Wanda Gilkey Injured in Truck Accident on Campbell Street in Hopkinsville, KY
Hopkinsville, KY -- April 28, 2022, 78-year old Wanda Gilkey was injured in a collision involving a tractor-trailer on South Campbell Street in Hopkinsville.
Authorities say the incident happened around 2:50 p.m. at South Campbell and East Ninth streets. Preliminary investigation suggests Gilkey was a passenger in a minivan driven by 57-year old Jeannette Gentry, traveling on Campbell. Ahead at the Ninth Street intersection, a commercial tractor-trailer moved forward after stopping at the sign and started to make a wide right turn onto Ninth. According to reports, Gentry also tried to make a right turn at the intersection by going around the big rig's right side. The maneuver failed and the van hit the side of the truck.
Gilkey was injured in the collision and was taken to an area hospital treatment. No other injuries were reported.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Wanda Gilkey Accident in Hopkinsville
If reports have their facts straight it sounds like the van's driver may have misjudged her turn at the intersection. However, I know from long experience that it's important to take these early reports with a grain or two of salt as the facts are still being gathered. Are authorities really sure the van's driver tried to turn, or was she taken off-guard by the truck's wide turn? Did the truck driver use a turn signal? If so, how long before turning did he activate it? If the truck turned wide, does that mean it pulled forward some before starting to turn? Could the van's driver have misunderstood what she was seeing as she started to turn herself?
I'm not trying to overcomplicate this matter or point any fingers. The point is just that things aren't always straightforward as early reports make them seem. Sometimes what happened gets misinterpreted and nobody takes a second look, meaning the wrong story is believed to be the truth. Many injured crash victims have found themselves said to be at fault despite being innocent, and that interferes with their ability to get help as they try to get back on their feet.
The best way to make sure the whole story is known is to investigate it thoroughly--sometimes more thoroughly than law enforcement is willing to do. I often recommend independent investigations to be sure all the dots get properly connected. If there are any further steps to take, knowing that would largely depend on what those experts learn.
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