabin worked as a laborer for 4 years at the Texaco Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, and for an additional 33 years at Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill in Camas, Washington. Both jobs exposed him unknowingly to asbestos, a mineral now known to be a factor in the development of mesothelioma, an illness which has no known cure, and can lay dormant and symptom-free in its victims for up to 50 years. Once it is diagnosed, however, patients generally have a life span of only 4-18 months. In 2006 Mr. Barabin was diagnosed with mesothelioma, 5 years after he left Crown Zellerbach, and 37 years after beginning employment with Texaco.

Both of Mr. Barabin’s jobs exposed him to asbestos during the normal everyday handling and disposal process of the dryer materials, as well as the periodic cleaning and maintenance operations involved. The lawsuit alleges that the company did not provide warnings about the dangers of handling asbestos-laden products and additionally, that it used defectively designed materials, which greatly increased worker’s exposure and therefore their risk. A jury awarded Henry and his wife $10.2 million.

Bayer Crop Science Accidentally Contaminates Grain Intended for Export

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27942 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Liberty Link, an experimental biotech rice being developed by Bayer CropScience but not yet approved for human consumption, will cost the company almost $2 Million.

When traces of the rice were found on U.S. grain bins bound for export overseas, 2006 grain prices dropped sharply. One Missouri farmer was awarded almost $2 Million in a verdict handed down from a federal jury in St. Louis and another was awarded $53,000.00 to compensate for their lost income in overseas sales of their crop.

Wayne County Accident Claims Life

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27937 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Wayne County Accident Claims Life

Jeanne B. Eakes, 41, of Dudley was killed in an accident Tuesday afternoon, north of Goldsboro.

Eakes vehicle crossed the center line of Wayne Memorial Road at Woodside Drive and collided with another vehicle.

The accident is under investigation.

Accident Claims Life of Granville County Teen

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27934 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Accident Claims Life of Granville County Teen

Andrew Scott Hobgood, 16, was killed in an accident on Tally-Ho road in Granville County last Thursday morning.

Kelly Jo Frazier, driver of the car And Hobgood were on their way to school.

The cause of the accident is being investigated.

Lee County Child Hit By Car

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27930 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Lee County Child Hit By Car

A ten year old boy, Gabino Figueroa was hit by a vehicle on Tramway Road in Sanford Friday afternoon.

Figueroa was airlifted to UNC Hospital where he was listed in critical condition on Sunday.

According to witnesses, Figueroa ran into the road and the collision could not be avoided.

A report stated speed was not a factor and the driver would not be charged.

Man Killed In Accident With Tow Truck

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27928 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Man Killed In Accident With Tow Truck

A Snow Hill man lost his life while trying to assist a stranded motorist on Highway 70 in Goldsboro on Saturday.

Perry Michael Lanier, driving a pickup truck collided with the tow truck near the Berkerley Boulevard exit. Lanier died at the scene of the accident

The accident was being investigated.

Nine Injured In Raleigh Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27927 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Nine Injured In Raleigh Accident

Four adults and five children were transported to local hospitals Tuesday morning after a crash on Capitol Boulevard near Buffaloe Road.

According to a report, all of the childern were unger the age of 5.

The names of the injured were not released.

A witness at the scene said it appeared that a Chevy Suburban crashed into the passenger side of a Pontiac Grand Am.

No other details were available.

Ambulance Responding To Accident Wrecks

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27874 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Ambulance Responding To Accident Wrecks

Amanda Vanschaack, 21, driver, along with an EMT, Henry Daniel were responding to an emergency call when she lost control of the ambulance.

According to a report, Vanschaack was speeding when the ambulance ran off N.C. Highway 751 and overturned Saturday morning in Durham. Her estimated speed was 65 or 70 in a 55 m.p.h. zone. The ambulance belonged to Johnston Ambulance Service.

Vanschaack went around a curve speeding, ran off the right side of the road, hit a ditch and overturned several times.

Two off duty Rockingham County EMS personnel passed by the accident and assisted both Vanschaack and Daniel. Both of the injured were transported to Duke Medical Center.

There was not a patient in the ambulance and no charges were filed. Both were wearing seatbelts.

Suspect Sought In Fatal Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27872 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Suspect Sought In Fatal Accident

A suspect has been named in a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed two people in Durham.

N.C. State Troopers are looking for Tanilo Rosales, 19, from Mexico. Rosales owned the Chevrolet Blazer involved in an accident on U.S. Highway 70 in Durham on Saturday.

According to troopers, around 1:15 a.m. the Blazer and a Ford Taurus station wagon were racing along U.S. 70. The Taurus reduced speed and was struck from behind by the Blazer. The impact sent the Taurus off the right side of the road and caused it to crash into a tree.

Timothy Parrish, Jr., 24, driver of the Taurus was ejected from the vehicle. Bryant Mitchell, 37, was a passenger. Mitchell was pinned in the vehicle.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Woman Files Suit Against Allegedly Drunk Man Who Attacked Her

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27845 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman has filed a personal injury suit claiming that she incurred disability at bar in Wood River, Illinois after she was allegedly attacked by a man for no reason.

On February 24, Dana L. McDonough filed suit in Illinois’ Madison County Circuit Court naming A&G Front St. Inc., doing business as Rumor’s Bar and Grill, Gary Layton, and George H. Rhodes as defendants.

According to McDonough, Rhodes became intoxicated on April 15 and punched, struck, and otherwise battered her.

McDonough claims the incident caused her to sustain serious and permanent bodily injury, experience pain and suffering, a loss of wages, and a loss of ability to pursue her natural pursuits, and incur medical expenses.

The suit also names Layton, the owner of the bar, and Rumor’s as defendants under the Illinois Dram Shop Act.

McDonough seeks damages in excess of $150,000, plus costs, from the three-count suit.

Wrongful Death Suit Filed Over Drainage Pipe Left In Abdomen By Doctors

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27844 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

The wife of a deceased man has filed suit against doctors at Saint Anthony’s Health Center and Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the fatal personal injuries they caused her husband after allegedly leaving a drainage pipe in his abdomen.

Mary McDonough filed suit in Illinois’ Madison County Circuit Court on February 25 against the health center, Dr. Smita V. Patil, Dr. Ronald P. Levy, Dr. Nat Levy, and Dr. James Klieforth.

McDonough says that her husband, Carl McDonough, came under the care of the defendants and died on February 26, 2008, after allegedly failing to treat his condition and leaving the pipe in his abdomen.

McDonough claims her husband’s death has caused her to experience a loss of love, companionship, society, and support and incur medical expenses.

McDonough seeks damages in excess of $450,000, plus costs, from the six-count suit.

Man Files Suit After Dryers Hit Him During Unloading

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27843 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man has filed a personal injury suit against Central Van & Storage and Lowe’s Home Centers.

According to the suit Phillip C. Johnson filed in West Virginia’s Kanawha Circuit Court on February 10, he was an employee of Central Van & Storage and was assigned to deliver appliances to Lowe’s on May 15, 2008.

Johnson says that the washing machines he was to deliver had been double-stacked inside the delivery truck by Central Van & Storage. The packages indicate that double-stacking the machines should not be done for safety reasons.

According to Johnson, he requested assistance from Lowe’s employees with unloading the double-stacked machines. He said that he specifically warned the employees not to push the dolly with the washing machines forward after it had balanced.

The suit says the Lowe’s employees pushed Johnson into a one-half inch gap between the Central Van & Storage truck and the loading plate, causing the double-stacked washing machines to proceed forward and strike him.

Johnson claims the incident caused him to suffer injuries to his back, neck, head, hands, and wrist.

Johnson alleges that Central Van & Storage’s actions in requiring him to unload double-stacked washing machines constituted as unsafe working conditions.

Johnson seeks compensatory damages.

Woman Files Suit Against Landowner For Tree That Fell On Vehicle

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27842 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman has filed suit against Robin Land Company for the personal injuries she and her daughter suffered from a fallen tree owned by the company.

According to the suit Bridget A. McDonie filed on February 12 in West Virginia’s Kanawha Circuit Court, she and her daughter, Gabriel Cochran, were traveling in a 2007 Mazda MX5 when a mature, rotten tree broke off at the stump and landed on the top of the vehicle.

The suit says the defendant owns the land on which the tree was located. The land consisted of “sloping mountainous terrain with numerous large trees,” several of which were dead or decaying, according to the suit.

McDonie says that the impact and damage to her vehicle caused her to be unable to exit the vehicle and she had to be extricated by emergency personnel an hour later. She says her daughter was able to exit her side of the vehicle and had to wait and watch as her mother was extricated, but “feared that her mother was in imminent danger for her life.”

McDonie claims that as a result of the actions of the defendant, she experienced physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and suffering, permanent physical impairment, lost wages and benefits, lost earning capacity and benefits, lost capacity to enjoy life, medical costs, annoyance and inconvenience, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of the defendant for failing in its duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent an unreasonable risk of harm arising from the condition of the trees on the land.

McDonie seeks damages of an amount yet to be determined.

Couple Files Suit For Man's Injuries While Working At Mine

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27841 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man and his wife have filed suit against Speed Mining and Patriot Coal due to the personal injuries he suffered while working at the American Eagle Mine.

According to the suit Melvin D. Hubbard filed in West Virginia’s Kanawha Circuit Court on February 16, he was working as a mine electrician on February 6, 2009 and suffered injuries while riding on a “tub” that was being used as a mantrip vehicle.

Hubbard claims that as he was riding in the tub, it collided with another vehicle that had been stopped and unattended on the same track, which caused him to suffer injuries that included four broken ribs, a punctured lung, extensive bruising, extensive scarring, disfigurement, and a severe right shoulder injury requiring extensive surgery.

According to Hubbard, the surgery caused him to extensive nerve damages which resulted in the loss of the use of his right hand.

The suit claims that the mantrip vehicle had no seatbelts, no lights on the front, no working brakes, and no working radio that allowed the driver to determine the existence of other traffic on the same track. The suit also says the seat was not bolted down to the floor and the driver was driving too fast for the conditions.

According to Hubbard, management knew in advance of the safety violations because he had filed complaints to the chief electrician over the driver’s speed on mantrips and the equipment’s poor condition.

Hubbard says that he is unable to sleep at night, has to take Hydrocodone and Loritab, has lost the ability to enjoy life, and has lost the ability to perform necessary household services for himself, his wife, Brenda Hubbard, and his son, Jason Hubbard.

The Hubbards seek damages of an amount to be determined by a jury.

Man Files Suit To Obtain Disability Payments

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27840 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 50-year-old man from east Texas has filed suit against an insurance company and an employee welfare benefit plan to recover disability benefits.

On March 2, Chiu Ming Cheung filed suit in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, naming Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and Maxim Integrated Products Inc. Plan as defendants.

According to Cheung, he is disabled and unable to perform his operational duties defined in the insurance policy. However, the insurance company has yet to pay him short-term or long-term disability payments. The policy provides 60 percent of Cheung’s monthly earnings less any deductible source of income until the age of 65.

The suit claims the defendants failed to process or exercise discretion regarding Cheung’s claims. In the alternative, Cheung claims the decision to deny his benefits was “arbitrary and capricious.”

Cheung has asked that the defendants be ordered to pay him the full employee benefits incurred, reinstate him on the policy for future payments, and order reasonable attorney’s fees, pre- and post-judgment interest, and remanded to comply with the terms of the policy.

Woman Files Suit Against Alleged Drunk Driver Over Collision

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27839 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman has filed a personal injury suit against a driver she claims turned into her vehicle while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the suit filed in Texas’ Jefferson County District Court by Veronica Hammonds on February 24, she was driving on College Street in Beaumont, Texas on March 28, 2008 when defendant Ben Walhood, driving a vehicle for defendant C&L Ice Co., failed to yield to oncoming traffic and collided with her.

Hammonds claims the accident caused her to incur medical expenses, lose earnings and earning capacity, suffer physical impairment, physical pain, and mental anguish.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Wallhood for failure to maintain proper control of his vehicle, attempting to turn left across the southbound lanes of traffic at a time that was unsafe to do so, driving while intoxicated, and causing serious bodily injury to Hammonds.

Hammonds seeks unspecified damages.

Suit Says Plumbing Company Failed To Warn By-Standers Of Use Of Shovels

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27838 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man has filed a personal injury suit against a plumbing and heating company, claiming that he was struck on the knee with a shovel by one of the workers.

According to the suit Aaron Bricker filed in Illinois’ Madison County Circuit Court on March 1, he was working at a McDonald’s in Bethalto on June 8, 2008. At that same time, Hubert Plumbing and Heating Company was working on the premises. One of Hubert’s employees struck Bricker on the knee with a shovel.

Bricker claims the incident caused him to suffer injuries to his knees, experience pain and suffering and disability, incur medical expenses, and lose wages.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Hubert Plumbing and Heating Company for failure to properly block off the work area, failure to provide proper supervision for its employees, and failure to warn by-standers of the use of shovels.

Bricker seeks unspecified damages.

Driver Charged With Hitting Boy At Bus Stop In Eastover

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27710 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A driver has been charged with hitting a boy at a school bus stop in Eastover on March 1, causing him to suffer personal injuries.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 20-year-old Eastover resident Luis Armando Castro Sandoval was driving a 1999 Nissan that struck 9-year-old John Hanmilton.

The accident took place at approximately 7:30 a.m. Trooper T.R. Harris reported that the school bus had stopped and the driver had activated the flashing red lights and stop arm.

Sandoval was southbound on U.S. 301 and failed to stop in time to avoid striking Hanmilton, who had started walking across the road to board the bus.

Harris said Sandoval was traveling at an estimated speed of 15 mph at the time of the accident.

According to a statement from Harris on March 2, Sandoval slowed, stuck his head out of the window, and asked Hanmilton if he was OK. But Hanmilton’s mother later told a reporter that Sandoval didn’t check on the boy.

Hanmilton received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment for scrapes and bruises.

Sandoval was cited for passing a stopped school bus, careless and reckless driving, and hit-and-run.

One Killed, One Injured In Thomasville Crash Involving Underage Driver

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27709 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that a 15-year-old boy suffered fatal personal injuries in a single-vehicle crash on Boggs Dairy Road in Thomasville on the night of March 3.

The victim was identified by the NCHP as Dustin Craig Stillwell. They said he was a passenger in a Honda driven by 15-year-old Hunter Grainger, whose family said he received transport to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

They were the only two passengers in the vehicle.

Fifteen-year-olds can obtain learner permits for driving under North Carolina law, but are required to be accompanied by a licensed driver when they are behind the wheel.

Grainger is an East Davidson High School student. Stillwell was also a student there before transferring to Thomasville High School.

The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. near the Boggs Dairy Road and Lake Road intersection.

Acne Medication Leads to Removal of Victims Colon and Rectum

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27689 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Alabama man began taking a popular acne medication, Accutane to treat his acne when he was 24 years old. Shortly after he stopped taking the drug, he developed chronic ulcerative colitis also known as inflammatory bowel disease.

The victim, Andrew McCarrell, a former college football and soccer player was one year out of college, very physically active and within one year of his first taking this drug, had his colon removed.

Accutane, manufactured by Roche Laboratories, first went on the market in 1982. Since that time more than 13 million people worldwide have taken it for severe acne.

A jury in New Jersey has returned a verdict for Mr. McCarrell in the amount of $25.16 Million. When the case was previously tried in May of 2007, a jury returned a verdict of $2.62 Million. The drug maker appealed that verdict and got a new trial. The second trial resulted in a verdict nearly 10 times the original award.

Mr. McCarrell's lawyers proved at the trial that Roche Laboratories had internal documents which indicated that their doctors and scientists knew that Accutane caused inflammatory bowel disease.

A pharmacologist testified that Accutane’s warning label which Roche Laboratories had not changed since 1984, did not accurately reflect the company's knowledge about the risk of inflammatory bowel disease at the time it was prescribed for Mr. McCarrell.

The victim's lawyers also presented a recent study by the University of North Carolina which showed that people who took a generic version of the drug, Isotretinoin, had a higher rate of bowel disorders.

In his closing argument, the victim's lawyer reviewed overwhelming evidence that Roche laboratories own documents showed that the company knew Accutane triggered inflammatory bowel disease but that the corporation "put marketing in front of safety".

Mr. McCarrell had five surgeries, had his colon and rectum removed and now goes to the bathroom 10 to 20 times a day.

Roche Laboratories took Accutane off the market in June of 2009 citing falling sales and the cost of defending lawsuits. So far, six victims have won a total of $56 Million in damages in cases in which they claimed Roche Laboratories knew or should have known about the risk of inflammatory bowel disease from taking Accutane.

The plaintiff's lawyer stated that Mr. McCarrell's case was bad but that his is not the worst and that there have been many young kids who have had their colons taken out or their bowels reconstructed after taking Accutane.

Injured Person Extracted From Overturned SUV In Charlotte

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27659 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Firefighters in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood had to extract a person who suffered personal injuries when their SUV overturned on the morning of March 3.

According to the firefighters, the SUV hit a patch of ice on the Hawthorne Lane bridge over Independence Boulevard at approximately 7:15 a.m. The vehicle then spun out of control, collided with a brick wall outside a house, then overturned.

A total of 14 firefighters responded to the scene and were able to extract the injured person within 10 minutes. The person received hospital transport and is expected to survive.

One Killed In Alexander County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27658 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Alexander County crash on February 27 resulted in a man from Taylorsville suffering fatal personal injuries.

According to Trooper R.V. McGee of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 70-year-old Arthur Leroy Smith was driving a 1999 Toyota Camry when he pulled into the path of a Ford Explorer on N.C. 16. He was pronounced dead at the scene. McGee said that it was likely that he died upon impact.

Smith was northbound out of the N.C. 16 South Superette parking lot at approximately 6:45 p.m. The Explorer, which was heading south, struck the Camry on the driver’s side door.

The crash took place approximately six miles south of Taylorsville.

Fayetteville Woman Killed In Skibo Road Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27599 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman suffered fatal personal injuries on the morning of March 2 after her car ran off Skibo road and was briefly airborne before landing on a fence and overturning, according to police.

According to Lt. Chris Davis of the Fayetteville Police Department, 26-year-old Fayetteville resident Ashley Marie Sharr was southbound toward Raeford Road shortly before 2 a.m. when she lost control of the 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage she was driving.

Davis said the car then struck the curb, leapfrogged a pickup truck, and landed on a chain-link fence before turning over onto its roof and sliding further before eventually coming to rest.

Police say Sharr died at the scene.

Davis says that speed is believed to have been a factor and it is not known if Sharr was wearing her seat belt.

4-Year-Old Daughter Of "Ax Men" Star Mauled To Death By Rottweiler

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27598 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Oregon authorities say that the 4-year-old daughter of a reality TV show star has suffered fatal personal injuries from being mauled by the family’s Rottweiler.

According to Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin, 4-year-old Ashlynn Anderson’s mother discovered her on their lawn in Astoria on February 28, badly wounded. Ashlynn Anderson is the daughter of Jesse Browning, who stars alongside his father on The History Channel’s “Ax Men,” a show about the logging industry.

Anderson received air transport to a hospital in Portland, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The attack occurred exactly four years after an incident in which officers removed a Rottweiler from the same home after it attacked an adult family member. The two Rottweilers at the home have been quarantined.

Six Injured In Multiple I-40 Crashes

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27530 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

At least four wrecks within three miles of one another on Interstate 40 have resulted in six people suffering personal injuries on March 1.

According to Sgt. Jorge Brewer of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the initial, chain-reaction crash began with a two-vehicle collision near exit 284 to Airport Boulevard at about 8:45 a.m.

Brewer said that as traffic began backing up, a tractor-trailer struck a Honda Accord and a Saturn sedan stopped near exit 287 to Harrison Avenue in the rear. The impact caused the Saturn to spin around and strike a Toyota Camry, which then collided with an Audi and a Nissan.

Another crash took place approximately an hour later on I-40 East between Airport Boulevard and Aviation Parkway.

The Honda’s driver, 43-year-old Raleigh resident Gerald Ried, received transport to Duke Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

The tractor-trailer’s driver, 43-year-old Roseboro resident Thomas Harris, the Saturn’s driver, 39-year-old Raleigh resident Karen Jensen, the Camry’s driver, 60-year-old Raleigh resident Phyllis Burt, the Audi’s driver, Raleigh resident David Coker, and the Nissan’s driver, 32-year-old Raleigh resident Ronbatius Dean, all suffered minor injuries.

Kroger Issues Recall For Onion Soup And Dip Mixes

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27529 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Kroger Co. has issued a recall of two onion soup and dip mixes due to a risk of personal injury because of possible salmonella contamination.

According to the grocer, an ingredient in its Kroger Onion Soup & Dip Mix and Kroger Beefy Onion Soup & Dip Mix may have possibly been contaminated with the bacteria.

The mixes in question were sold in several states and are being recalled from the company’s Kroger, Dillons, Fry’s King Soopers, City Market, Smith’s, Food 4 Less, Jay C, Scott’s, Owen’s, Baker’s, Gerbes, Hilander, and Pay Less stores.

So far, there have been no reports of consumers falling ill after consuming the products. However, consumption of food that has been contaminated with salmonella can result in salmonellosis, a potentially life-threatening bacterial foodborne illness.

Kroger has asked that consumers who bought the products under recall should not eat them and should return them to the store to receive a refund or replacement.

Passenger Files Suit Against Driver After Car Overturns Several Times

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27460 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man has filed a personal injury suit against the driver of a vehicle he was a passenger in that ran off the road and overturned multiple times.

According to the suit Bradley Brown filed on February 22 in Illinois’ Madison County Circuit Court, he was the passenger in a 2003 Ford Mustang driven by Shelby K. Diepenbrock when she lost control of the vehicle and it left the highway and flipped several times.

Brown claims the accident caused him to suffer injuries to both of his knees requiring surgery, injuries to his head, neck, arms, and back, and great pain and mental anguish, become disabled, experience loss of normal life, and incur medical expenses.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Diepenbrock for failure to maintain proper control of the vehicle, failure to stop the vehicle in a timely manner to avoid a collision, and driving too fast.

Brown seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

Suit Says Failure To Stop At Stop Sign Led To Collision

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27459 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Beaumont, Texas has filed a personal injury suit against a driver he alleges failed to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign, resulting in a collision.

According to the suit Lindsey Young filed on February 12 in Texas’ Jefferson County District Court, he was driving through an intersection when defendant Bryan K. Boggs, driving a vehicle owned by defendant Maudry Williams and insured by defendant Clyde Williams, failed to yield at a stop sign and collided with him.

Young claims the accident has caused him to incur medical expenses, lose wages and earning capacity, suffer physical impairment, and endure mental anguish. He also claims to have incurred property damage.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Boggs for failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to apply his brakes in a timely manner in order to avoid a collision, and failure to proceed through the intersection when it was safe to do so.

Young seeks unspecified damages.

One Killed, Seven Injured When Dance Team Van Crashes En Route To Durham

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27445 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Virginia State Police say that one person died and seven others suffered personal injuries when a van transporting a Temple University dance team to a competition in Durham, North Carolina crashed on Interstate 85 in southern Virginia.

According to police, 21-year-old Lansdale, Pennsylvania resident Kammini Ragoopath was killed on February 27 after the van ran off the highway and struck a guardrail in Dinwiddie County. Another passenger, 20-year-old Fatima Pervaiz, received air transport to a hospital in Richmond with serious injuries.

The driver and five other passengers received transport to a hospital in Petersburg with minor injuries.

Police charged the driver, 20-year-old Cranford, New Jersey resident Bilal Badruddin, with reckless driver.

At the time of the crash, the van was transporting the Temple University Bhangra dance team to Durham for a competition.

House Panel Claims Toyota "Deliberately Withheld Evidence" In Lawsuits

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27444 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the chairman of a congressional committee, Toyota Motor Corp. “deliberately withheld” evidence in personal injury suits related to vehicle safety, exhibiting a “systematic disregard for the law.”

Internal documents released by the committee on February 26 say Toyota created “secret electronic ‘Books of Knowledge’” which included information about design problems, yet never disclosed their existence during the suits.

The allegations made by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-New York), the head of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, came two days after the chief executive of Toyota appeared before Congress to apologize for the automaker’s handling of the sudden acceleration issue.

In a three-page letter sent to Yoshimi Inaba, the top official for Toyota in the U.S., a review of company documents the committee obtained from Dimitrios Biller, a former Toyota attorney who handed product liability suits, is detailed. The committee recently subpoenaed some 6,000 documents from Biller.

Toyota released a statement saying that the company “takes its legal obligations seriously,” but that it is not uncommon “for companies to object to certain demands for documents made in litigation.” The automaker says that it is confident that it acted appropriately in the suits.

Towns claims the documents reveal a concerted plan by the company to hide potentially damaging internal documents from plaintiffs’ attorneys in personal injury suits, particularly in rollover cases, which were Biller’s specialty.

In the letter, Towns wrote, “People injured in crashes involving Toyota vehicles may have been injured a second time when Toyota failed to produce relevant evidence in court.” He demanded a response from Inaba by March 5.

In Towns’ letter to Inaba, who also testified before the Oversight committee on February 24, he claims there was a willful pattern of hiding electronic records in litigation. He also questions whether that is a reflection of the company’s attitude toward compliance.

Towns says that the documents provided by Biller also raise concerns over whether Toyota has also been withholding information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulates auto safety.

Though the focus of the majority of Biller’s documents is rollover cases instead of unintended acceleration, they do speak to the company’s general handing of safety disclosure issues and potentially lift a veil on what Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) called a “culture of secrecy” at Toyota.

Greensboro Man Files Suit Against Toyota For Crash Injuries

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27419 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Greensboro has filed a product liability suit against Toyota, Toyota Motor Sales USA, and Flow Imports in the Triad. The suit alleges that William Hemphill suffered serious personal injuries in a December 11, 2009 crash when his Lexus suddenly went into uncontrolled acceleration as he was driving in a parking garage.

According to a description of the incident, the Lexus "bounced off a pillar of the building before colliding with an electrical transformer, resulting in the building and nearby hospital losing power.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Toyota because the company failed to act on more than 2,000 complaints from Toyota and Lexus owners of sudden uncontrolled acceleration.

The suit also claims possible negligence by Flow Imports for giving Hemphill false assurance that the Lexus was in "perfect condition" when they knew or reasonably should have know of an existing safety hazard. The suit cites a service visit over an acceleration issue in fall 2009 as a reference for this claim.

According to Hemphills' lawyer, they had to file the suit to get access to Toyota's records in relation to the crash. He said that there is an "event data recorder," similar to a black box on an airplane, that records what was going on with the engine, brakes, and other aspects of the vehicle when the airbags deploy. He says that he believes getting access to that data, it will show that Hemphill was applying the brake as the engine was racing out of control.

Hemphill seeks compensatory damages of more than $10,000 for the injuries he suffered. He also seeks compensatory damages for property damage and punitive damages from Toyota and Toyota Motor Sales.

Dog Bites Two In Separate Attacks In Asheville

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27418 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Animal Services Unit of the Asheville Police Department is looking for information in two incidents in which people suffered personal injuries from dog bites on February 25.

In the first incident, which occurred at approximately 10 a.m., a man was taking food to his hotel room on Tunnel Road when he was jumped on by a dog. He pushed the dog off of him and it responded by biting him.

In the second incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., a woman was exiting her car in a parking lot on Biltmore Avenue when a dog that had been running loose bit her.

In both of the incidents, the dog responsible for the attack was described as a pit bull terrier with white and black fur wearing an old blue or green collar.

Officers searched the surrounding areas, but as of February 26, they had not yet located the dog or the dog’s owner.

NC Highway Patrol Trooper, Two Others Injured In Surry County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27324 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the morning of February 25, a North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper suffered personal injuries when a car ran off the road and collided with his patrol car along Interstate 77 in Surry County.

According to authorities, the trooper, who was not immediately identified, was doing paperwork in his vehicle shortly after 11 a.m. after issuing a citation to another motorist. Surry EMS director John Shelton said that a passenger car ran off the road and rear-ended the trooper’s car.

Two passengers in the car received transport to Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Elkin for treatment for their injuries. The trooper received transport to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. None of the injuries suffered in the crash are believed to be life-threatening.

No immediate word has been made about whether charges will be filed. The vehicle’s driver has not been identified.

Man Charged In Huntersville Crash That Killed Woman And Child

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27323 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police have officially charged a man they say is responsible for a 2009 accident in which a woman and her infant suffered fatal personal injuries in Huntersville.

The accident in question took place on Wynfield Creek Parkway on October 26.

The driver of the vehicle that crashed, Seth Smith, sustained critical injuries and received air transport to Carolinas Medical Center. The front seat passenger, Courtney Puckett, and her child were killed in the crash.

Police presented the results of their investigation to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office on February 24.

The Huntersville Police Department said that Smith was driving on a revoked license and was exceeding the speed limit.

Smith has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and is currently being held at Mecklenburg County Jail.

Garner Hit-And-Run Injures Teen Pedestrian

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27263 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police are continuing to look for a hit-and-run driver whose vehicle caused personal injuries to a teen pedestrian on the night of February 21.

As of February 24, Sgt. Chris Clayton of the Garner Police Department said that they had no new information, tips, or leads.

The victim, 16-year-old Raleigh resident Dominique Ferrell, received transport to WakeMed, where she was released after undergoing treatment for her injuries, according to police.

Investigators described the vehicle they are searching for as a blue, four-door Honda with tinted windows. Police believe the driver to have been a Hispanic male.

Prosecution Expected To Wrap Up Case In Hit-And-Run Rampage

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27262 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case on February 24 in the trial of 31-year-old Raeford resident Abdullah El-Amin Shareef, who has been accused of a hit-and-run rampage across three counties that left one person dead and several others with personal injuries.

Shareef is charged with murder and four counts of attempted murder. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty.

Since being arrested, Shareef underwent mental health treatment and in 2008, he entered a plea of insanity. According to the defense, Shareef suffered from untreated paranoid schizophrenia when the crimes occurred.

Cumberland County Assistant District Attorney Cal Colyer argued that Shareef knew what he was doing when he “went on a murderous rampage” on April 14, 2004. According to authorities, Shareef stole a city-owned van in Fayetteville, injured three men in Fayetteville, and then killed Lonel Bass in Linden in a string of hit-and-runs.

After running over Bass, Shareef abandoned the van and took his pickup truck before traveling north. He ran over Seth Thompson in Harnett County before he was finally arrested in Fuquay-Varina after crashing the truck.

North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner Dr. John D. Butts testified on February 24 that Bass suffered a broken pelvis, eight broken ribs, and hemorrhaging in his chest cavity. He said that Bass’ injuries “would have been painful as long as he was conscious.” He lost consciousness in transit to the hospital.

Shareef’s trial had been postponed due to his being considered unable to understand court proceedings. According to court officials, medication has allowed him to become competent to stand trial.

One Killed, One Injured In Collision Involving Iredell Sheriff's Deputy

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27180 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On February 22, authorities identified a man who died of the personal injuries he suffered the day before when his SUV was struck by an Iredell County sheriff’s deputy as a 40-year-old father of three from Statesville.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, David Wayne Cox, an independent contractor, was killed when a patrol car driven by Sgt. Tim Byrd struck the side of his Chevrolet Blazer.

Authorities say that Byrd was northbound on N.C. 115 at approximately 6:30 p.m. when he saw a motorcycle driving south at a high rate of speed. He turned his lights and siren on before making a U-turn to pull the biker over.

Byrd accelerated to catch up with the motorcycle as Cox was approaching N.C. 115 on Weston Road. Cox was heading straight to cross N.C. 115. His family said that he was returning from giving an appraisal for a new deck.

Highway Patrol First Sgt. T.E. Baity, the trooper investigating the crash, said that Cox pulled out in front of Byrd as he approached. The cruiser struck the Blazer on the driver side door. Cox was pronounced dead at the scene.

Byrd received air transport to Carolinas Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition as of February 22.

Investigators are attempted to determine Byrd’s rate of speed at the time of the collision and the exact speed of the motorcycle was not available as of February 22. The speed limit in the area is 45 mph.

According to Baity, the wreck is not the result of a police pursuit because Byrd had not yet caught up with the biker or attempted to stop him.

One Killed, Two Injured In High Point Collision

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27179 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A crash in which one man died and his passenger suffered serious personal injuries is under investigation by police in High Point.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on February 22, officers responded to the intersection of N.C. Highway 69 and Mendenhall Oaks Parkway for a report of a serious traffic accident.

According to police, a 2009 Suburban driven by Sarah McClary was northbound on NC Highway 68 when she collided by a 1992 Toyota Corolla driven by Denny Lopez. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Dora Lopez, received transport to High Point Regional Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

McClary received treatment for minor injuries and was released from the hospital.

Icy Roads Increase NC Car Accident Rates

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27123 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

With a month of unusually harsh, cold, and snowy weather in North Carolina, the North Carolina State Patrol has reported an increased number of car accidents across the state due to icy and slick road conditions. The NC State Police also said that even more accidents probably took place during the bad weather, with many people involved in minor accidents, fender-benders, and single-vehicle accidents foregoing a call to police.

Richmond County in particular saw a large number of vehicle accidents near the beginning of February:

- On Highway 47 in Richmond County, 30-year-old Santana Monique Johnson wrecked her car as she crossed an icy bridge. Her car hit the bridge’s guardrail before running off of the road. The driver and five other people in the car were transported to Sandhills Regional Medical Center.

- On Highway 74 in Richmond County, 79-year-old William Marsdon Benton was involved in an icy crash that ended with minor injuries for the man.

NCDOT: Distracted Driving Second Most Common Cause Of NC Car Accidents

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27122 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent North Carolina newspaper editorial brings up an interesting point this week – should texting while driving bans be a no-brainer? The statistic prove that texting while driving leads to car accidents – according to NCDOT, 5,870 people are killed each year in the United States because of distracted driving and another 515,000 people suffer serious injuries because someone is talking, texting, or otherwise distracted while behind the wheel. In addition, several recent studies have confirmed that texting while driving exponentially increases your chance of crashing while driving.

Finally, a number of people and organizations are rising up to fight the problem. Oprah Winfrey has launched a no-cell phone crusade complete with a no talking behind the wheel pledge. At the same time, activist Jennifer Smith has started the group FocusDriven, which fights against diving distractions the same way that MADD fights against drunk driving.

We can hope that the recent attention brought to this big problem makes a difference and the number of distraction-related car accidents in North Carolina goes down.

Red Springs Bicylist Dies Two Days After Being Struck By Car

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27098 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Red Springs who suffered personal injuries on February 20 when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Hubert McLean Road in Red Springs died of those injuries on February 22.

According to Sgt. Dwayne Leggett of the Red Springs Police Department, 53-year-old Rickie Sinclair received transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for a head injury.

Leggett said Sinclair was westbound on his bicycle shortly before 5:45 p.m. when he was struck by a westbound 2006 Pontiac driven by 20-year-old Maxton resident Audrey Oxendine.

Leggett said that Oxendine said she could not see Sinclair due to glare from the sun. Sinclair was not wearing a helmet.

Leggett said no charges have been filed.

Woman Killed By Tire From Crashing NHRA Dragster

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27097 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On February 21, a woman died of the personal injuries she suffered when she was struck by a tire from a crashing dragster at the NHRA Arizona Nationals Arizona Nationals in Chandler, Arizona.

The victim was watching a first-round Top Fuel run at Firebird International Raceway when a dragster driven by Antron Brown and sponsored by Matco Tools and the U.S. Army went out of control and its left rear wheel came off.

According to Alia Maisonet, a spokeswoman for the Gila River Indian Community, the woman received air transport to a hospital for treatment, but later died. Gila River emergency personnel were among the first to respond to the scene.

Maisonet said she did not know the name or hometown of the woman who died.

Driver Causes Accident and Reports Car Stolen

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27063 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Driver Causes Accident and Reports Car Stolen

A Knightdale driver was charged in an accident on New Bern Avenue early Sunday.

Ryan J. Gibson, 21, hit another vehicle head-on and left the scene. Gibson then reported the vehicle stolen.

According to a Wake County magistrate Gibson was charged with filing a false police report.

Driving Too Slow Caused Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27062 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Driving Too Slow Caused Accident

N.C. State Troopers charged John H. Watkins, 65, with impeding traffic and failure to comply with a driver’s license restricting him to drive in daytime hours on Interstate 40 in Sampson County Monday.

Watkins was driving a pickup truck 10 m.p.h. in the left lane of I-40 East through Faison shortly after midnight. The driver of a Honda Accord, whose name was not released, saw the truck in the lane ahead of him. Both of the drivers swerved to the right at the same time. The vehicles collided with Watkins’ truck running off the road and overturning.

Woman Seriously Injured In Vicious Dog Attack

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27042 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman is recovering from the personal injuries she suffered in a vicious dog attack in Hamilton, Ohio.

According to Stacey Martin, she was locking her car doors when a dog bit her ankle. She turned around and the dog lunged for her face. She then attempted to push the dog away, but it began attacking her thigh.

Martin said that the attack was so violent that she required aid from neighbors to get the dog away from her.

Upon her arrival at the hospital, Martin said that doctors were shocked by the bite. She said that she was told that she was very fortunate due to how close it was to the main artery in her leg. The staff said it was likely one of the worst bites they’ve ever seen.

Martin received three stitches in her ankle and 22 staples in her thigh.

8-Year-Old Seriously Injured By Pit Bull Mix

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27041 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Shortly after 2:15 p.m. on February 12, an 8-year-old girl from Dewey, Arizona suffered serious personal injuries when a family member’s 3-year-old pit bull mix “Knuckles” attacked her.

Officers responded to Yuma Regional Medical Center East Campus about an hour after the attack to investigate a dog bite report. Upon their arrival at the scene, they learned that the girl and her family were visiting a grandparent in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The girl was playing in the residence when the dog apparently ran to her and bit her on the face.

Family members were able to get the dog to release the girl with verbal commands, but she had already suffered serious facial injuries. The attack is believed to have been unprovoked.

The girl received transport to YRMC for treatment for severe facial wounds. She was then flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she underwent surgery. She reportedly will require several more surgical procedures to repair damage caused by the attack.

The incident report said that the dog has not shown aggressive behavior prior to the attack. The girl was reportedly in fair condition and remained in the hospital.

Three Taken To Hospital After Greensboro Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27026 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Shortly before rush hour traffic on February 19, police in Greensboro were attempting to clear an accident involving personal injuries on a heavily traveled road. The crash took place on High Point Road near Meadowview.

According to investigators, a pickup truck leaving an area restaurant pulled out of the parking lot and collided with a van, causing it to overturn. Three occupants of the van received transport to a local hospital.

The truck’s driver has been charged with DUI. Police say the crash remains under investigation.

Man Injured In Burlington Hit-And-Run

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)27025 — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A hit-and-run crash in Burlington in which a man suffered personal injuries on February 19 is under investigation by Burlington Police. The crash occurred shortly before 8:15 p.m. on E. Maple Avenue.

According to police, they found the victim, Ronald Jones, lying in the road. A witness who said they did not see the crash, but noticed the injured man in the road remained at the scene with Jones until help arrived.

Jones received transport to UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital.

Police initially had no information about the vehicle that hit Jones, but later located the suspected vehicle behind a business in the Burlington Outlet Village. The driver was identified as 40-year-old Graham resident Gregory Page Thomasson.

Thomasson turned himself in on the following morning. He was charged with felony hit and run and driving on a revoked license.

Customs Dog Bites Child At Dulles

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26986 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol says that a 4-year-old girl suffered personal injuries after one of its dogs bit her during a training exercise at Washington Dulles International Airport.

According to spokeswoman Kelly Ivahnenko, the incident took place at approximately 10:30 a.m. on February 18 at the domestic terminal baggage facility. She said the reason for the dog, a Belgian malinois, attacking the child is not known.

Ivahnenko said that the dog bit the girl on her abdomen. She immediately received medical attention and received hospital transport. Her condition was not known.

According to Ivahnenko, dog bites are uncommon and the agency is making every effort to determine the cause and take appropriate steps to prevent it from occurring again.

One Killed, Two Injured By Roof Collapse At Clinton Church

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26985 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On February 18, a roof collapsed at a church in Sampson County, resulting in one person dying and two suffering personal injuries.

The incident took place at Mount Vernon Baptist Church just north of Clinton. The building was under construction and it appears that roof supports toppled over.

According to authorities, one of the construction workers died and two more were injured after becoming trapped underneath the wreckage.

Worker Orlando Martinez said that the crew was removing some of the 2x4s and replacing them with new ones. He said they heard a noise every time one of the boards was removed, then suddenly the structure fell.

The injured workers, Wallace resident Darium Rony and Chinquapin resident Adrian Norris Jr., received transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where they were listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have not discovered the exact cause of the accident, but believe weather to have been a factor.

The deceased worker’s identity had not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Dangerous Sledding Causes Death

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26982 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Dangerous Sledding Causes Death

Michael Barnes, driving his pickup, was pulling three people on an old car hood in Johnston County

The sled slid off the road and crashed into a telephone pole.

One of the sledders, Kathy S. Brown, 52, died of her injuries February 1. Brown was a nurse at Kenly Medical Associates.

Barnes faces a charge of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

Pulling a sled behind a vehicle on the highway is considered reckless driving according to Johnston County Trooper Jake Partin.

Elderly Bus Driver Causes Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26978 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Elderly Bus Driver Causes Accident

Wilmington police charged Otis Hames with failure to yield the right of way yesterday after he caused an accident along Kerr Avenue.

Ten students were treated at hospital for possible injuries after the accident.

The accident is under investigation.

Many parents were concerned over the age of the bus driver. New Hanover shool administrators stated that age was not a factor in hiring.

Hames, 80, was recertified by the state in 2005. To receive certification, the bus driver must pass vision, hearing and medical tests.

Pedestrian Killed By Drunk Driver

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26974 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian Killed By Drunk Driver

Brendan D. Bass, 21, of Durham was charged with driving while impaired after his vehicle hit and killed Vickie E. Riley, 48 of Durham on Thursday night.

Bass faces additional charges of driving without a license, no insurance and using fictitious tags in connection with the collision killing Vickie Riley.

Also served on Bass was an outstanding warrant from an armed robbery occurring on March 30, 2009.

According to a report, Bass was driving in the left southbound lane on Fayetteville St. when he hit Riley. After hitting Riley, he lost control of the 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass he was driving and hit a Mercury Mountaineer in the right lane, that then hit a utility pole. The Cutlass jumped a curb, struck a sign, crashed through a chain-link fence & hit a parked car.

Riley was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Bass was being held under a $280,000.00

Speed Is Factor In Fatal Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26973 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Speed Is Factor In Fatal Accident

State troopers stated speed caused a fatal accident on Connarista Road on Monday.

Killed in the accident was Albert Cherry, 39, of Windsor.

The driver, Davon Smallwood and three others survived.

The accident occurred south of Aulander in Bertie County.

Smallwood lost control of the vehicle, veered to the left, struck a culvert pipe and overturned into a ditch.

The accident is being investigated.

One Hospitalized After Asheville Motorcycle Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26943 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

One person required hospital transport from first responders for personal injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash in Asheville on the afternoon of February 18.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash took place at approximately 3 p.m. near the Beaverdam Road and Bennett Road intersection. The crash followed a pursuit by troopers, according to a Buncombe County dispatcher.

Further details about the crash were not immediately made available.

Man Flees After Charlotte Crash, Leaving Injured Girlfriend Trapped

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26942 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to police, a driver fled the scene after a crash in Charlotte, leaving his girlfriend, who suffered personal injuries when the car collided with a pole, trapped inside the vehicle.

Officers say the man was driving along the outer loop of Interstate 277 at approximately 3 a.m. when he lost control of the vehicle near the Kenilworth Avenue exit. The car ran off the road, knocked down a DOT camera pole, and then spun several times. The driver fled, but was found running down the interstate.

Police say the driver’s bleeding girlfriend had to be cut out of the car. Both received hospital transport and are expected to be ok.

Officers have said that the driver is to be charged with DWI.

Accident On Capital Boulevard

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26906 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Accident On Capital Boulevard

A two-vehicle accident on Capital Boulevard, near Buffaloe Road injured one person Monday evening.

A vehicle rear-ended a pickup truck shortly before 7 p.m.

One person was transported to a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the accident.

The accident is being investigated.

Accident On Capital Boulevard

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26905 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Accident On Capital Boulevard

A two-vehicle accident on Capital Boulevard, near Buffaloe Road injured one person Monday evening.

A vehicle rear-ended a pickup truck shortly before 7 p.m.

One person was transported to a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the accident.

The accident is being investigated.

Accident Closes N.C. 55

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26904 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Accident Closes N.C. 55

A section of N.C. Highway 55 was closed Wednesday morning after an accident spilled hardwood flooring.

The accident occurred near the entrance ramp to Interstate 40. A 22 foot box truck collided with a tractor-trailer.

One person was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident.

Two Killed In Separate Robeson County Crashes

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26891 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two people died of the personal injuries they suffered in separate accidents in Robeson County, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on February 16, a man from South Carolina died after his car crashed on N.C. 904 near Fairmont.

According to Trooper J.R. Locklear, 41-year-old North Myrtle Beach resident Wesley Shane Owens was eastbound in a 2002 Lexus when the car ran off the road to the left, hit a bridge, and went back onto the road and into the path of a Tompkins Delivery Service truck driven by 30-year-old Loris, South Carolina resident Casey Devone Spivey. The Lexus then hit a guardrail before finally coming to rest in the road. Spivey was uninjured in the crash.

In another incident, investigators are still attempting to identify the person who died in a February 17 crash on Elrod Road near Alford Church Road at approximately 12:15 a.m.

3-Year-Old Lumberton Boy Killed After Fall Into Drainage Ditch

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26890 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 3-year-old boy who slipped out of his home in Lumberton was discovered about two and a half hours later, having suffered personal injuries from falling into a water-filled drainage ditch, according to a February 17 statement from Sheriff Ken Sealey.

Sealey said that 3-year-old Jay Flores received transport to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, but was pronounced dead at approximately 6 p.m. at the hospital.

According to Sealey, the boy slipped out of the house as his mother, Candice Hardin, was outside getting the mail and his grandmother, Joyce Hardin, was in another room.

When the mother returned to the house and didn’t know where her child was, the family began to search for him and called the Sheriff’s Office about 40 minutes later.

Sealey said authorities launched a full-scale search and the boy was found between 2 and 2:30 p.m. He had fallen into a small canal approximately 200 feet behind the house with about six feet of murky water in it.

Detective Brandon Patterson pulled the child out of the water and attempted to revive him.

Sealey said the incident is under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services.

State Trooper Rear-Ended In Raleigh, Two Hospitalized

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26834 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Personal injuries were suffered in a crash involving a North Carolina state trooper on Interstate 40 at Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh around 5:30 p.m. on February 15.

According to authorities, Trooper Michael Davidson was parked on the left shoulder of I-40 east when an eastbound car veered left to avoid a collision with another vehicle and rear-ended the patrol car.

Both vehicles came to rest in the median. Davidson and the other driver received transport to Wake Med with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Davidson underwent treatment and was released.

The other driver's name and the extent of their injuries have not been released by authorities.

Car Overturns When Woman Attempts To Avoid Squirrel In Wilmington

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26833 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman received transport to the hospital on February 15 for the personal injuries she suffered after her car overturned while she was attempting to avoid a squirrel on River Road in Wilmington, according to officials.

According to Cpl. M.G. Beguhl of the Wilmington Police Department, the driver was conscious and talking while she was being transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

At approximately 1 p.m., the woman was southbound on River Road between the intersections of Independence Boulevard and Sanders Road when she swerved to avoid a squirrel, ran off the road to the right, overcorrected, and ran off the road to the left.

The black four-door sedan flipped and ended up on its roof in the grass on the left side of the road.

Browns Summit Crash Kills Three, Driver Charged With DWI

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26780 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman from Winston-Salem has been charged with DWI after a crash in which three people suffered fatal personal injuries.

The accident occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on Fairgrove Church Road, near N.C. 150, in Browns Summit in northern Guilford County.

According to Trooper Greg Ingram of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 20-year-old Amanda Sperluti was charged after the February 13 crash. She received treatment at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro for the injuries she suffered.

Ingram said the NCHP believes speed an alcohol to have been factors in the crash. The vehicle Sperluti was driving ran off the road and collided with a tree.

Three passengers in the vehicle, 18-year-old Whitsett resident Sascha Hoffman, 23-year-old Greensboro resident Scott Bedwell, and 18-year-old Browns Summit resident Taylor McCaskill, all died in the crash.

According to Ingram, any further charges would come after Trooper Mitchell Mann, who responded to the crash, completes his investigation and consults the district attorney's office.

One Killed, One Injured In West End Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26779 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Cameron suffered fatal personal injuries on February 13 after the pickup truck he was a passenger in collided with a tree on Hardee Branch Road in West End, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

The report filed by Trooper J.B. Stewart says that the crash was reported shortly after 5:30 p.m. near Beulah Hill Church Road.

The report said that 30-year-old West End resident Aaron Lee Berry was driving west on Hardee Branch Road in a 1998 GMC pickup truck at an estimated speed of 75 mph when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, veered back across the road, ran off the left side of the road, and collided with a tree.

The passenger in the truck, 28-year-old Howard Shaun Talbert, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Berry received transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. His condition was not known.

Woman Sues CNN's Anderson Cooper Over Fall

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26722 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

An interior designer has filed a personal injury suit against CNN anchor Anderson Cooper over a fall at an old New York City firehouse Cooper is converting into a new home.

According to the suit filed by Brooklyn resident Killian O'Brien, she fell 17 feet through the hole that once held the station's fire pole. The pole had been removed, but the hole remained uncovered.

The accident occurred in September. O'Brien's attorney says she is lucky to still be alive.

The Manhattan firehouse was constructed in 1906 and formerly housed a unit of the Fire Patrol, a private firefighting organization backed by the insurance industry.

O'Brien has also named the building's developer as a defendant.

Two Killed In Burlington Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26721 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Authorities say two men died of the personal injuries they suffered when their vehicle collided with a tree in Burlington on February 13.

According to Staff Sgt. S.H. Epps of the Burlington Police Department, the crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. along Chapel Hill Road.

Epps said that police were contacted with a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a fire. Upon arrival, officers determined that a single-vehicle crash had taken place.

According to investigation, the vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree near the intersection of Maple Avenue.

Burlington resident Charles Reynolds was identified as the passenger. He died at the scene.

Graham resident Mike Beverly was identified as the driver. He received transport to Alamance Regional Medical Center and Duke Medical Center for treatment. He later died at the hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

Two Students Injured In Cumberland County School Bus Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26695 — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two students suffered personal injuries in a February 11 crash in which a Cumberland County school bus carrying 23 students slid into a vehicle, according to a Cumberland County schools spokeswoman.

Shortly before 7:30 a.m., the Margaret Willis Elementary School bus hit black ice on Ramsey Street near the Department of Social Services, according to assistant superintendent of communications and public relations Theresa Perry.

No one reported injuries at the scene, but the following morning Principal Peggy Raymes informed Perry that the parents of two students said they were taking their children to a doctor for minor injuries, Perry said.

Two Killed In Collision With Sampson County Ambulance

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26694 — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A husband and wife died of the personal injuries they suffered in a head-on collision between their pickup truck and a Sampson County ambulance on N.C. 55 near Dunn, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

A spokesman for the NCHP said that the crash occurred shortly after 7 p.m. near Green Path Road approximately four and a half miles from Dunn on February 12.

The names of the couple have yet to be released pending notification of family members.

The spokesman said that at the time of the crash, the couple was westbound in a 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck that was in the eastbound lane after passing a vehicle. The truck rounded a curve and collided head-on with the eastbound ambulance, which was en route to its base station in Newton Grove.

The spokesman said the ambulance driver and passenger, whose names were unavailable, received transport to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn.

Cumberland School Bus Involved In Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26650 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Cumberland School Bus Involved In Accident

A school bus transporting students from Max Abbott School was involved in an accident Wednesday afternoon in Cumberland County.

According to Fayetteville police the bus collided with a Ford F-150 pickup truck on Pinecrest Drive.

The cause of the crash is being investigated.

Fire Truck Collides With SUV In Raleigh

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26647 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Raleigh crash involving a fire truck and an SUV in which personal injuries were suffered is being investigated by authorities.

At approximately 7:45 a.m. on February 12, a truck from Fire Station 1 was traveling along South Dawson Street responding to a call on Capital Boulevard when it collided with another vehicle at the West Martin Street intersection.

The fire chief at the scene said that one firefighter received transport to the hospital after pulling a muscle in his chest.

There was no fire discovered at the location of the original call.

The ladder truck involved in the crash is a substitute for a tiller truck that was destroyed in a crash on South Dawson Street last year.

Man Files Suit Against Lee County Sheriff And Deputies

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26646 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man has filed suit against a sheriff and his deputies, as well as state prison officials, for the personal injuries he suffered due to his treatment during and following an arrest.

According to a report in The News & Observer, 35-year-old Steven Wayne Thomas has filed federal lawsuits alleging that Lee County sheriff's deputies struck him, kicked him in the head, used pepper spray on him, and shocked him with a Taser at least 11 times.

According to Thomas, the attacks during the April arrest caused him to suffer a broken jaw and lose a tooth. He also claims that the attack caused him to become mentally disoriented and he asked a deputy for assistance.

Thomas' suit also names the North Carolina Department of Correction as a defendant, alleging hat it failed to provide proper medical care.

Sheriff Tracy Carter argues that his deputies acted appropriately after Thomas acted aggressively and failed to follow commands.

Police Identify Woman Killed In I-40 Hit-And-Run

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26593 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On February 11, police identified a woman who suffered fatal personal injuries on the previous morning in a hit-and-run on eastbound Interstate 40 in Durham.

The body of 57-year-old Chapel Hill resident Judy Gail Siegel was located by officers on the highway near Exit 276.

According to police, Siegel was driving a Toyota in the right lane when she collided with the side of or a tire on a tractor-trailer in the lane beside here. The impact resulted in her vehicle running off the road to the right and colliding with a guardrail.

Investigators believe Siegel exited her vehicle on the shoulder of the highway and walked into the middle of the road, where multiple vehicles struck her. Police say the first vehicle to hit her left the scene.

7-Inch Forceps Left Inside During Routine Surgery Cause Woman Severe Pain

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26592 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a report from The Sun, a British mother spent three months in agony from the personal injuries she suffered due to doctors leaving a 7-inch set of forceps inside her while performing a routine operation.

One year ago, 39-year-old Donna Bowett went in for a surgical procedure to remove her gallbladder. She was left in so much pain that she was barely able to move.

Bowett said that the doctors believed her to have a water infection or another gallstone. When they conducted an MRI scan at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, Worcestershire, the magnets began pulling the metal forceps through her skin.

Bowett, a mother of four, described the pain she went through as "horrendous." She said she began crying and the doctors asked if she had anything metal on her person.

Bowett, who is taking legal action over the incident, finally had an X-ray at Worcestershire Hospital, where she works, and the scan revealed the forceps inside her body.

Bowett said she is unable to believe that "it's happened in this day and age." She said that she still is "not right" and believes she may have suffered damage to her internal organs.

12 Injured In Charlotte Crash Involving School Bus

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26519 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the morning of February 10, 12 people suffered personal injuries in a school bus crash in west Charlotte.

The bus' driver and 11 children received transport to local hospitals. Five of the students were taken to Presbyterian Hospital and the other six students and the driver were taken to Carolinas Medical Center. According to MEDIC, the injuries are all considered to be minor.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., bus No. 106 was on Freedom Drive en route to Whitewater Middle School. A box truck rear-ended the fully loaded bus at a bus stop outside the Westside Apartments.

There were around 50 other students on the bus who were uninjured in the crash. They received transport to the school on another bus.

Woman Killed In Hit-And-Run On I-40

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26518 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police in Durham are investigating a hit-and-run accident in which a woman suffered fatal personal injuries on Interstate 40 East near Exit 276.

Shortly after 6 a.m. on February 10, officers were dispatched to respond to a report of a deer in the road. Upon the officers' arrival at the scene, they discovered the body of a woman on the interstate.

The victim appeared to have been involved in another wreck prior to being struck by a vehicle.

All lanes of I-40 East were reopened shortly after 11 a.m. The accident remains under investigation.

Woman Struck And Killed On I-575

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26493 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Woman Struck And Killed On I-575

A crash on I-575 that killed an Acworth woman and severely injured a Holly Springs teenager is being investigated.

Linda L. Lopez, 38, was killed Friday night after being hit by a tractor-trailer according to a report by the Georgia State Patrol.

Lopez was standing in the median of the interstate near exit 8 when the truck veered to avoid vehicles stopped in the road.

Prior to Lopez being struck, there had been a multiple vehicle crash nearby. According to a witness, this crash was caused by a driver spinning out.

Lopez and others involved in the crash were standing in the median awaiting help.

The teenager hit in the crash was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.

Two Killed In Crash In Alamance County

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26471 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two people suffered fatal personal injuries in a two-vehicle collision on the morning of February 9 on Interstate 40/85 in eastern Alamance County.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a Honda Civic occupied by four people was traveling west on I-40/85 and stopped on the highway. The disabled vehicle was struck from behind by a Ford Explorer shortly before 8 a.m.

No immediate word on the identities of the victims or the conditions of the survivors was available.

The NCHP said the crash took place in the second of four lanes near Exit 153.

One Killed, Two Injured In N.C. 33 Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26470 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that a man from Grimesland has died of the personal injuries he suffered in a February 5 head-on collision on N.C. 33.

According to Trooper J.P. Howard, 74-year-old Cecil McDaniel Brinson was westbound on N.C. 33 in a Toyota pickup truck in heavy rain when he crossed the center line near the Dixon Road intersection approximately 3.7 miles east of Chocowinity. The truck collided head-on with an eastbound Dodge SUV shortly after 7 p.m. The truck stopped in the road and the SUV went through a ditch before stopping.

The driver and a passenger in the SUV suffered injuries in the crash. Both 43-year-old Shauna Moody and 56-year-old Clyde Johnson received transport to Beaufort County Medical Center in Washington, N.C. They were released over the following weekend after undergoing treatment, according to a statement from a hospital spokeswoman on February 7.

Howard said there was no evidence of hydroplaning at the scene and the cause of the crash remained under investigation.

Woman Found Dead Was Hit By Several Vehicles

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26438 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Woman Found Dead Was Hit By Several Vehicles A woman in Bladen County is dead after she was hit by at least one vehicle last night on Highway 87 in the Carver's Creek Community. It is believed she was then hit by several more vehicles after being left in the middle of the road. The victim, Ezellas Allen, 50, was dropped off at the road leading to her house around 8 p.m. by her father, Perry Bowen. A little before 2 a.m. police were called to investigate a body long Highway 87. It was unknown by Allen's family whether or not she had been to her house or why she was in the road. Allen left behind her parents, several siblings and two sons. The N.C. Highway Patrol, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Bladen County Sheriff's Office are conducting an investigation.

Six Injured When Minivan Overturns In Granville County

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26414 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Six people suffered personal injuries when the minivan they were in overturned on Interstate 85 in Granville County on February 8. Some of the passengers were ejected during the crash.

The crash took place approximately four miles north of Butner. At least one child received air transport to Duke Medical Center.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Two Injured In Head-On Collision Near Spring Lake

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26413 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a driver suffered serious personal injuries on the morning of February 8 when her car hit black ice on N.C. 87 and collided head-on with an SUV.

Trooper S.C. Spivey said that the crash was reported around 7 a.m., just south of the Harnett-Cumberland County line.

Spivey said that 21-year-old Vass resident Amanda Baney was northbound in a 1995 Geo Prizm when she hit a patch of ice, lost control, crossed the center turn lane, and collided with a 2007 Lincoln SUV driven by 47-year-old Sanford resident May Moore.

The NCHP said Moore's injuries were not considered life-threatening and she received transport to Womack Army Medical Center. However, a hospital spokeswoman said they had no record of her being treated there.

Spivey said Baney suffered a broken leg in the crash and received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Spivey said both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Three Injured In Crash Near Havelock

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26412 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Three people suffered personal injuries in a crash on N.C. 101 outside Havelock on the night of February 5.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The wreck occurred shortly before 6:30 p.m. approximately one mile east of the intersection of N.C. 101 and N.C. 306, according to Trooper Michael Riggs' accident report.

The report says that 41-year-old Havelock resident David Rawls was eastbound in a 2000 Toyota pickup truck when he passed another vehicle, overcorrected, lost control, and collided with a westbound 2009 Honda passenger car driven by 58-year-old Beaufort resident Marilyn Davis.

The Honda ended up in a ditch and the Toyota ended up in the westbound lane.

Davis, Rawls, and 41-year-old Newport resident Patricia Fleak, a passenger in Rawls' vehicle, alls suffered injuries in the crash. The NCHP said on a scale of 1-to-5, with one being fatal, Davis and Fleak had level three injuries and Rawls had level four injuries.

All three received transport to CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern. Their conditions were not available as of February 8.

Rawls was cited for speeding, according to the report.

Man Ticketed In Raleigh Crash That Killed Groom On Wedding Day

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26411 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A doctor who was at fault for a crash in which a man suffered fatal personal injuries on his wedding day left court on February 5 with just a traffic ticket.

The accident took place on September 12, 2009 on Westgate Road at Glenwood Avenue toward Interstate 540.

The groom, 28-year-old Christopher Raynor, and his groomsmen were en route to brunch prior to Raynor's wedding when a car ran a red light on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh.

Raynor was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the back seat and struck by a third car on the street. He received transport to Wake Med Hospital, where he later died.

The driver who ran the red light, James Howard Early, a doctor in Asheville, was convicted of only a charge of running a red light and received a $100 fine.

The Raynor family reached an agreement with prosecutors to drop misdemeanor death by motor vehicle charges.

Early pleaded "responsible" through his attorney.

Moped Driver Killed In Fayetteville Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26292 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The driver of a moped scooter suffered fatal personal injuries in a three-vehicle accident late in the afternoon on February 5 in Fayetteville.

According to a Fayetteville Police Department watch commander, the accident occurred at the intersection of Owen Drive and Southern Avenue shortly before 6 p.m.

Police say the moped driver had already died when they arrived at the scene.

As of the night of the accident, the driver’s identity had not yet been made available and police had no further details on possible injuries in the other vehicles.

Deceased Chapel Hill High Football Player's Family Files Suit Against Paramedic

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26291 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The family of a football player for Chapel Hill High School who suffered fatal personal injuries in August 2008 has filed a wrongful death suit against the paramedic who treated him, Orange County Emergency Services, and Orange County, according to a February 6 statement from the family’s attorney.

On August 12, 2008, 17-year-old Atlas Fraley, a senior offensive guard and defensive tackle, was participating in a scrimmage at Middle Creek High School in Apex. Shortly before 2 p.m., he called 911 with complaints of cramps and dehydration and asked for intravenous fluids. He was treated by Paramedic James Griffin and discharged shortly after 2 p.m. Later that evening, his parents found him unresponsive in their home.

No definite cause of death was listed on the autopsy report, but the report said that Fraley had a history of cramping and similar symptoms, which could have combined with dehydration to result in a “fatal cardiac event or even an acute asthmatic attack.”

In the suit Fraley’s parents file, they claim Griffin failed to provide adequate care for their son, was in violation of proper protocol for his medical condition, and failed to attempt to contact them before leaving him home alone.

The suit alleges that Fraley’s death was “a direct and proximate result” of Griffin’s negligence. It claims that if Griffin had properly evaluated, treated, and provided hospital transport to Fraley, he would more than likely still be alive.

State officials found no reason Griffin’s paramedic credentials should be revoked, but Orange County EMS determined him to have been in violation of protocol and revoked his privileges in the county. He resigned five days later.

The suit cites the Orange County EMS’ report in alleging Griffin’s violation of hyperthermia treatment protocol, such as failure to take Fraley’s vitals, failure to refer him to a physician or transport him, and failure to contact his parents. The suit also says Griffin assented to the advice of an observing medical student that Fraley didn’t need an IV.

Fraley’s parents have asked for a trial by jury and seek damages for medical and funeral costs, Fraley’s pain and suffering, and lost companionship and services.

Driver Identified In Angier Crash That Killed Passenger

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26250 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The driver involved in a single-car crash that took place in Angier on February 3 in which his passenger suffered fatal personal injuries has been identified by the North Carolina Highway Patrol as 19-year-old Raleigh resident Robert A Porter.

According to Trooper S.U. Pae, Porter was driving along Rawls Church Road at approximately 6 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle, which ran off the road and collided with a bridge abutment.

Pae’s report said that 20-year-old Christopher Searcy, the front seat passenger in the vehicle, was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected.

The report said Porter received transport to WakeMed hospital with serious injuries. However, a WakeMed spokeswoman said that he is not a patient there.

According to a spokeswoman for the NCHP, there have been no charges filed as of February 5.

Additional Fines Levied By State Against Robeson County Plant For Fatal Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26249 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A chicken processing plant in Robeson County has been fined $27,410 by North Carolina environmental authorities for improper handling of hazardous materials that resulted in an ammonia release that caused fatal personal injuries.

The leak at the Mountaire Farms Inc. near Lumber Bridge resulted in the death of 48-year-old Fayetteville resident Clifton Swain. He was a maintenance worker at the plant.

The N.C. Division of Air Quality levied the fine, which is in addition to a $73,325 fine levied against the plant by the N.C. Department of Labor last year for safety violations that led to Swain’s death.

The Labor Department said that Swain died when anhydrous ammonia leaked from a ruptured high-pressure refrigerant line as workers performed maintenance on a piece of meat-processing equipment.

According to the Air Quality division fine, the company was in violation of federal regulations designed to ensure that hazardous materials are safely handled and stored.

By rule, companies are required to develop a Risk Management Program designed to ensure that hazardous materials are properly stored, employees are properly trained on safe handling methods, and response plans for emergency releases are prepared.

The plant was fined $25,000, the maximum amount the Air Quality division is allowed to assess for a single violation, due to the severity of the incident and previous problems at the plant. Also included in the assessment was an additional $2,410 to cover the division’s investigative costs.

The investigation revealed that Mountaire failed to have a complete and proper Risk Management Program in place, despite having been previously cited for a deficient Risk Management Program. The division fined the company $4,506 in March 2008 for violating risk management rules.

Driver Charged After Hitting a Student Near Athens Drive

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26236 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Driver Charged After Hitting a Student Near Athens Drive

A driver was cited Friday morning after hitting an Athens Drive High School student in front of the school.

Phoebe Miller, 14, was walking in a cross walk when she was struck by a Jeep. According to a report the Jeep was traveling about ten milers over the speed limit.

Lainey Kathryn Childrey, 16, of Cary was charged with speeding and failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Miller was transported to Wake Med for injuries she received.

Willow Spring Man Killed In Angier Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26202 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Willow Spring suffered fatal personal injuries in a crash that took place on the night of February 3 in which the vehicle he was a passenger in collided with a bridge abutment near Angier.

According to a spokeswoman from the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 20-year-old Christopher Searcy was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected.

The crash took place at approximately 6 p.m. on Rawls Church Road, according to the spokeswoman. The driver’s name was not immediately made available.

Icy Roads Cause Two Multi-Vehicle Crashes In Durham

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26201 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Icy roads are being blamed for a pair of multi-vehicle crashes in which at least three people suffered personal injuries in Durham on the morning of February 4.

In the first crash, which took place at approximately 5:45 a.m. on N.C. Highway 147 near Chapel Hill Street, involved six vehicles.

Police say three people involved in the crash received transport to Duke Hospital’s emergency room with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The highway’s right two lanes were blocked, but reopened two hours later. Sand trucks were summoned to the area to help take care of the icy spots.

The second crash took place on U.S. Highway 15-501 between Cornwallis Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. No other details were immediately made available.

Willow Springs Man Dies In Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26148 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Willow Springs Man Dies In Accident

A Willow Springs man was killed in a single-vehicle accident on Rawls Church Rd. west of Angier late Wednesday afternoon.

According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, a vehicle traveling east ran off the road. The driver, whose name was not released, over-corrected, resulting in the vehicle crossing the center line, spinning around and hitting a bridge rail.

Christopher M. Searcy of Willow Springs died in the accident. Searcy was a passenger in the front seat.

Four Injured In Stage Collapse Outside Super Bowl Stadium

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26122 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Four people suffered personal injuries when a small stage collapsed outside Sun Life Stadium, the site of Super Bowl XLIV, on February 2.

According to a news released from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, all four victims received transport to hospitals in the area that night. Two received helicopter transport and the other two were transported via ambulance. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints will play in the Super Bowl at the stadium on February 7.

One Killed, Three Injured In Crash Near Warrenton

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26121 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Three people suffered personal injuries and one man died in an accident in which alcohol may have been involved on January 29. The crash took place at approximately 11 p.m. on Highway 401 at the Stagecoach Road intersection, approximately four miles south of Warrenton.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that 41-year-old Warrenton resident Eric George Hawkins was southbound on Highway 401 at a high rate of speed when he ran off the road, overcorrected, crossed the center line, and then spun around backward and collided with a northbound Ford Escape driven by 25-year-old Norlina resident Vernisha Latrice Gonzalez.

Also in the Escape were 33-year-old Norlina resident Cornelius Burt and 26-year-old Louisburg Octavius Jermaine Burt, who died in the crash.

Two of the victims were pinned inside the vehicles. Afton Fire Chief Joey Andrews requested two medical helicopters for assistance.

According to the NCHP’s report, alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash.

One Pinned After Colliding With Power Pole

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26071 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

One person suffered personal injuries, was pinned inside a vehicle, and required rescue by emergency crews after the car struck a power pole and overturned in Fayetteville on the night of February 1.

Police watch commanders say the crash took place at approximately 9 p.m. at the intersection of Moore and Hillsboro streets.

Reports say that two power poles were damaged in the collision and power lines were lying in the road and across the railroad tracks.

Woman Requires Rescue After SUV Overturns Into Creek In Lexington

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26070 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman required rescue in Lexington after suffering personal injuries when her SUV slid off Hedrick Mill road at approximately 8:30 a.m. and landed in a small creek on the morning of February 2.

According to a trooper from the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the driver, 42-year-old Denton resident Angela Kim McElroy, came around a curve into a straightaway covered with snow and ice and slid into a bridge rail. McElroy’s leg was injured by the rail, which pierced the vehicle. The SUV overturned into the creek.

The Jaws of Life had to be used by emergency workers to extract McElroy from the SUV. She was wearing a seat belt.

McElroy received transport to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, where she is likely to undergo a surgical procedure on her leg.

Teen Injured After SUV Slides On Ice, Slams Into Her Home

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26016 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the morning of February 1, an SUV collided with a mobile home near Bessemer City after sliding on a patch of ice, causing a teenager inside the home to suffer personal injuries.

After an SUV slid on an icy patch, ran off the road, and slammed into her home, 17-year-old Miranda McDaniel was injured. The impact threw her against the wall and she became pinned.

McDaniel received transport to Carolinas Medical Center, but her condition has not been released. Her mother and 8-year-old sister were uninjured in the accident.

The crash took place on Bess Town Road, north of Bessemer City.

One Dead, One Injured After Crash Near Winnabow

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)26015 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 77-year-old man who suffered personal injuries in a crash near Winnabow on January 29 has since died at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

According to Sgt. R.E. King of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Douglas Webster Lewis was the man who died at the hospital from the injuries he suffered. He was the lone occupant of the 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck he was driving.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on the day of the accident, Lewis was turning left from northbound U.S. onto Zion Hill Road. He pulled out in front of a 1988 Jeep SUV and his truck overturned, coming to rest on its roof on the shoulder of the road, King said.

Lewis and the Jeep’s driver, 42-year-old Southport resident Jeffrey Wayne Jernigan, both received transport to the hospital.

Trooper M.R. Strangman said Jernigan was conscious and talking at the scene. He was the lone occupant of his vehicle. He also said Lewis was not wearing his seat belt and was partially ejected.

King said there have been no charges filed. There is no stop sign or traffic light at the intersection where the crash occurred.

Snowplow Kills Pedestrian In Wayne County

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25994 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Snowplow Kills Pedestrian In Wayne County

A pedestrian was struck and killed along US Highway 70 in Wayne County by a snowplow.

The incident occurred near the Johnston County line.

Mark Walston, 21 of was walking along the roadway when the state Department of Transportation snowplow struck and killed him late Saturday afternoon.

According to the NC Highway Patrol, the incident is being investigated to determine who was at fault.

Twenty One Year old Killed In Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25993 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Twenty One Year old Killed In Accident

A 21-year-old man was killed in an accident Saturday when his vehicle went out of control on a snowy & icy road.

According to a report, Trovin McCoy, Jr. was killed when he lost control of his 2007 Nissan Versa, hitting a tree in Wilson.

Three passengers were transported to hospitals for injuries received.

One of the passengers, Thomas Parker was listed in critical condition Saturday at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville.

All passengers were wearing seatbelts.

Honda Issues Recall For Jazz/Fit And City Models Over Fire Hazard

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25956 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 29, Honda Motor Co. issued a worldwide recall for a total of 646,000 units of the Fit/Jazz and City models, including 140,000 in the U.S., due to a fire hazard that could potentially cause personal injury

According to a Honda spokeswoman, models sold in North America, South America, Europe, South Africa, and all of Asia except for Japan are under the recall.

The Fit is the best-selling model of Honda in Japan.

According to Honda, the recall was to repair a defective master switch, which could cause water to enter the power window switch, sometimes resulting in a fire.

The spokeswoman said that three reports had been received of fires caused by the defect. Two of those reports came from the U.S. and the third was from South Africa.

Rex Says 12 Treated For Sled Accidents, Including 11-Year-Old Hurricanes Singer

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25955 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to Rex Healthcare, 22 people were treated at the Raleigh hospital on January 30 with personal injuries related to the winter storm. Of those 22 injuries, 12 were related to sledding accidents, according to Rex spokeswoman Melody Hunter-Pillion.

Among those injured was 11-year-old Katherine Fritsch, who routinely sings the national anthem prior to Carolina Hurricanes games. Her father, Tom Fritsch, said she was injured while sledding with her cousin. He said he believes snow got in her eyes and they veered because of a car coming and collided with a fire hydrant.

Fritsch suffered a bad bump to the head, which made her feel woozy, so she was taken to Rex to be examined.

Tom Fritsch was at the top of the hill supervising, but no one was at the bottom, where the accident occurred. He said that should be a warning to parents to make sure an adult is watching from both the top and bottom of a hill.

Fritsch is expected to be fine, but missed singing prior to the Hurricanes’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks, which the Canes won 4-2, on January 30.

Girl Injured While Sledding In Apex

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25938 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to police in Apex, a girl suffered personal injuries on January 30 while she was sledding in the Haddon Hall subdivision.

Police say the girl, whose identity has not been released, was sledding with her friends when she collided with a pole supporting a basketball backboard near 1101 Haywards Heath Lane.

Police said the girl suffered a bump to the head, but was conscious and alert while being transported to WakeMed in Raleigh.

Man Killed In Collision Between Train And Truck In Fayetteville

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25936 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 29, a man suffered fatal personal injuries in Fayetteville after his truck was hit by an Amtrak passenger train at a River Road crossing.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the man had apparently attempted to drive around the crossing gate.

The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was ejected from the Toyota Tundra he was driving upon impact. The NCHP said the collision took place at approximately 4 p.m.

Amtrak says none of the 159 passengers aboard the train, which was en route to Savannah, Georgia, were reported to have been injured.

Mother Charged With Murder In Crash That Killed 4-Year-Old Son

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25848 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 27, the mother of a 4-year-old boy who died of the personal injuries he suffered in a crash in Catawba County on January 18 was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder.

According to North Carolina State Troopers, 21-year-old Tina Travis had been consuming alcohol before the crash, in which she collided with a parked car in a convenience store parking lot at the corner of Startown Road and Blackburn Bridge Road west of Maiden. Troopers said the car’s owner tried to call police, but Travis sped off, lost control of her pickup truck, and struck three trees. She and her son, Anthony Wright, were ejected from the vehicle.

At the time of the crash, Wright was standing in the front seat without a seat belt on. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Travis suffered serious injuries and was released from the hospital on January 26.

According to troopers, at the time of the crash, Travis was traveling at an estimated speed of 80-90 mph and driving without a license. Her license had been revoked due to prior DWI charge. She was convicted once in 2007 and arrested on another DWI charge in December of 2009.

Travis is currently being held in Catawba County Jail on $150,000 bond.

Driver Killed In Wrong-Way Crash In Charlotte

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25847 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to Charlotte Police, a driver suffered fatal personal injuries after driving the wrong way and crashing on Wilkinson Boulevard.

The driver of a pickup truck was driving the wrong way on Wilkinson Boulevard on the night of January 27. According to another driver, they saw the truck coming at them and attempted to swerve, but instead collided head-on.

Police identified the driver of the truck as Michael Lowe. They say he was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver is expected to be OK.

Gaston County Man Killed In Crash 100 Yards From Home

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25846 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that a man from Gaston County suffered fatal personal injuries in a single-vehicle crash approximately 100 yards from his home on the afternoon of January 27.

According to Trooper K.L. Cornwell, 46-year-old Randy Gene Hayes drove into a curve on North Mayberry Road near Stanley at a high rate of speed shortly before 2 p.m.

Cornwell said that Hayes overcorrected, lost control, ran off the road to the right, and collided with a tree. He said Hayes died at the scene.

According to Cornwell, Hayes was estimated to have been traveling at a speed of 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.

More Than A Dozen Injured In Pasquotank County Collision Between Truck And School Bus

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25845 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

As of January 27, the North Carolina Highway Patrol was still attempting to determine the cause of a school bus and pickup truck colliding in Pasquotank County on January 26. The accident resulted in more than a dozen people receiving hospital transport, one of which suffered serious personal injuries.

The pickup truck’s driver, Hertford resident Brenda Daniels, received air transport to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was listed in critical condition.

A 15-year-old student that was a passenger on the bus also received transport to Sentara Norfolk with possible head injuries. The student remained there as of January 27. There was no update available on the student’s condition.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the crash, a loaded Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools bus and a red pickup truck collided at the intersection of Main Street Extended and U.S. Highway 17.

Trooper Jonathan Wood said that the bus was westbound on Main Street Extended and the truck was southbound on U.S. 17.

The bus spun 180 degrees before overturning. Who was at fault for the crash was uncertain, according to Wood.

Eleven of the 42 students aboard the bus received ambulance transport to Albemarle Hospital. Their names and conditions were not made available as of January 27.

According to Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools spokeswoman Angela Noblitt, most of the students sustained minor injuries.

The bus driver, Valeria Moore, received ambulance transport to Albemarle Hospital and was later released, according to Wood.

Wood said that Daniels had been pinned in her truck. She underwent a surgical procedure on her liver.

19-Year-Old Charged In Wilmington Crash That Killed Friend

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25809 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police have charged a 19-year-old man in a crash in which his friend suffered fatal personal injuries on January 23 on Murrayville Road in Wilmington, according to a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper.

On January 25, charges were filed against 19-year-old Travis A. Middaugh in connection to the crash in which his friend, 20-year-old John Edward Rossi, was killed, according to Trooper B.R. Phillips. Middaugh has been charged with felony death by motor vehicle, DWI, provisional DWI, reckless driving to endanger, driving left of center, and possession of an open container. The provisional DWI charge was due to Middaugh being under the legal drinking age of 21.

Phillips said Middaugh was place in New Hanover County jail and held on a $250,000 secure bond.

Phillips said that shortly before 1 a.m. on the day of the crash, Rossi was a front seat passenger in a 2002 Toyota pickup driven by Middaugh. The truck was eastbound on Murrayville Road when it crossed the center line, jerked back across to the left side of the road, crossed the center line again, ran off the road, went through a ditch, and hit four trees.

According to Phillips, Middaugh was traveling at an estimated speed of 80 mph in a 45 mph zone and had been drinking.

According to Highway Patrol Sgt. C.W. Parks, the felony death by motor vehicle charge was due to alcohol being a factor.

Driven Killed When Tractor-Trailer Crashes Into River Near Graham

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25808 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 27, a tractor-trailer driver suffered fatal personal injuries after his truck crashed on Interstate 85 South in Alamance County and traveled down an embankment, ending up in a river.

The man’s name has not yet been released by authorities.

According to reports from Greensboro’s WFMY News 2, the crash occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m. near Jimmie Kerr Road near Graham. The cab of the vehicle was submerged underwater, but crews managed to extract it.

According to what a witness told troopers, the Western Express truck, which had been transporting bottled water, stopped at a nearby Pilot gas station not long before the crash.

Fuel and bottled water spilled into the creek and State Department of Transportation officials were called in for cleanup.

Efland Woman Killed In Orange County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25731 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 19-year-old woman suffered fatal personal injuries on January 23 when her car ran off an Orange County interstate and collided with a stand of trees.

According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Mark Melvin, Efland resident Ashley Ann Terry was traveling north on Interstate 85, near the intersection with I-40 and a state weigh station, when she ran off the road.

Melvin said Terry did not brake before colliding with the trees and the Suzuki car she was driving overturned.

Melvin says speeding and alcohol are not believed to have been factors and Terry was wearing her seat belt. He said she had complained of low blood sugar, but he did not know if that was a factor.

Multiple Injuries In Three-Car Crash In Wilmington

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25730 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A January 23 multi-vehicle crash in Wilmington resulted in parts of Market Street and 16th Street being shut down and several people receiving hospital transport for personal injuries.

According to a New Hanover County dispatcher, the crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. and at least three vehicles were involved. One vehicle struck the White Front restaurant and another struck a nearby power pole. A third vehicle was struck by one of the other vehicles and blocked both northbound lanes on Market Street.

Ambulances and emergency responders were on the scene and several people were placed on stretchers and taken to the hospital. Family members of the people involved in the crash say their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Dunn Mayor, His Wife, And Four Others Injured In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25644 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported that Dunn Mayor Oscar Harris, his wife, and four others suffered personal injuries in a crash in northwestern Sampson County on the afternoon of January 24.

According to Harris, he and his wife, Jean, were “banged up” and had some bruises, but should be OK. They received treatment at Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn later that evening.

Trooper Greg Steffens said the crash took place at approximately 4:30 p.m. on U.S. 13 at Autry Mill Road. A Ford SUV driven by Godwin resident Joel Santiago and carrying three passengers ran a stop sign on Autry Mill Road. The Cadillac SUV Harris was driving collided with the Ford, which went into a ditch before being hit a second time by the Cadillac.

Two of Santiago’s passengers, Dunn resident Michelle Wolfe and her 3-year-old son, Conner, were ejected during the crash, according to Steffens. Wolfe was not wearing a seat belt and her son was not in a child safety seat. Steffens says the rain-softened ground helped them avoid potentially fatal injuries.

Wolfe’s mother, Godwin resident Doris Wolfe, was also a passenger in the vehicle. All of the Wolfes were listed in stable condition later that evening at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville.

There was no listing for Santiago at the hospital, but Steffens said his injuries were not life-threatening.

Police charged Santiago with running a stop sign, driving without a license, failure to use a child safety seat, and having open containers of alcohol in the vehicle.

Steffens said Santiago was not driving under the influence, but open beer cans were discovered inside the SUV.

New York Man Injured In Crash Near Fayetteville

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25643 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 just south of Fayetteville had to be closed for approximately 30 minutes on the morning of January 25 due to a wreck involving personal injuries.

Trooper Chris Ferrell said the crash occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m., near the 44-mile marker at the Claude Lee Road exit.

Ferrell said 40-year-old New York, New York resident H.A. Rodriguez was driving a 2000 Nissan Maxima with two passengers in the vehicle. As he attempted to change lanes, he lost control of the vehicle, which ran off the road to the right, struck a guardrail, returned to the road, spun around, and came to a stop in a position that blocked both lanes.

Rodriguez received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Speed And Alcohol Cited As Factors In Fatal Wilmington Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25560 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper says that speed an alcohol were factors in a January 23 crash in which a 19-year-old man from Wilmington suffered fatal personal injuries.

According to Trooper B.R. Phillips, John Edward Rossi was the passenger in a 2002 Toyota pickup truck that crashed shortly after 1 a.m. He was wearing his seat belt, but was killed in the crash.

Phillips said the driver, 19-year-old Travis Middaugh, was eastbound on Murrayville Road when he crossed the center line as he was crossing a bridge. Phillips said tire markings on the road indicated that Middaugh was able to bring the vehicle back to the right side of the road, but jerked back to the left. The vehicle ran off the road, went through a ditch, and struck four trees.

According to Phillips, Middaugh was driving at an estimated speed of 80 mph in a 45 mph zone and had consumed alcohol. He received hospital transport for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Phillips said the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

Driver Charged With Hit-And-Run In Fatal Raleigh Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25559 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Raleigh police say the driver in a single-vehicle crash on Lumley Road in which a man suffered fatal personal injuries on January 17 has been charged with felony hit-and-run.

According to police, at approximately 2 a.m., a vehicle collided with a utility pole along Lumley Road, near Mount Herman Road, killing the 24-year-old passenger, Daniel Allan Blan.

Police spokesman Jim Sughrue said that the driver, 24-year-old Jason Raymond Butler, fled the scene before police arrived.

Police conducted an investigation, which yielded the driver’s identity, and an arrest warrant was issued for Butler. He surrendered to the authorities on January 23 and was placed in Wake County Jail, according to Sughrue. He was released on $10,000 bond.

Police Identify Pedestrian Killed On I-95 As Dunn Woman

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25540 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman who suffered fatal personal injuries while walking on Interstate 95 on January 19 has been identified by the North Carolina Highway Patrol as 62-year-old Dunn resident Annie Doris McCoullough.

At approximately 3 a.m. on the day of the accident, McCoullough died after being struck by a vehicle.

According to a spokesman, McCoullough had identification on her, but the Highway Patrol has been unable to contact her family.

The spokesman said it is unknown why McCoullough was walking on the road.

A Silver Alert had been issued for McCoullough earlier in the week after she went missing from her home. The alert said she was believed to be suffering from dementia or another cognitive impairment.

Fayetteville Boy Struck By Car

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25539 — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police say a boy who suffered personal injuries when he was struck by an oncoming car after running into the street on January 21 was listed in good condition the following day.

The boy, 10-year-old Fayetteville resident Terius Copper, received treatment at the scene after being struck by a vehicle at approximately 3 p.m.

According to police, Copper was running from his home, across from Howard Health and Life Sciences High School, to the school’s parking lot when he suddenly stopped and attempted to run back to his house.

As Copper attempted to run back across the road, he was hit by a red Pontiac Grand Am, which knocked him to the sidewalk.

Silver Alert Issued For Raleigh Woman Who Wandered From Group Home

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25525 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

After an elderly Raleigh woman was found to have wandered from her group home, the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons issued a Silver Alert to help find the woman and return her to the safety of her caretakers. Officials say that Dianna Lynn Davis was reported missing from her care facility on Old State Road and gone for several hours. She cannot take care of herself due to several cognitive impairments including dementia.

The alert was called off after several hours when Davis was located safe at the Durham Rescue Mission. It is not clear if the Silver Alert helped locate the woman or how she ended up at the Mission.

Ten different states around the country use the Silver Alert, a system much like the Amber Alert, which notifies authorities and the public to a missing senior. Unlike the Amber Alert, the Silver Alert allows caregivers and not just family members the authority to report a missing person.

Cherry Springs Village Nursing Home Ceiling Collapses In Hendersonville NC

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25524 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you put a loved one into a nursing home or adult care center, you want them to be safe and healthy. However, all too often, the negligence of the nursing home owner could put your loved one in danger.

This week in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the residents of Cherry Springs Village Nursing Home had to be evacuated after part of the building’s ceiling collapsed. The collapsed ceiling affected an entire wing of the nursing home, putting 21 residents into danger. Nursing home officials reported that the structural problem was caused by frozen water pipes that someone triggered the building’s sprinkler system.

None of the 21 residents affected by the roof collapse were seriously injured, though they had to be transferred to two other area nursing homes in Brevard and Hendersonville. It is not clear if this issue should have been prevented by the nursing home owners.

Man Charged After High Point Crash That Killed One, Injured Six

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25441 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man police say is responsible for a two-vehicle crash that killed a woman from High Point and caused six others to suffer personal injuries has been charged with DWI, felony death by motor vehicle, and five counts of aggravated serious injury by vehicle.

According to police, Brandon Black was intoxicated when he crossed the center line on East Green Drive at approximately 6 p.m. on January 18 and collided with a car driven by Tamika Burns, killing her and injuring three children.

Black and a passenger in his vehicle were also injured and received transport to High Point Regional Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition as of January 19. Black later turned himself in and was jailed under a $1 million bond. His bond was reduced to $150,000 the following day, but he remained in prison.

Burns’ 7-year-old son and another child in the vehicle were also listed in stable condition as of January 19. A neighbor’s 2-year-old was listed in critical condition at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

One Killed, One Injured In Foxfire Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25440 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Laurinburg died and a passenger suffered serious personal injuries on January 20 when his vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler log truck at the intersection of Hoffman and Foxfire roads.

According to Foxfire Police Sgt. Chad Shue, 80-year-old Horace Myers received transport to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Myers’ passenger, 88-year-old Norman resident Nelma McLeod, received air transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

Shue said the crash occurred shortly before noon.

Police say Myers was westbound on Foxfire Road and apparently failed to yield at a stop sign, pulling out in front of a truck that was northbound on Hoffman Road.

Shue said 58-year-old Hurley Saunders, the truck’s driver, suffered minor injuries in the collision.

Shannon Woman Killed In Lumberton Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25439 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman from Shannon suffered fatal personal injuries on January 20 when her car ran off Rennert Road in Lumberton and hit a ditch, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

According to Trooper Mike Chavis, 59-year-old Julia Lowery Locklear was southbound in a 2004 Dodge at approximately 10:45 p.m. when her car ran off the road to the left and hit a ditch.

Chavis said that Locklear received transport to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Chavis cited alcohol as a factor in the crash.

Elementary Teacher Critically Injured In Huntersville Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25438 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

An elementary school teacher and another driver suffered personal injuries in a head-on collision in Huntersville on the morning of January 21. The crash took place at approximately 7 a.m. on Highway 73 near Brown Mill Road.

According to a spokesman for the Huntersville Police Department, a 25-year-old woman who teaches at Southlake Christian Academy was westbound on Highway 73. At the same time, a 19-year-old man was eastbound on the same round. Their vehicles collided head-on.

The woman sustained critical injuries in the crash and received transport to Carolinas Medical Center. Her name has yet to be released by police.

The other driver, whose injuries were not as serious, received transport to Presbyterian Main.

Police say there were no other occupants in either vehicle.

According to eyewitnesses, both vehicles were traveling at an estimated speed of 55 mph when the man’s truck crossed the center line and hit the Pontiac Grand Am the woman was driving.

Police say there was no indication of alcohol or drugs being involved.

Sanford Woman Killed In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25265 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 35-year-old woman from Sanford died of the personal injuries she suffered in a crash in Lee County on the morning of January 17.

The woman, Martha Ann Clark, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was the lone occupant of the vehicle.

Shortly before 1 a.m., Clark was traveling in a 1999 Lexus when she approached the intersection of Sheriff Watson and Swann Station Road, according to Trooper C.B. Cook of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. She ran the stop sign, ran off the road, hit a ditch, and overturned multiple times. Cook said she was ejected during the crash.

According to Cook, Clark’s vehicle was estimated to have been traveling at a speed of 85 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Man Charged In Linden Crash That Killed 7-Year-Old

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25264 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

James David Carter II has been charged in connection to a crash on the night of January 17 on Palestine Road in Linden in which a 7-year-old boy suffered fatal personal injuries.

At approximately 9 p.m., 7-year-old Linden resident Nathaniel Brett Thames died when Carter’s Chevrolet SUV ran off the road, went sideways, and overturned several times, according to Trooper Greg Steffens of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Thames was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carter, who resides at the same address as Thames, was charged with DWI, careless and reckless driving, and child restraint violation. Steffens said further charges related to Thames’ death are pending.

Steffens said that at the time of the crash, Carter was driving at a speed in excess of 85 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Carter received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for chest pains. Steffens says he has since been released.

Pedestrian Killed On I-95

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25263 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman has died of the personal injuries she suffered on the morning of January 19 when she was struck by a vehicle while walking on Interstate 95 near the 63-mile marker, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Trooper Greg Steffens said the accident took place at approximately 3 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-95. He said the reason the woman was walking in the road was unknown.

According to Steffens, the 62-year-old woman has been identified, but troopers have yet to locate family members.

Seven People Named In Wrongful Death Suit Over DUI Death

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25262 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The mother of a teenager from Plainville, Massachusetts has filed suit against two adults and five young people for the fatal personal injuries her 17-year-old daughter suffered after they provided her with alcohol.

Taylor Meyer was a senior at King Philip Regional High School when she drowned in a local swamp. It was later determined that on the night of October 17, 2008, she had attended at least three parties, resulting in her becoming severely intoxicated.

In the wake of the incident, 21-year-old Sean Flynn was charged with providing alcohol to a minor. He has been named as a defendant in the suit.

Also among the defendants are 20-year-old Brian Zuzick and his sister, Paige Zuzick. He was charged with providing alcohol to both Meyer and his younger sister on the night of the accident.

The other defendants are Matthew Dusseault, Christopher Moran, and mother and daughter Rachel and Dianne Stark.

No charges were filed against Dusseault in connection with Meyer’s death; however, he allegedly provided a 30-pack of beer to an underage drinking party at Norfolk airport. Moran also allegedly brought alcohol from his home to the party. Both are underage.

In the weeks that came after Meyer’s death, several more underage drinking parties in the area were discovered and broken up. In all, nearly 20 teenagers were cited and taken to court within a few weeks. According to Meyer’s mother, this was all the evidence necessary for the issue to be taken more seriously, which is the main purpose of the wrongful death suit she filed.

The plaintiffs say the suit is mainly about liability and not compensation. Since her daughter’s death, Meyer’s mother has been an outspoken critic of the troubles of underage drinking. She believes the case could bring awareness to the issue and hold teenagers accountable for their friends and colleagues’ safety. However, the suit does not prevent the jury from issuing reparations for damages.

Harnett County Deputy Shot

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25240 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Harnett County Deputy Shot

A Harnett County Sheriff’s deputy was sot in the leg early Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred off of N.C. Highway 87 near Spring Lake.

Two uniformed deputies were patrolling the area when a man was observed sitting in a ditch in front to the Super Mart convenience store in Cameron.

While the deputies were speaking with the man, he drew a weapon and fired at them. One of the deputies was shot in the leg.

According to Sheriff Larry Rollins, both deputies shot back at the man. The suspect was shot & killed at the scene.

The wounded deputy was treated and released from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

As a routine when an officer is involved in a shooting, the State Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate.

Vehicle Crashes Into Home Injuring Child

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25238 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Vehicle Crashes Into Home Injuring Child

A vehicle in Durham crashed into a home Monday afternoon.

According to police, Niki Whitlor, driving a 2007 Toyota Camry was traveling south on Driver Street. Whitlor lost consciousness and ran into a residence at 1218 Liberty Street.

A 3-year-old boy. Who was a passenger, was injured.

The crash is being investigated.

Five Injured In Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25237 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Five Injured In Accident

An accident in Clayton resulted in five people transported to hospital.

According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, a Nissan was making a left turn off U.S. Highway 70 bypass onto N.C. Highway 42 when the driver of a SUV pilled a red light, hitting the Nissan.

The driver of the Nissan, James Rusin, 32 of Clayton, his wife and three children were transported to Wake Med for injuries sustained in the accident.

Temeila Daniel, 34, of Fuquay Varina was cited for running a stop light.

Two Killed, One Injured In Yadkin County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25209 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two West Virginia men died and a third suffered personal injuries in a crash on Interstate 77 in Yadkin County on the morning of January 16.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 22-year-old Racine, West Virginia resident Shawn Harper and 54-year-old Nellis, West Virginia resident Michael Hargis were killed when the vehicle they were in collided with another vehicle that was stopped in the northbound lanes of I-77 after being part of a previous crash.

A third Boone County, West Virginia man, Nellis resident Bobby Bradley, suffered serious injuries in the crash.

According to investigators, Harper and Hargis were not wearing seat belts.

The crash took place at approximately 4:45 a.m.

Mother And Daughter Killed In Holly Springs Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25208 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A mother and daughter suffered fatal personal injuries on January 17 when their car crossed the center line on N.C. 55 in Holly Springs and collided with another car.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 30-year-old Raleigh resident Elly Marian Moller was northbound in a Honda Civic shortly after 7 p.m. when she ran off the road to the right near the Sunset Lake Road intersection. She then overcorrected and crossed the center line. The Honda collided with an oncoming Jeep Cherokee, went off the road to the left, and ended up in a ditch.

Moller’s mother, 52-year-old Apex resident Carmen Moller, was a passenger in the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Elly Moller received transport to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the Jeep did not sustain any serious injuries. The NCHP said the Mollers were both wearing their seat belts.

Raleigh Woman Critically Injured In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25160 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman from Raleigh suffered critical personal injuries on the morning of January 16 when her car crossed into oncoming traffic on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh and collided head-on with another vehicle.

According to Raleigh Police, 28-year-old Robin Olivia Davis was westbound on Glenwood shortly after 7 a.m. when she crossed the median and entered the eastbound lane.

The 1999 Chrysler Davis was driving went airborne, overturned, and collided with a 2001 Ford truck driven by 56-year-old Garner resident Stephen Thorpe Diller. Police say she was partially ejected and required transport to WakeMed.

Diller suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.

Police believe Davis may have been impaired at the time of the crash.

7-Year-Old Killed In Crash Near Linden

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25159 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the night of January 17, a 7-year-old boy suffered fatal personal injuries in a single-vehicle crash on Palestine Road near Linden.

According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. T.T. Coleman, the crash occurred at approximately 9 p.m. The boy’s name has yet to be released.

A 22-year-old man, who was also in the vehicle, received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for chest pains, according to Coleman.

Dog Bite Suit Reaches $20,000 Settlement

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25144 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A $2 million personal injury dog bite suit against the City of Cookeville, Tennessee and the Cookeville Police Department has been settled for $20,000. The suit was filed last year after a March 14, 2008 incident in which Melo, a police dog that has since been taken out of service, escaped his handler, Officer Chase Mathis, and attacked an innocent man who was taking out the garbage at a Cookeville bar.

The suit was filed by Ryan Patrick Moody, who was employed by The Library bar as a bouncer at the time of the incident. He named the city, the police department, Mathis, and Police Chief Bob Terry as defendants.

At approximately 3 a.m. on the day of the incident, Moody walked out the back door of the bar to take the trash out. Mathis had just stopped his car not far away to let the dog out to relieve itself. The dog was not on a leash and took off running in the direction of a noise it apparently heard and attacked Moody.

The suit alleged that the dog attempted to bite Moody on the neck and he attempted to fight it off using empty trash cans. He said he retreated to the bed of a truck, but the dog circled the vehicle and jumped up into the bed and bit him on the leg. Mathis then ran to the scene and attempted to pull the dog away and other officers eventually arrived to help as well.

Moody suffered serious wounds to his leg that required surgery. The suit claims Melo had a history of vicious attacks that were known by the police force and that the department either disregarded the fact or was negligent in keeping the dog in service.

The suit came before Judge Amy Hollars in Circuit Court in December for a settlement which had been worked out between Moody and the city’s attorney. According to court documents, in exchange for $20,000, Moody settled his claims against all of the defendants for forever.

Dog Bites Part Of UPS Delivery Man's Finger Off

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25143 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 6, a UPS delivery man suffered personal injuries, losing the tip of his right index finger, after being bitten by a dog in Rock Springs, Wisconsin.

According to a report from the Sauk County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Department, 50-year-old Richard Hehenberger was injured when he was bitten on the hand by a more than 100 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback while delivering a package to the residence of Rebecca Mellenthin.

According to Mellenthin, as Hehenberger went to set the packages down on the step, the dog broke free of her hold, lunged at him, and bit the tip of his finger off.

The report said the tip of Hehenberger’s finger was kept in a glove and placed in Mellenthin’s freezer and the rest of the finger and hand were wrapped in gauze until medical personnel arrived.

Hehenberger received ambulance transport to St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The Sauk County Humane Society ran several tests to confirm that the dog was current with its rabies shot and other vaccinations.

According to Sauk County Humane Society director, anything from Hehenberger getting close to the dog’s face or the dog simply wanting to play with the packages being delivered could have caused the attack.

Tractor-Trailer Driver Injured In Surry County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25142 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The driver of a tractor-trailer suffered personal injuries in a crash on Highway 52 South near Cook School Road in Pilot Mountain early on the morning of January 13.

Surry County EMS spokesman John Shelton said the crash took place at approximately 2 a.m. The driver, Sanford, Kentucky resident Jeffrey Board, was hauling bundles of tobacco when the truck rolled after running off the road.

Board was not wearing his seat belt and was partially ejected during the crash. He received transport to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

One Killed, One Injured In Brunswick County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25141 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Supply died and a teenager was taken to the hospital with personal injuries after a two-vehicle crash on N.C. 211 near Midway Road in Brunswick County on January 12, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

NCHP spokesman Sgt. E.C. Harris said that 18-year-old Supply resident Conrad Daniel Orth was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Harris, Orth was traveling on N.C. 211 in a 1996 Buick when he crossed the center line while trying to pass another vehicle and collided head-on with a 2004 driven by 16-year-old Oak Island resident Kendra Horne at approximately 5 p.m.

Horne received air transport to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington and remained in serious condition as of the morning of January 13.

Two Injured In Mecklenburg County Motorcycle Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25140 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two people suffered personal injuries in a motorcycle crash in northeast Mecklenburg County on the afternoon of January 15.

The accident took place at approximately 3:30 p.m. on the outer loop of Interstate 485 near Highway 29.

A MEDIC spokesman said that one person required helicopter transport to Carolinas Medical Center. The other person received transport to the hospital by ambulance. Both suffered injuries that are considered life-threatening.

Two Injured In Glenwood Avenue Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25139 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A section of Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh that was closed on the morning of January 16 after a traffic accident in which two people suffered personal injuries has been reopened, according to authorities.

The inbound lanes of Glenwood were closed at the Ebenezer Church Road intersection as a two-vehicle wreck was under investigation.

According to Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue, the crash resulted in one of the drivers suffering serious injuries.

Two Injured In Glenwood Avenue Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25138 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The inbound lanes of Glenwood were closed at the Ebenezer Church Road intersection as a two-vehicle wreck was under investigation.

According to Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue, the crash resulted in one of the drivers suffering serious injuries.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Two Vehicles On I-40

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25121 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

An investigation is being conducted by police after an accident in vehicle a pedestrian suffered fatal personal injuries after being struck by two vehicles.

According to police, 43-year-old Gregory Miles stopped his vehicle on Interstate 40 near the South Saunders Street exit in Raleigh due to a ladder falling off of it. He exited the vehicle to retrieve it, but was hit by two cars.

Police say Miles died at the scene.

Several Injured In Crash Involving Five Vehicles

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25120 — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Several people suffered personal injuries after a crash on January 14 involving five vehicles, including a patrol car.

The crash took place after a man from Raleigh attempted to free from a traffic stop.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., Durham police attempted to pull over a 1996 Chevrolet pick-up truck for a traffic violation on Guess Road in Durham. Police say the driver pulled into the parking lot of the Hog Heaven Restaurant, but sped off as police approached the truck.

The trucks driver, 20-year-old Christopher Cyr, then turned onto the entrance ramp to Interstate 85 South and collided with a Toyota Camry on the ramp. The driver received treatment for minor injuries.

At the time of that collision, Cyr was not being chased by police, but he continued driving on I-85 South and exited on Hillandale Road.

Cyr ran a red light on Hillandale and struck a northbound 1999 Dodge work van. The van then struck a 2001 Toyota Tacoma in the next lane and rolled across the median and over the hood of a southbound Durham police car.

Police said that Cyr finally stopped in the northbound lanes on Hillandale. He received transport to Duke University Hospital to undergo treatment for head injuries. The Tacoma’s driver was also taken to Duke and the others involved received treatment for minor injuries. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

Cyr faces charges of felony hit-and-run, felony fleeing to elude officers, careless and reckless driving, running a red light, driving without a license, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Woman Killed In Granville County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25066 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the morning of January 14, a tractor-trailer collided with a car along N.C. Highway 56 in Granville County, resulting in one person suffering fatal personal injuries.

The crash occurred shortly before daybreak near the community of Wilton, somewhere just west of N.C. Highway 96.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the driver of the car, 54-year-old Valerie Hyers, crossed the center line and the truck collided head-on with her car. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Images from WTVD’s news helicopter showed the truck lying on its side next to the highway and firefighters using the Jaws of Life to extract the occupants of the car from the wreckage.

Some of the truck’s wheels were shorn off by the impact and the diesel tanks appeared to have ruptured, as there was a long stain along the pavement that ended at the point where the truck came to rest.

The truck’s driver received transport to Granville Medical Center for treatment for minor injuries.

The truck appeared to belong to a Virginia company that distributes fiberglass insulation and other building products. However, that information had not yet been confirmed.

Woman Killed In Dunn Crash Identified

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25065 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The North Carolina Highway Patrol has identified the woman who died of the personal injuries she suffered in a crash on Interstate 95 just south of Dunn on January 12 as 38-year-old Newark, New Jersey resident Trelina Covington.

The NCHP said that Covington was a passenger in a Mercury Marqui driven by 55-year-old Newark resident Bert Baytops.

The NCHP said that Baytops was also killed by the crash, which took place at approximately 3:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes near the 71-mile marker. Investigators believe the car ran off the highway after he fell asleep at the wheel.

Baytops pulled the vehicle back onto the road, but it crossed the northbound lanes and collided with a guardrail in the median, causing it to spin and come to a stop in the northbound lanes.

Due to the impact knocking the car’s lights out, the driver of a northbound tractor-trailer was unable to see the vehicle and collided with it, causing Covington to be ejected.

The NCHP said Baytops, believed to have died instantly, remained in the vehicle as it burst into flames.

Fatal Crash On US 401

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25064 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One person has suffered fatal personal injuries in a crash on U.S. 401 near Elliot Bridge Road on January 14. The crash involved a collision between a propane truck and a motorcycle.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. No further information had been made available as of the morning of January 14.

Report Says 28 Percent Of Accidents Caused By Cell Phone Usage

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25063 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a study released on January 12 by the National Safety Council, 28 percent of traffic accidents, which create a possibility of personal injury, are caused by people talking on cell phones or sending text messages while driving.

The vast majority of said crashes, 1.4 million each year, are due to cell phone conversations, and 200,000 are blamed on text messaging, according to the council’s report.

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit group recognized by congressional charter as a leader on safety.

Due to the extent of the problem, on January 12, federal transportation officials unveiled an organization patterned after Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for the purpose of combating driver cell phone use. The group, which is called FocusDriven, originated at a meeting on distracted driving sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation last year.

The president of FocusDriven is Jennifer Smith, a Texas woman whose mother died in a crash caused by a man running a red light while talking on his cell phone.

Enforcement of a texting ban would require officers to observe an act that is typically conducted in a driver’s lap, and hands-free devices make talking on cell phones without being observed possible. More than 120 studies of cell phone usage have suggested that the use of hands-free devices does not eliminate the distraction caused by a phone conversation.

72-Year-Old Woman Charged In Death Of Passenger

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25056 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

72-Year-Old Woman Charged In Death Of Passenger

Virginia F. Gurganious, 72, of Burlington was charged with misdemeanor death by a vehicle. She was released on a written promise to appear in Alamance County District Court on February 2.

The accident occurred at the intersection of South Church and Morehead streets. Gurganious was driving the wrong way on a one way street.

Eundra Alston, 45 of Burlington was traveling south on Morehead street when the two vehicles collided. Alston had a green light.

Lora Tickle, 82, of Burlington was a passenger in Gurganious’ vehicle. Tickle was transported to Alamance Regional Medical Center and later to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, where she died from the injuries received in the accident.

One Teenager Killed And Another Injured

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25054 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One Teenager Killed And Another Injured

According to investigators a 16-year-old girl is improving after being involved in a Brunswick County accident Tuesday that took the life of another driver.

Trooper John King reported an 18-year-old, Conrad Orth, Jr. was attempting to pass in a no passing zone. Orth hit a vehicle driven by 16-year-old Kendra Horne head-on.

Orth was killed instantly. It was believed speed was a factor.

Horne, a South Brunswick High School student was airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She has been upgraded from critical to stable condition.

Accident Injures Two

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)25052 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Accident Injures Two

Two people were injured in an accident in Craven County.

The one vehicle accident occurred on Catfish Lake Road Thursday morning.

According to a report, the vehicle went off the right side of the unpaved road, turned over and hit a pine tree.

The driver and passenger had to be airlifted to a trauma center.

One Killed In Head-On Collision In Randolph County

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24957 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One person suffered fatal personal injuries in a head-on collision on Brower Mill Road in Randolph County.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, an SUV driven by 63-year-old Carroll Junior Stutts crossed the centerline and collided with another vehicle at approximately 8:15 p.m.

The impact resulted in the other vehicle, driven by 57-year-old Jerry Lee Chriscoe, to overturn.

According to troopers, Stutts, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene.

Chriscoe, whom troopers say was wearing his seatbelt, received transport to Randolph Hospital before being airlifted to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Troopers say Stutts had been consuming alcohol.

Driver Of Pickup Charged In Accident That Injured Five

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24956 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The teenage driver of a pickup truck has been charged with failure to yield in a two-vehicle crash in which five Central Davidson High School students were injured on January 11.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, 16-year-old Lexington resident Shilo Strass failed to yield to a Toyota Echo on N.C. Highway 8 at approximately 7:45 a.m., pulling into the vehicle’s path.

The Toyota’s driver and two passengers in the vehicle received transport to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Strass and his brother, Josh Green, who was also a passenger in the pickup, also were taken to the hospital. Strass and Green were released later that afternoon.

As of the morning of January 12, 16-year-old Josh Williams, the driver of the Toyota, 15-year-old Aaron Williams, and 15-year-old Troy Curry remained in the hospital in good condition.

According to investigators, all five teens involved in the crash were wearing their seatbelts and all five are students at Central Davidson High.

The NCHP also said that Strass had been charged with a vehicle registration violation.

Woman Charged After Toddler Attacked By Pit Bulls

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24955 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman from Longview, Texas has been charged with child endangerment after her 3-year-old daughter sustained personal injuries when she was attacked by four pit bulls while at a friend’s home.

At approximately 1 p.m. on January 11, Longview police and animal control officers responded to Good Shepherd Medical Center after medical personnel reported that a child had been attacked by dogs. According to a news release from Longview police, the young girl had dog bites covering her body and had suffered “serious injuries” to her face and head.

According to the child’s mother, she was visiting the home of a friend when she allowed her daughter to go unsupervised into the backyard, where the dogs were. She said the child had been around the dogs before.

Police have not released the woman’s name because she has not been arrested, according to spokesman Kevin Brownlee.

Man Shocked When Wife Reverses Wires On Power Tools

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24954 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

In a bit of an unusual case, court papers say that a woman from Olympia, Washington caused her husband, whom she was angry at for leaving her, caused him personal injuries by tampering with his power tools in order for him to receive a powerful electric shock.

On January 8, 33-year-old Carolyn Paulsen-Riat was booked into Thurston County Jail for charges of third-degree assault, domestic violence, and second-degree malicious mischief. She was released on her own recognizance by a judge.

According to a report in The Olympian, the man was using a 220-volt table saw on January 1, when he received the shock, knocking him to the ground.

Deputies say Paulsen-Riat told them she reversed the wires on the tools because she was angry that he was leaving.

Fatal Crash Kills Two From New Jersy

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24910 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Fatal Crash Kills Two From New Jersey

A New Jersey couple was killed this morning on Interstate I-95 north near Dunn.

Bert Baytops, 55, was driving to New Jersey along with his girlfriend, Tralina Covington. Baytop had picked up a vehicle in Georgia.

Baytop apparently fell asleep, ran off the right shoulder of the road, over-corrected, hit a guardrail in the median and the vehicle overturned. The vehicle came to rest upright in the middle of the northbound lanes. An 18-wheeler rammed into the rear of the vehicle, causing it to burst into flames.

Baytop died in the fire. Covington had been thrown from the vehicles and died from her injuries.

Jeffrey Drumm, of Conneticut, driver of the 18-wheeler was transporting a load of cars to Massachusetts. The 18-wheeler jackknifed and came to rest on a guardrail.

Man Claims Physical Therapist Injured His Arm

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24886 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

After being referred to Christus St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital for physical therapy for fractured ribs, James Marshall claims he suffered an additional personal injury to his right shoulder due to the excessive and forcible manipulation of his arm by the physical therapist.

According to the suit Marshall filed on January 4 in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas, the manipulation failed to conform to the accepted standard of physical therapy. He also alleges that the hospital failed in its duty to treat him without causing further injury.

Marshall claims medical negligence in the suit he filed against Christus Health Ark-La-Tex, doing business as Christus St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital.

According to Marshall, on May 28, 2009, he was undergoing physical therapy for fractured ribs, and during the treatment, the physical therapist injured his right shoulder during an attempt to manipulate his arm.

Marshall alleges negligence on the part of the hospital through the violation of duty of care by its employees and failure to exercise the degree of care, skill, supervision, and diligence ordinarily possessed and used by other hospitals and physical therapists under the same or similar circumstances.

Marshall seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for past and future pain, suffering, mental anguish, medical care and costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, physical scarring, and disfigurement.

Woman Claims Charging Dog Caused Her To Fall From Bike

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24885 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman recently filed suit in Texas’ Orange County District Court, alleging that she suffered personal injuries when she was “charged” by a dog as she was out riding her bicycle.

According to the suit Billie Melanson filed on January 7, Mark Mitchell was negligent in his failure to properly keep his dog restrained.

Melanson says that on August 29, she was out for a bike ride when Mitchell’s dog, which was “roaming freely,” suddenly charged her, resulting in her falling off of her bicycle and onto the pavement.

Melanson alleges negligence on the part of Mitchell for failure to chain his dog and allowing his dog to roam freely inside city limits.

The suit does not mention what type of dog was involved or the injuries Melanson sustained.

Melanson seeks damages for mental anguish and court costs.

Troopers Say Speed Was A Factor In Fatal Tarboro Bridge Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24879 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

An attorney from Tarboro who suffered fatal personal injuries when his vehicle ran off a bridge and into the Tar River on January 7 was speeding at the time of the crash, according to a statement from the North Carolina Highway Patrol on January 11.

According to the NCHP, 57-year-old Jimmie Keel was estimated to have been driving at a speed of 80 mph in a 65 mph zone on U.S. Highway 64 Bypass when he ran off the road in a curve before the bridge and over-corrected. The Chevrolet Suburban he was driving struck a guardrail and rolled down an embankment and into the river.

According to Sgt. Jeff Gordon of the Highway Patrol, troopers have yet to determine the initial cause of Keel running off the road.

Man Killed In Durham Hit-And-Run

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24878 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police are investigating a hit-and-run traffic accident in which a man died of the personal injuries he suffered early on January 11 in eastern Durham.

Shortly after 1 a.m., officers were dispatched to Chandler Road to investigate a report of a man discovered lying by the side of the road. Upon officers’ arrival at the scene, they located the body of a male in his late teens to early 20s. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been determined.

Investigators say they have no suspects and no vehicle description.

One Dead, Five Injured In Crash In Burlington

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24813 — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 5, five people were sent to the hospital with personal injuries and one person was killed in a two-vehicle crash at N.C. 54 and Saxaphaw Road near the Alamance-Orange county line in Burlington, at approximately 4:15 p.m.

Police say 51-year-old Cedar Grove resident Steven Kimbrough was driving a 1995 Ford station wagon when he collided with the driver’s side door of a 2004 Toyota SUV driven by 32-year-old Kimberly Money.

Kimbrough was pronounced dead at the scene. Money and her passengers, 12-year-old Maeleia Money and 4-year-old Jacob Murray received ambulance transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Two passengers in Kimbrough’s vehicle, 14-year-old Dakota Kimbrough and 13-year-old Savannah Kimbrough, also were taken to UNC Hospitals.

As of January 8, Money and the four children remained in the hospital, but were listed in stable condition, according to officials.

Man Struck, Killed In Johnston County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24812 — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Washington D.C. died of the personal injuries he suffered in a crash on the evening of January 9 while driving through a small community in Johnston County on U.S. 70.

According to Wilson’s Mills Police Chief R.H. Aycock, 42-year-old Herbert Wilson Jr. ran off the road and his vehicle collided with a guard rail shortly after 7:34 p.m.

Aycock said that Wilson was attempting to call AAA when he stumbled onto the roadway and was hit by a passing vehicle.

Aycock said the accident remained under investigation and police had not yet determined if charges would be filed.

Man Drowns In Columbus County

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24778 — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Man Drowns In Columbus County

The drowning of a man, whose vehicle sank in a canal, Friday night, was contributed to hypothermia.

According to Coroner Linwood Cartrette, he was not injured by the impact of the crash.

Clarence Thomas Hall, 49, of Clarendon died in the crash, after his vehicle left the road.

Hall was able to exit his 1986 Mazda pickup, but unable to get out of the canal, where he drowned.

Passenger Killed In Crash After Driver Flees Police In Concord

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24763 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 22-year-old woman has died of the personal injuries she suffered after a chase with North Carolina troopers ended with a fiery crash.

According to reports from multiple media outlets, Jasmine Wright was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash that took place in Concord on the night of January 8.

The Highway Patrol said that Wright was a passenger in a vehicle troopers attempted to pull over on Interstate 485 in Mecklenburg County.

According to troopers, they began to chase Keyone Joel after clocking his speed at 82 mph. He reportedly drove at a speed of at least 100 mph during the ensuing chase.

When Joel turned onto another road, the vehicle hit an incline, overturned, hit a ditch, and collided with a tree. He received air transport to Carolinas Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

Troopers do not believe alcohol to have been a factor.

Hope Mills Man Killed In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24762 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 28-year-old man from Hope Mills died of the personal injuries he suffered in a traffic accident on the morning of January 9.

According to Trooper B.A. Taylor of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Anthony Tirudo Cruz was southbound on Chicken Foot Road near Yarborough Road at approximately 6:30 a.m. when his vehicle ran off the road, collided with a fence, and overturned.

Taylor said that Cruz was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Taylor said speed was a factor in the crash.

Suspect In Fayetteville Police Chase Involving Fatal Crash Surrenders

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24745 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The suspect in a Fayetteville police chase that left one man dead from the personal injuries he suffered surrendered to authorities on the evening of January 7.

The suspect, 24-year-old Percyful Junior McIntyre is faced with charges of second-degree murder, felony speeding to elude arrest, larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and felony hit-and-run, according to police.

McIntyre is a suspect that took place on the morning of January 7 that began with a woman contacting police to report a suspicious man looking inside vehicles in the Ingleside Drive neighborhood.

A short time later, the woman called police again to notify them that her husband was following the man, who had stolen a silver Ford F-150 truck.

Police attempted to pull the suspect over, but he refused to stop, prompting a chase. Officers say they began to back off the pickup in the Bragg Street area when it nearly collided with several vehicles.

Two officers with marked patrol cars and blue lights flashing blocked the intersection in an attempt to keep other vehicles from being hit. However, a PT Cruiser driven by 43-year-old John Velandra entered the intersection and was struck by the pickup. The suspect then fled the scene.

Velandra was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he later died.

Former Paramedic Files Suit Over Crash Involving Ambulance And Tractor-Trailer

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24744 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A former paramedic has filed a personal injury suit against both of his former employers, Murrow’s Transfer Inc., and a tractor-trailer driver after a collision involving the ambulance he was inside of.

James York was employed as a paramedic for the Wayne County Commission and Dunlow Emergency Rescue Squad.

According to the suit York filed on December 14 in West Virginia’s Wayne Circuit Court, he was caring for a patient in the back of an ambulance on December 20, 2007 when the trailer attached to a 2000 Freightliner Tractor owned by Murrow’s Transfer Inc. and driven by Scott Emsley Harris collided with the ambulance.

York says his coworker, Thomas R. Beckett, was driving the ambulance at the time.

The suit says that Beckett saw the trailer on his side of the road as he approached a curve and attempted to come to a complete stop to avoid a collision, but the trailer hit the ambulance.

York says the collision caused him to be “violently thrown around the back of the ambulance.”

York claims to have suffered a complete rupture of his right rotator cuff, right rotator cuff sprain, strain, and tear, torn meniscus in his knee, sprain to his cervix, sprain to his lumbar, sciatica, headaches, multiple contusions, physical pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, nervousness anxiety, and mental anguish. He also alleges to have incurred more than $30,000 in medical expenses.

York seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Health Officials Say Source Of 42nd Street Oyster Bar Illness May Never Be Known

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24693 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to Wake County health officials, the exact cause of personal injury through illness among 280 people who ate at the 42nd St. Oyster Bar in downtown Raleigh may never be known.

Approximately 280 people reported falling ill after consuming food from the popular West Jones Street restaurant between late November and late December.

Wake County environmental health and safety director Andre Pierce said the department was able to obtain samples from six people who fell ill after eating at 42nd Street. Three of those samples tested positive for norovirus, a common stomach virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. The issue is determining the source.

Pierce says that it is easy for a small dose of norovirus to be transmitted among groups of people, meaning that it could have been brought in by a patron or a food handler who was sick. However, he said, it is extremely difficult to determine the origin.

Norovirus can be transmitted through the consumption of food or drink contaminated by an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or consumption of contaminated shell fish. Very little of the virus is necessary for a person to fall ill.

After contracting the virus, it takes approximately 24-48 hours for symptoms to show.

Initially, 42nd Street owner Brad Hurley believed oysters from Louisiana caused the illnesses and the restaurant immediately stopped serving them, using only oysters from North Carolina. But Pierce said tests on the remaining Louisiana oysters were negative.

Ohio Supreme Court Ruling Could Change Dog Bite Suits

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24692 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

An Ohio Supreme Court ruling could result in more trouble for dog owners taken to court for the personal injuries their animals cause.

In a case that was initially filed in Summit County, Ohio, the court ruled 5-2 on January 6 that owners could be sued both under the state’s dog bite law and for more general negligence.

The decision was in favor of a 12-year-old girl who suffered head injuries when she was mauled by a dog.

A trial judge had allowed the girl’s mother to only file suit under the dog bite statute, limiting the monetary award in the case. Compensatory damages of $5,000 were awarded for the girl’s medical expenses.

According to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the mother should have also been permitted to pursue a negligence claim for possible punitive damages.

Car Tumbles Into Tar River, Killing Driver

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24691 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two wrecks on the U.S. Highway 64 Bypass bridge near Tarboro on January 7 left one car damaged and another in the Tar River, with the driver suffering fatal personal injuries.

According to authorities, the driver of a white Suburban ran off the road, overcorrected, and hit a guardrail, causing the vehicle to tumble down the embankment and into the water. The driver, whose identity has yet to be released, was killed in the crash. Investigators say he was the lone occupant of the vehicle.

Rescue Crews from the Tarboro Fire Department and Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office were in the water shortly after the 1 p.m. crash took place, and the man’s body was recovered approximately two hours later.

Around that same time, a red car was involved in a collision on the bridge that crushed its front bumper. Authorities have not said if anyone was injured in that crash, but have said it was not related to the other crash.

Charges Expected In Dunn Christmas Day Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24690 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, charges are to be filed against the father of a 6-year-old girl who suffered fatal personal injuries on Christmas Day in a crash on Interstate 95 in Dunn.

First Sgt. T.I. Baldwin said that 34-year-old Hyndman, Pennsylvania resident Brandon John Greise is to be charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

The Highway Patrol said that on December 25, Greise was driving an SUV and lost control of the vehicle as he was attempting to pass a tractor trailer. The vehicle went into the median, struck a guardrail, came back onto the highway, struck the tractor trailer twice, and overturned, landing on its roof.

According to the Highway Patrol, Greise’s daughter, Taryn, was not restrained by a seat belt or booster seat and died in the crash.

Greise and four other passengers received treatment at Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital after the crash.

Man Files Suit Against Driver That Rear-Ended Him And His Employer

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24632 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A man from Nederland, Texas has filed a personal injury suit against a driver he alleges rear-ended him in Beaumont, Texas and his employer.

According to Jack Sedtal, on May 8, 2008, his vehicle was struck from behind by the speeding vehicle of Richard Phelps. The suit says Phelps was working for co-defendant Norman Highway Constructors at the time of the crash.

Sedtal alleges that the incident has caused him to suffer injuries to his neck, spine, and shoulders, experience physical and mental strain, pain, suffering and anguish, and lose wages. He also claims to have incurred medical expenses.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Phelps for failure to maintain a proper lookout, driving too fast, failure to drive safely, and failure to brake in time to avoid a collision.

Sedtal seeks unspecified damages.

Man Killed In Crash During Fayetteville Police Chase, Suspect Flees

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24631 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One man suffered fatal personal injuries during a police chase in Fayetteville on the morning of January 6.

Fayetteville Police say that at approximately 5:15 a.m., a woman called police to report a man looking into vehicles. She called again a short time later to tell police her husband was following the man’s vehicle.

Police responded to the call and located the suspect, 24-year-old Percyful Junior Mcintyre, who was driving a silver Ford F-150. He refused to stop and police pursued him.

The Pamalee Drive and Cain Road intersection was blocked by police in order to reduce the likelihood of the suspect vehicle striking other vehicles. However, a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by John Velandra failed to yield and entered the intersection.

Mcintyre collided with Velandra and fled the scene.

Velandra received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he later died.

Police are continuing to search for Mcintyre and warrants have been issued for his arrest for first degree murder, felony speeding to elude, larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and felony hit-and-run.

Couple Files Suit After Rear-End Collision

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24541 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A husband and wife have filed a personal injury suit against a driver they allege rear-ended them while they were driving on a highway.

According to the suit Rufus and Mary Carolyn Holt filed on December 17 in Texas’ Jefferson County Circuit Court, they were eastbound on Highway 73 on January 17, 2008 when defendant Ruben Dorantes struck their vehicle from behind.

The Holts allege they suffered head and neck injuries and back pain, incurred medical expenses, and experienced physical pain and suffering due to the accident.

The complaint alleges negligence on the part of Dorantes for failure to maintain control of his vehicle, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to brake in a timely manner, driving in a negligent manner, being inattentive, and following too closely.

The Holts seek unspecified damages.

Pit Bull Owners Charged After Father And Daughter Attacked

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24540 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to Douglas County, Colorado Animal Control, the owners of a pit bull that attacked a man and his daughter, leaving them with personal injuries, in Roxborough Park are expected to be charged.

According to Joe Stafford of animal control, the dog’s owners were out of time on December 27, the date of the attack. Another person was caring for the pit bull when the attack occurred.

Eyewitness reports say the daughter was walking her dog when the pit bull threatened her. When her father came to her aid, they were attacked. Both were admitted to a local hospital.

The dog remains in the custody of animal control and remain so until the case has been settled in court.

Woman Hospitalized After Vicious Pit Bull Attack

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24539 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 52-year-old woman from Solsberry, Indiana was hospitalized on the morning of January 2 for the personal injuries she suffered in a vicious attack by a neighbor’s pit bull dog.

The attack continued until Greene County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Jeffery Payton arrived at the scene and killed the dog.

The victim, Rhonda Patton, received emergency medical treatment by Greene County Ambulance Service before receiving transport to Bloomington Hospital.

Patton was listed in fair condition as of January 4. Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Terry L. Wade said that she sustained numerous punctures and bites to her arms, legs, left side of the head, and back.

Apparently, Patton was walking toward the home of a neighbor, Charles Mulvey, when three dogs met and attacked her. Patton was apparently walking toward a neighbor's house when she was met by three dogs and attacked. The attack occurred on his property, but the dog that attacked her was owned by Brandon Artis, who also resides on the property.

One Killed, One Injured In Wilmington Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24538 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the Wilmington Police Department, 19-year-old Wilmington resident died early on the morning of January 5 as a result of the personal injuries she suffered in a crash on Carolina Beach Road.

Whitney was a recent graduate of Ashley High School, where she was a member of the girls’ golf team for four seasons and was an honorable mention for the StarNews All-Area team in 2008.

Whitney graduated in 2009 and was a member of the women’s golf team at Queens University in Charlotte.

According to the preliminary investigation, Whitney was southbound when she rear-ended the car in front of her. Police say she was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected.

The vehicle Whitney struck was propelled into a nearby car lot, where it caused damage to four other cars. The driver, 46-year-old Wilmington resident Prisciliano Barajas-Barajas received transport to New Hanover Regional Medical Center for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Investigators believe speed to have been a factor.

Child Injured In Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24483 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Child Injured In Accident

An accident in Johnston County has a 4-year-old girl fighting for her life.

The 4-year-old and her sister were passengers in the vehicle with their father Tuesday night near Pine Level. Their vehicle slammed into a tractor trailer that was being backed into a driveway.

It was dark and part of the truck’s trailer was stretched across the road when it was hit.

The child was not restrained.

The accident was being investigated.

Olympic-Bound Snowboarder Suffers Brain Injury

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24468 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

American snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who was to compete for a spot in the Winter Olympics, was hospitalized in Utah following a training accident on December 31 in which he suffered severe personal injuries to his brain. He was listed in critical condition.

The accident occurred as Pearce was training in preparation for Olympic qualifying events the following week.

According to a spokeswoman for Pearce, there had been no change in his condition as of January 4.

The spokeswoman said the 22-year-old was attempting to land a twisting double back flip when he caught his toe-side edge and landed on his head. She said he was wearing his helmet at the time of the accident.

Pearce remains in University of Utah hospital’s intensive care unit.

Mother Charged In Accident That Injured Toddler

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24467 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On January 4, police said they have charged the mother of a 23-month-old child who suffered personal injuries when the child was struck by a car on December 28.

According to investigators, the mother had left the child unsupervised along with another sibling in a car parked along U.S. Highway 70. The child got out of the vehicle and walked into the roadway and into the path of a car driven by a woman from Burlington, who hit the child.

The child’s mother, 22-year-old Melissa Ann Rios, is faced with one count of contributing to the delinquency/neglect of a minor. The child suffered serious injuries and received air transport to Duke University Medical Center for treatment.

Two Injured In Head-On Collision With Tractor-Trailer Near Carthage

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24466 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a fire official, a woman received air transport to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill after suffering personal injuries in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer on the afternoon of January 3.

The woman’s name and condition had not yet been released as of the night of the crash.

According to Frank Staples, a safety officer with the Circle V Fire Department, the crash took place at approximately 12 p.m. near U.S. 15-501 and McCrimmon Road, north of Carthage. The road had to be closed for approximately three hours.

Staples said a man who was a passenger in the woman’s vehicle was also injured and received transport to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Staples said the truck’s driver was uninjured.

Staples estimated the car to have been shoved 250-300 feet from the point of impact.

Middle School Principal Hit High School Student Then Delays Identifying Self As Driver

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24465 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Police say a high school student suffered personal injuries when he was struck at a crosswalk in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 4 by a middle-school principal who remained at the scene with emergency crews, but didn’t identify herself as the driver until she called authorities 50 minutes later.

According to what Pennridge Regional Police Chief David A. Mettin told the Associated Press, the 15-year-old Pennridge High School student, whose name was not released, suffered injuries to his head and was listed in critical but stable condition at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Mettin said the boy was struck by 66-year-old Margaret Kantes shortly before 7 a.m. She parked her SUV and stayed near the scene. She began to call 911 twice, but someone else told her that they had already reached emergency dispatchers.

Kantes had left the scene by the time Mettin arrived at approximately 7:15 a.m. and apparently drove a few hundred yards to Pennridge North Middle School. She called police at approximately 7:40 a.m. to report herself as the driver.

Mettin said Kantes appeared to have a green light at the intersection where the accident took place. He said she voluntarily submitted to a blood test and is not under arrest.

Sanford Man Dies In Wreck

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24422 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sanford Man Dies In Wreck

The identity of a man killed in an accident on Horner Blvd. Friday was released by Sanford police.

Waldo Ivan Mirando was killed after sideswiping a vehicle traveling north and then traveled into the southbound lane and hit another vehicle head-on.

According to a report, Miranda sideswiped a vehicle driven by Isaac Carter of Sanford.

The driver of the second vehicle struck by Miranda, Kelly Hefner of Fort Bragg along with her 7-year-old daughter were transported to Central Carolina Hospital.

Woman Killed While Standing On Holly Ridge Highway

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24415 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Authorities are trying to determine why a woman who suffered fatal personal injuries on December 31 was standing on one of the main highways along the coast of North Carolina.

Troopers said that Carolina Cromer was discovered dead at approximately 10 p.m. on U.S. 17 in Holly Ridge. According to her mother, she was visiting friends in the area.

According to authorities, several motorists contacted police to report a woman standing in the northbound lanes of the four-lane highway before Cromer’s body was located.

The incident has been ruled a hit-and-run by troopers, who are still searching for the vehicle that struck the woman and determine why she was standing in the road on New Year’s Eve.

Investigators are awaiting toxicology reports.

Spring Lake Pedestrian Killed On N.C. 87

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24414 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the night of January 1, a pedestrian suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross N.C. 87 in Spring Lake.

At approximately 9 p.m., 59-year-old Anthony Barton was killed when a vehicle hit him near Marantha Circle, according to Trooper C.W. Ferrell of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Ferrell said Barton’s wife said that he was crossing the street on his way to go to the store to buy cigarettes.

The vehicle’s driver was 21-year-old Sanford resident Clifton Gaster. He told the Highway Patrol that he did not see Barton. Ferrell said he was wearing dark clothing on a nonlighted highway.

Ferrell said no charges have been filed and that Gaster was not speeding or drinking.

Driver Charged In Fayetteville Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24413 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

An 18-year-old remains in intensive care after a recent single-vehicle crash in East Fayetteville in which two younger teens also suffered personal injuries.

Anthony Simpson was one of three passengers who sustained injuries in the crash, which took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on December 31. He was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center with severe internal injuries, including spleen and kidney damage a broken back and ribs, and an injury to his head, according to Trooper C.W. Ferrell of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Simpson was a front-seat passenger in a 2003 Lincoln Town Car that ran off L.A. Dunham Road twice, struck a ditch, went airborne, and collided with a utility pole, Ferrell said.

The driver, 23-year-old Lawrence Monroe, has been charged with DWI, careless and reckless driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, and failure to use a child restraint.

Ferrell said that it was estimated that Monroe had been traveling at a rate of speed between 70 and 80 mph in the rain. The collision caused him to be ejected from the vehicle and suffer some internal injuries. He also received transport to Cape Fear Valley.

Ferrell said 15-year-old Marquase McIver and 14-year-old Akeem McIver, brothers, suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Man Files Suit Against Former Employer Over Attack By Coworker

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24412 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A former employee of Keaton’s Collision Center has filed suit against his employer for the personal injuries he suffered when he was attacked by a co-worker.

On December 3, Barry G. Plumley filed suit in West Virginia’s Cabell Circuit Court against Keaton’s Collision Center and owner Rick Keaton claiming that he was attacked on August 27, 2008 by another employee, James Clay.

Plumley says he was employed at the collision center as a collision estimator from January 2005 until September 3, 2008.

The suit alleges that during the attack, Clay’s manager, Troy Handley, stood by, watched, and laughed, as Clay attacked Plumley, making no effort to stop it.

Plumley says he suffered a ruptured rotator cuff of his right shoulder, which required surgery and other medical treatment, injuries to his head and neck, and hearing loss.

The suit says Plumley was fired by Handley while he was out of work because of the injuries and applying for workers’ compensation benefits.

Plumley seeks compensatory and punitive damages for his injuries, lost wages, back pay, front pay, and reinstatement to his job.

Dog Nearly Tears Man's Lip Off In Attack

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24394 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the night of December 16, a man walking home in Santa Cruz, California was attacked by an aggressive dog on the loose, suffering personal injuries when the dog nearly tore his lip off. The county’s Animal Services officers were concerned because the dog had not been located and another attack was feared.

The victim, a 26-year-old Live Oak, California resident, was alone at approximately 7:30 p.m. when he was knocked to the ground and bitten by the dog. The man sought aid from friends, who transported him to the hospital. The Sheriff’s Office and Animal Services were contacted by medical staff at the hospital.

Animal Services said the man suffered a bite on one side of the face near his left eye and nose and his lip was so badly injured that it essentially had to be sewn back on.

Once the dog is located, its owner could face misdemeanor charges for allowing a vicious animal to roam freely.

3-Year-Old Boy Bitten On Throat By Dog

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24393 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 3-year-old boy from Planada, California received treatment on December 30 for the personal injuries he suffered after being bitten by a German shepherd mix.

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, the boy suffered non-life-threatening puncture wounds near the base of his throat and another bit near his eye.

The boy received transport to Mercy Medical Center Merced to undergo treatment for the injuries he sustained. Merced County Animal Control quarantined the dog.

According to the sheriff’s department, the dog bit the boy as he turned to leave after petting it. According to Monica Mendoza, a neighbor, the dog had bitten another child earlier in the same week.

Two Children Attacked By Dog

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24392 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Sheriff’s deputies in Greene County, Missouri are investigating a dog attack in which two children suffered personal injuries. Deputies say that on the night of December 30 in an attack by the family’s boxer mix the family said was unprovoked.

The decision about the pet’s fate is up to the family because their children were bitten by their own dog in their own home. Springfield-Greene County Animal Control officers had recommended that the family have the dog quarantined for 10 days to see if it shows signs of rabies.

The parents took the children to a hospital in Springfield for treatment for cuts suffered in the attack. According to deputies, the family recently purchased the dog from a friend.

Wilmington Apartment Fire Kills One, Injures Four

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24391 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One person has died and four others have suffered personal injuries after an early morning fire at an apartment complex in Wilmington.

The fire began at approximately 3 a.m. on January 2 at Cypress Pointe Apartment Homes, a complex located near the campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Authorities have not released the name of the deceased or the conditions of the four people who required hospitalization.

It is currently unclear if any students were involved. Spring classes begin January 4.

Four apartments were destroyed in the fire and all 16 units in the building were damaged. Firefighters took 30 minutes to get the blaze under control.

Cause Of Illnesses From 42nd St. Oyster Bar Undetermined

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24360 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Wake County health officials say that have yet to determine the cause of several people suffering personal injury through illness after eating at the 42nd St. Oyster Bar in downtown Raleigh.

According to Wake County environmental health and safety director Andre Pierce, approximately 40 people have reported illnesses after eating at the popular restaurant, located on West Jones Street. The complaints began on November 30 and the frequency has recently increased.

Pierce says the county tested stool samples from five people who reported food-borne illnesses after eating at the restaurant. Two of those people were discovered to have contracted norovirus, which is associated with numerous illnesses, including viral gastroenteritis and food poisoning.

Pierce said the outbreak remains under investigation by public health officials.

No illnesses have been reported from people dining at the restaurant since December 22.

According to owner Brad Hurley, the illnesses were likely due steamed oysters shipped from Louisiana. After the reports, the restaurant stopped serving the Louisiana oysters and has only been serving oysters from North Carolina.

Mother In Train Crash Was On Cell Phone

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24359 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a mother who suffered fatal personal injuries along with her 5-year-old son in a collision with an Amtrak train was talking on her cell phone right before the crash. Investigators say that 26-year-old Erin Lindsay-Calkins failed to stop for crossing arms at the railroad crossing while turning from Forrest Drive onto Mount Willing Road in Efland on December 22. The force of the impact killed her and her 5-year-old son Nicholas. Her infant daughter Aven survived with minor injuries.

Investigators said that at the time of the crash, all of the warning devices at the crossing were properly functioning. They say evidence gathered from witnesses and Amtrak officials reveals that Lindsay-Calkins was on the phone when she drove under the gate and onto the tracks.

Cameras are mounted on Amtrak trains, but officials did not reveal what the camera from the train involved showed.

According to eyewitness Bessie Bean, she jumped out of her car and helped the 4-month-old out of the totaled vehicle and held her until paramedics arrived at the scene.

The Department of Transportation says that on any given day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a cell phone. Bean says she hopes this crash will help drivers become more aware of the dangers of such distractions.

An ongoing debate over a hands-free cell phone law is currently taking place in the state. A law banning texting while driving went into effect on December 1.

SUV Careens In to Little Shallotte River

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24350 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

SUV Careens In to Little Shallotte River

Two Brunswick County residents had a cold night when their SUV careened into the Little Shallotte River.

According to a report by the N.C. Highway Patrol, the driver, Joseph Babson was parked facing the banks of the river.

His passenger Carolyn Whaley, was in the passenger seat.

Babson, thinking the vehicle was in reverse accelerated the gas pedal.

Babson and Whaley were able to escape by opening the doors and swimming to shore.

The Chevrolet Tahoe floated several feet down the river and stuck in the mud.

No charges were filed.

N.C. Parole Officer Crashes State Vehicle

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24349 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

N.C. Parole Officer Crashes State Vehicle

A N.C. state –owned vehicle crashed into a power pole near the intersection of North Roxboro Street and Olympic Avenue early Friday morning by a parole officer.

The name of the parole officer was not released.

He was transported to Duke Hospital for treatment.

The parole officer stated that he could not remember what caused the accident or the impact. Authorities said they do not believe alcohol was a factor.

The parole officer might have to pay for the destroyed pole, which Duke Power officials were working to replace. No charges will be filed if the driver crashed due to medical reasons, police said.

Three Seriously Injured In Fayetteville Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24340 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

On the night of December 31, three people sustained serious personal injuries in a crash in Fayetteville when their car ran off LA Dunham Road and collided with a utility pole.

The impact caused the pole to splinter and the car to be suspended four feet off the ground. LA Dunham is off Cedar Creek Road, near Interstate 95.

Police say the vehicle’s driver, a 28-year-old male, was pinned inside the car and had to be extracted by rescuers prying him out.

According to police, the power had to be shut off by the Public Works Commission before the driver was able to be rescued.

Police say a 15-year-old male and an 18-year-old male that were passengers in the vehicle received transport to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where they were listed in serious condition.

The names of the people involved in the crash have not yet been released by police.

Man Files Suit For Father's Death On Sunken Ship

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24339 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

With his father likely still entombed in a vessel resting at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico after the fatal personal injuries he suffered when the ship sank, Walter Morales has filed a Jones Act suit against his father’s employer.

Morales filed suit against John Landry Jr. and Jeffrey Williams on behalf of the late William Martinez in Texas’ Jefferson County District Court on December 18.

According to court papers, Martinez was employed as a seaman by Landry serving aboard the vessel Silver Wings on December 20, 2007.

The suit says that the suit sunk in the Gulf of Mexico more than 100 miles off the coast of Grand Isle, Louisiana. Martinez’s body was never located and is presumed to still be on the vessel, which now rests at the bottom of the Gulf.

The suit does not provide specifics on how the ship sank, but claims the ship to have been unseaworthy.

The suit says that Williams, as the captain of the ship, had a duty to ensure the ship was safe for all members of the crew.

The suit alleges negligence against Williams and Landry for failure to provide a safe workplace for Martinez.

Morales seeks survival damages and damages for his father’s mental anguish.

Dog Attacks, Kills Toddler

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24294 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

On December 22, 2-year-old Liam Perk of Cape Coral, Florida died from the personal injuries he suffered when one of his family’s two pet Weimaraners bit him on the neck.

Perk underwent treatment from emergency personnel shortly before 8 a.m. at the family’s home before he was rushed to Cape Coral Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to Cape police spokeswoman Connie Barron.

Barron said the cause of the dog attacking the toddler is unknown. She said Perk simply walked past the dog when it attacked.

Both of the dogs were confiscated by Lee County Animal Services. According to Chief Adam Leath, the parents will have to decide the dogs’ fate, especially the one that attacked their son. Leath said Animal Services had received no prior complaints about the dogs.

Leath said that if the family wants to keep the dog, Animal Services will have to determine whether it still poses a threat. If they decide to give up the dog, agency officials will have to decide if it is safe to put up for adoption or if it needs to be euthanized.

Wayne County Deputy Injured In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24293 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy is currently in recovery from the personal injuries he suffered during a crash on Highway 117 on December 30.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Deputy Daniel Truhan was in the process of responding to another accident when a car pulled out in front of him on Highway 117.

The other driver, Susan Watson, was injured, along with the deputy. Both are expected to recover.

Watson has been charged with failure to yield.

The crash left both vehicles totaled.

Unsupervised Toddler Hit By Car In Burlington

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24198 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Officials say an unsupervised toddler has suffered personal injuries after being struck by a car in Burlington.

According to a report from The News & Record of Greensboro, a 23-month-old was struck on the afternoon of December 28. Police said the child and a sibling had been left alone in a parked car when the toddler exited the vehicle and began to walk across the street.

The child received air transport to Duke University Medical Center. The toddler’s condition and name have not been released.

Man Suffers Broken Neck In I-40 Hit-And-Run

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24197 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to authorities, a man suffered personal injuries in a crash on Interstate 40 near Harrison Avenue in Raleigh.

One driver fled the scene after the crash and the other required hospitalization at Wake Med for a broken neck.

According to 49-year-old Jimmy Brown, he doesn’t remember what happened after his Geo Prizm was struck by a silver Lexus early on the morning of December 27.

Authorities believe the Lexus’ driver was traveling at a high rate of speed before rear-ending Brown’s vehicle. Brown said the driver was going so fast that he had no time to get out of the way and could only brace for the impact. He said the last thing he remembered was saying to himself, “oh no,” before waking up on a stretcher.

According to doctors, Brown’s neck was fractured and he will likely have to wear a neck brace for quite a while.

The crash remains under investigation by the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Raleigh Man Dies In Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24116 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Raleigh Man Dies In Accident

A Raleigh man died from injuries he received in an accident in Johnston County Monday afternoon.

A 2007 Toyota, driven by John Evans, was traveling south on Shotwell Road, near Highway 70 and Old Garner Road, crossed the center lane and hit a tractor-trailer head-on.

Evans was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Sergio Montejano Vasques was driving the tractor-trailer owned by Turbo Transportation of Texas.

The accident is being investigated.

Tractor-Trailer Overturns In Alamance County

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24070 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A big-rig overturned on Interstate 85/40 in Alamance County on December 26, blocking at least three southbound traffic lanes and causing personal injuries, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

The NCHP said the crash took place near mile marker 154, near Mebane.

According to investigators, the truck involved is a Mail Carrier of America truck. They would not reveal the severity of the injuries suffered in the crash.

The truck was the lone vehicle involved in the crash, which was initially reported shortly after 8 a.m.

One Killed In Johnston County Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24068 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

One person is dead from personal injuries suffered in a collision between a semi-truck and a car in Johnston County on December 28.

According to pictures WTVD obtained from its news helicopter, the car was crushed under the front of the truck on Shotwell Road near the intersection with Highway 70 in front of Smithfield Foods.

The named of the deceased person has yet to be released and the crash remains under investigation.

Highway Patrol Says 6-Year-Old Killed In Dunn Crash Not Properly Restrained.

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24066 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, a 6-year-old child who suffered fatal personal injuries in a crash on Interstate 95 in Dunn was not properly restrained when the SUV she was a passenger in collided with a tractor-trailer on Christmas Day.

On December 25, the tractor-trailer was northbound on I-95 when the SUV attempted to pass it, according to troopers. The SUV’s driver lost control, and the vehicle ran off the road, struck a guard rail, overcorrected, and struck the tractor-trailer before overturning and ending up on its roof.

Troopers identified the 6-year-old girl as Pennsylvania resident Taryn Greise. Troopers say she was not restrained in a child’s car seat or wearing a seatbelt.

The SUV’s driver, 34-year-old Brandon John Greise Sr., three other adults, and two other children received transport to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured.

Six Injured In Johnston County Crash Involving Ambulance En Route To Another Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24065 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Six people suffered personal injuries when an ambulance crashed in Johnston County while en route to another crash on Christmas Day.

On December 25, six people received transport to WakeMed after the crash involving a 50-210 EMS ambulance. The wreck took place at the intersection of N.C. 210 and Old Fairground Road at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The ambulance crew was responding to another accident when another vehicle struck the ambulance, causing it to strike another vehicle and overturn.

Three emergency workers and three people from the other vehicles received transport to WakeMed for the injuries they suffered.

Six People Injured In Head-On Accident

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24045 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Six People Injured In Head-On Accident

A head-on collision injured six people, including one person who was air-lifted in Caldwell County.

The names of those involved and the details of the accident were not available.

It is known that two vehicles collided with each other at the intersection of Nuway Circle and Carolina Drive.

The Lenoir Fire Department and the Caldwell County EMS responded to the accident.

Arrest Made in Statesville Hit-and-Run Death

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)24043 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Arrest Made in Statesville Hit-and-Run Death

A resident of Statesville, Donna Farmer, has been arrested in a hit-and-run that killed

Hank Pittman, Jr.

Pittman was working on a cable television line when he was struck by a vehicle that did not stop.

A tip was received by the Highway Patrol. Farmer’s arrest came soon after that tip.

The 1999 Saturn Farmer was driving was seized and taken to the highway Patrol garage in Newton.

Farmer was taken to the Alexander County jail and charged with felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor death by vehicle.

Pittman was transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital, and then airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, where he later died.

The tip came after a plea for help.

Orange County Train and Car Wreck Claims Lives

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23807 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Orange County Train and Car Wreck Claims Lives

Two people lost their lives in Elfland, N.C. when the vehicle they were in was hit by a train Tuesday morning.

The accident occurred at the railroad crossing at the intersection of Southern Drive and Mount Willing Road.

It was undetermined as to how many people were in the vehicle.

According to Gail Emory, an employee of a business across the street, she went outside after hearing the noise and found a 6-momth-old girl at the scene.

The accident is being investigated.

Van Crashes Into Boat Dealership

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23803 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Van Crashes Into Boat Dealership

A van slammed into the showroom at Chatlee Boats, in Sanford injuring one on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Jefferson Davis Highway in Sanford.

The driver of the van was the only person reported to be injured.

Other details of the incident weren't immediately available.

Young Man Assaults Wal-Mart Greeter

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23748 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Young Man Assaults Wal-Mart Greeter

According to police, a young man assaulted an elderly Wal-Mart greeter with two one- gallon milk jugs.

It is believed the greeter thought the young man may have been shoplifting.

Austin Stusalite, 25, was charged with simple assault.

The greeter, John McClean, said the milk was not in a bag, and when he asked to see a receipt, the man kept walking. As McClean reached for the customer, he was assaulted.

Another customer helped detain the young man until the police arrived.

It was not confirmed whether or not the milk had been paid for.

Craven County Accident Injures Four

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23745 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Craven County Accident Injures Four

Four people were injured after one wreck caused another on Monday night.

The driver of a pickup crossed the median on Highway 70, outside of New Bern, and struck a car, while cars were stopping for another accident.

The people in the car were injured, with one being airlifted.

A car was turning onto Garner Road when it hit a SUV in the first accident.

Both the driver and the passenger were admitted to the hospital.

Wake County Girl Dead, Sister Injured In Crash

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23546 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Wake County high school student has died of the personal injuries she suffered in a traffic accident she and her sister were involved in.

On December 8, 16-year-old Yasmine Othman was riding with her sister, 17-year-old Susan Othman, in a Nissan 350Z en route to Panther Creek High School, when Susan attempted to pass a pick-up truck driven by Williams Phillips in a no passing zone on Good Hope Church Road near Highway 55.

As the girls’ vehicle was passing Phillips’ vehicle, he spilled his coffee, causing him to swerve and collide with the Nissan, forcing it off the road.

The Nissan came to an abrupt stop when it collided with a tree stump. Both girls received transport to Duke Hospital.

Police say that Yasmine Othman, who was not wearing her seat belt, suffered major injuries to both her legs and head. She was pronounced dead on the morning of December 13.

Authorities believe Susan Othman to still be in the hospital, but her condition is unknown. She is being charged with improper passing and speeding.

According to officials, Phillips fled the scene after the crash. He was later found by authorities, whom he told the reason he fled was because he was having problems with his license.

Phillips has been charged with driving left of center and felony hit-and-run.

Head-On Collision Outside Selma Kills Two

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23544 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

On the afternoon of December 14, two drivers died of the personal injuries they suffered in a crash outside Selma on N.C. 39 in Johnston County.

According to North Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. K. Bell, 18-year-old Selma resident Nathan Cole and 42-year-old Burgaw resident Victoria Jordan were both killed instantly.

Bell said Cole’s vehicle crossed the center line and struck another vehicle before colliding head-on with Jordan’s vehicle.

The cause of the accident has yet to be determined. The crash took place on a straightaway and speed is not believed to have been a factor.

NC Department Of Labor Fines Poultry Plant Where Employee Died For Serious Violations

brent@brentadams.com (Blog Author)23543 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A poultry processing plant where an employee suffered fatal personal injuries in June has been fined more than $70,000 by the North Carolina Department of Labor for health and safety violations.

According to a report in The Fayetteville Observer on December 16, the Department of Labor discovered 22 violations at the plant, 20 of which were considered to be serious violations.

The citations against the Mountaire Farms plant in Lumber Bridge include inadequate training of mechanics and emergency response employees. The civil penalties issued on December 15 totaled $73,325.

On June 20, maintenance worker Clifton Swain of Fayetteville died after a high-pressure refrigerant line ruptured. Four others were injured in the incident. The 48-year-old Air Force retiree had been an employee at the plant since 2001.

The company released a statement saying that it had cooperated with the investigation and would closely work with authorities.