Motorcyclist allegedly collides with funeral vehicle during procession

A Macoupin County couple is suing a funeral business after they were involved in a collision during a funeral procession.

Kevin D. Ebersohl and Lauri(e) Ebersohl of Staunton filed a lawsuit on April 28 in Madison County Circuit Court against Pitchford Funeral Services of Wood River, claiming vehicular negligence in a July 2013 auto accident.

According to the complaint, the defendant’s agent, Angela M. Miceli of Glen Carbon, was traveling eastbound on Missouri Highway 94 as part of a funeral procession on or about July 27, 2013. Approaching a red light signal, she allegedly proceeded through the light with the procession.

Simultaneously, as Kevin Ebersohl was driving his motorcycle southbound on U.S. Highway 67 approaching a green light, he collided with Pitchford’s vehicle, the suit states.

The complaint accuses the defendant of failure to provide adequate warnings of the procession at intersections to oncoming traffic; instruct its personnel on public highway safety; and provide funeral markings for participating cars.

The plaintiff alleges injuries to his scapula, clavicle, back, ribs, and other areas. Claiming his injuries prevent him from attending to everyday affairs, Ebersohl alleges loss of wages; his wife claims loss of consortium due to the defendant’s alleged careless and negligent acts.

The Ebersohls seek damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. They are represented by Bob Perica of The Perica Law Firm in Wood River.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-527