Kentucky law is strict on telemarketers
Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 15, 2000
Q. I have been receiving phone calls, which are unsolicited, to my home from all sorts of businesses such as credit card companies who want to loan me money, contractors who want to improve my home and every type of person you can imagine wanting to sell me something, or wanting me to invest my money. The calls are a terrible nuisance to my family and me and often disrupt our dinner hour. Can we stop these callers other than removing our phone?A. Kentucky does have more stringent requirements than federal law for telemarketers. In Kentucky, telemarketers (the type of calls you describe above) may call only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Under federal law, telemarketers may call between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Also, as a Kentucky resident, you can place yourself on a list if you do not want to be called. This will stop many telemarketers under Kentucky law. To be placed on this list, contact the attorney generals hot-line at 1-800-671-7701. You can also write the Office of Attorney General, No Call List, 1024 Capital Center Drive, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.Q. If I am in a minor automobile wreck some property damage, but no injuries should I report this to the police?A. Whenever you have an accident with another driver, it should be immediately reported to the police. Some injuries are not apparent immediately and you may have problems later covering your property damage if you have not reported the collision. Following an accident, you should park your vehicle on the shoulder of the road and not obstruct traffic. Use your cars flashers or flares to warn approaching motorists of the accident. You should be prepared to give the other driver and police officer your name, address, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. In addition to notifying the police, be sure to write down the names and addresses of all passengers and possible witnesses, and the names of the police officers that respond to the scene. If you have a camera handy near the damaged vehicle, you would want to take photographs of the damaged vehicles, or do so of your vehicle at a later date. Often, the police take photographs. Naturally, you should notify your insurance company immediately. If you have suffered any personal injury, you should seek medical attention promptly and consult an attorney. Flora Templeton Stuart practices law in Bowling Green.