Passenger files lawsuit against driver who allegedly swerved off road

A passenger alleges she suffered serious and permanent injuries after a driver swerved off the road and struck a guardrail.

Sally Howerton filed a lawsuit Dec. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court against Michael Hoffner.

In her complaint, Howerton alleges she was riding in a vehicle that Hoffner drove east on state Route 40 in Fort Russell on March 31, 2013, when Hoffner swerved off the road and struck a guardrail.

In addition to her injuries, Howerton incurred medical costs, suffered great pain and anguish and lost wages, according to the complaint. She blames Russell for causing the collision, alleging he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, drove too fast and failed to reduce his speed.

Attorney Randall P. Steele of Steele Law Offices in Glen Carbon will represent Howerton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1699.