A Wood River man is suing a Bethalto driver he says drove drunk and crashed into him and he is also suing the bar that allegedly served the driver alcohol.
James J. Bazzell filed the lawsuit against Eugene L. Hitch and 109 South Inc. on Sept. 5 in Madison County Circuit Court.
The alleged crash happened Jan. 9 near the intersection of Huette Road and Wood Cemetery Road in Macoupin County. According to the complaint, Bazzell was driving a 1995 Ford Escort south on Huette Road while Hitch was driving a 2002 Dodge Ram north on the same road. Bazzell contends Hitch was intoxicated, crossed over the center line and drove into oncoming traffic, hitting Bazell's Escort head on. Bazzell says he received severe and permanent injuries in the crash. He accuses Hitch of negligence.
Bazzell contends 109 South Inc., owner of an establishment on Prairie Street in Bethalto, served Hitch the alcohol that caused him to be intoxicated. Bazzell says the company is, therefore, also liable for the crash allegedly caused by Hitch.
Bazzell seeks more than $50,000 in damages from each of the two defendants.
Attorney Robert H. Gregory, of East Alton, represents Bazzell.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1223.
Bethalto driver, bar accused of negligence in alleged drunk driving crash
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