Published: September 15, 2009 08:39 am      

Wrongful death: Widow files suit in KY 52 crash

The widow of an Estill County man killed in a two-car accident on KY 52 that left her injured is suing the woman who collided with their car.

Patsy Hurley, executrix for the estate of Archie Hurley, is suing Keiley Harrison, 24, of Richmond, for compensatory and punitive damages for the May 27 accident that claimed Archie Hurley’s life.

The Hurleys were headed eastbound on KY 52 when Harrison’s 1995 Chevrolet pickup truck crossed the center line and struck the Hurleys’ 1984 Ford pickup truck head-on, Kentucky State Police said following the accident.

Madison County EMS transported both Harrison and Patsy Hurley to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington with serious injuries, while Archie Hurley was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison County Coroner’s Office.

The Madison County Rescue Squad extricated all three people from the vehicles, which sustained “very severe” damage in the accident, police said.

Archie Hurley is not believed to have been wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision, according to the KSP accident report.

The lawsuit accuses Harrison of “operating her motor vehicle in a reckless, careless and negligent manner” when she collided with the Hurleys.

State police said alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the accident, and toxicology tests were performed on Harrison to determine if she had been under the influence at the time of the crash, police said.

Patsy Hurley is seeking compensatory damages for medical and funeral expenses for Archie Hurley as well as her own medical expenses. The suit also seeks compensation for lost earning potential for both Hurleys.

Punitive damages as determined by the court also are included in a list of requests in the suit, which seeks to have a jury trial to decide the case.

Hurley is represented by Richmond attorney Rodney G. Davis. Madison Circuit Judge William G. Clouse is assigned to hear the case.

Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694.