Blair Damon Of Otisco, Indiana Dies In Tragic Collision With Louisville Metro Officer
Blair Damon, 37, of Otisco, Indiana was tragically killed last Tuesday when the moped he was driving was struck by an off-duty Louisville Metro Police Officer. The Metro officer, Derek Hebner, told investigators he was driving home Tuesday morning after workiing third shift when he closed his eyes from the glare of the sun, crossed the center line, and hit Damon's moped head-on, just north of Charlestown, Indiana on Sunset Trail.
Damon, 37, was knocked into a nearby yard. He was taken by ambulance to St. Catherine Hospital and later airlifted to University Hospital in Louisville, where he died at 9:42 a.m.
The police report concluded that the primary cause of the crash was Hebner driving his truck left of center. A portable breathalyzer test given to Hebner found no evidence of alcohol, and he agreed to provide a blood sample for analysis by the Indiana State Police laboratory.
Metro Police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley said Wednesday that Hebner remains on regular, unrestricted duty pending the outcome of the Clark County investigation.
Vanessa Cantley, attorney and partner at Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones, is an Indiana-licensed attorney with experience representing victims of moped and motorcycle wrecks. She comments: "This was a tragedy for all involved, and our condolences go out to both Mr. Damon's and Mr. Hebner's families. Unfortunately, under Indiana law, the sun being in a driver's eyes does not excuse crossing the center line. If you are unable to see due to weather conditions, including direct sunlight, you need to pull to the side of the road until it is safe for you to resume driving. If the police report is accurate, Mr. Damon's family will be entitled to pursue a claim for his wrongful death."
For more information about the rights of individuals injured or killed in moped accidents in Indiana or Kentucky, please contact Vanessa Cantley directly at (502) 587-2002 or e-mail her by clicking here: e-mail Vanessa.
