2 Injured in Clermont Car Accident
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office identified the drivers as Karen Laura Kerner, 83, of West Union, who was flown to a hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with life-threatening injuries, and Gary James Berns, 69, of Hawkeye, who had minor injuries.
Two drivers were injured in a car crash on Harding Road near Clermont on Friday, according to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.
What Happened on Harding Road Near Clermont
The sheriff's office said deputies went to Harding Road in the 4000 block, roughly a mile west of Clermont. The driver, Karen Laura Kerner, 83, of West Union, was in a silver 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt heading west, and deputies said she pulled partway off the road and came to a stop at about 4:35 p.m. Investigators said a gray 2019 Cadillac XT5, also heading west, struck the back of her car. Kerner was temporarily trapped, and firefighters used mechanical tools to free her. She was brought to Emplify Hospital in West Union with life-threatening injuries and later flown to La Crosse, Wisconsin. The driver of the Cadillac, Gary James Berns, 69, of Hawkeye, suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the West Union hospital. Both cars were considered total losses.
Where the Fayette County Sheriff's Inquiry Stands
The crash remains under investigation. The sheriff's office said its Technical Collision Investigation Unit helped at the scene, along with the Iowa State Patrol, West Union police and fire and ambulance crews from Clermont, Elgin and Emplify. No charges have been announced.
New information about a crash usually comes from the investigating agency, often through a news release or its social media pages. Updates can be days or weeks apart.
Candice Bond· Bond LegalFrom an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice. The contributor may not be licensed in your state.Sources
Affected by an accident like this?
Here is what people in Iowa usually need, in the order it comes up.
Emergency care. Emergency rooms must check and stabilize you, even if you can't pay. The bill comes later.
Your vehicle. Tow yards usually charge for every day a towed vehicle sits there.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Hospital bills. Most hospitals have a program that cuts bills for people with low income, and you can apply months after the first bill.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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