Trial News

As Ronald Kephart, 50, was riding his motorcycle on a highway, the driver of a Clayton Ridge Community Schools bus turned left directly in front of him. Kephart collided with the side of the bus, suffering fatal injuries. He is survived by his wife and five children, three of whom were minors at the time of the incident.

Kephart’s survivors sued the school district, alleging liability for the bus driver’s failure to keep a proper lookout and yield to Kephart. The plaintiffs did not claim lost income.

The defense conceded liability during trial. The jury awarded more than $1.21 million.

Citation: Kephart v. Clayton Ridge Cmty. Sch., No. 01221-LACV-010355 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Clayton Cnty. Oct. 29, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Pete Leehey, Cameron Leehey, and Graig Turson, all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Plaintiff expert: Michele Catellier, medical examination, Ankeny, Iowa.