Lawsuit filed on behalf of Ohio woman killed in crash

The estate of an Ohio woman, who died during a traffic accident in June, is suing the driver of the other vehicle for damages alleging they were drunk and speeding at the time of the accident.
On July 27, Rick Watts, as administrator of Brenda Watts’ estate, filed suit in Whitley Circuit Court against Terry Keith on behalf of the estate and Watts’ son, Joshua Watts, who was also a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
The accident occurred June 11 on US25W just outside the Corbin City limits shortly after 3 p.m.
“Defendant Terry Keith was traveling at a high rate of speed and being under the influence of alcohol,” the lawsuit filed by Williamsburg Attorney Paul Croley alleged. “As the Keith vehicle approached the Watts vehicle, the Keith vehicle crossed the center line into the path and northbound lane of the Watts vehicle.
“A head on collision ensued. The Watts vehicle never crossed into the proper lane of travel of the Keith vehicle. Terry Keith operated his vehicle in a wanton, careless, reckless, and grossly negligent manner so as to cause the aforesaid collision between the Keith vehicle and Watts vehicle.”
Brenda Watts, 37, of Dayton, Ohio, who was driving a 1998 Mustang convertible, was pronounced dead at the scene nearly an hour later.
Joshua Watts was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. Keith was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Kenneth Fuson, who investigated the accident, said Keith was traveling at a “high rate of speed,” and that alcohol was a likely factor in the crash.
Two bottles of beer were discovered in the wreckage of the truck after the accident.
State police indicated that charges would be pending, but so far haven’t revealed if any have been filed.
Authorities said Keith was likely involved in another traffic accident about half an hour earlier near Exit 29 in southern Laurel County. All local police agencies were told to observe for a vehicle matching the description of Keith’s 2005 Ford F-150 pick-up truck.
The lawsuit asks for compensation of pain and suffering, reasonable medical expenses, funeral expenses, and punitive damages among others.
It also asks for court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and a trial by jury.
So far no response to the lawsuit has been filed.