Woman waiting for passing train claims driver caused rear-end collision

A Madison County woman claims another driver rear-ended her vehicle while she was waiting for a train to pass.

Diana Loehr of Granite City filed the lawsuit on April 29 in Madison County Circuit Court against Debra E. Goskie of Wood River claiming vehicular negligence in a May 2013 auto accident.

According to the complaint, the defendant was operating a Nissan Acura on or near railroad tracks on Pontoon road in Granite City on or about May 2, 2013, at approximately 9:20 a.m. At the same time, the plaintiff was stopped at the railroad tracks waiting for a train to pass in her Honda Odyssey, the suit states.

The complaint alleges that Goskie failed to keep control of her vehicle, striking the rear end of Loehr’s car. Maintaining that the defendant owed a duty to operate her automobile safely, the complaint accuses Goskie of failing to yield at railroad tracks; reduce speed and stop safely to avoid impact; keep a proper lookout; and see things that should have been obviously visible.

The plaintiff alleges severe and permanent injuries, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and medical expenses.

Loehr seeks damages between $15,000 and $50,000, prejudgment interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. She is represented by of The Law Office of Michael R. Wesley in Wood River.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-539