Carr pressing med mal trial while being defended in auto accident case

Some days you're the bug, others you're the windshield.

On Jan. 18, legendary plaintiff's attorney Rex Carr of East St. Louis will be both.

While Carr continues to prosecute a medical malpractice trial currently under way in Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron's courtroom, Askew v. Anderson Hospital, et.al., his attorney will be across the hall in Circuit Judge Don Weber's courtroom defending him in an auto accident case.

Defense attorney Bradley Hantla of Litchfield will attend a case management conference for Carr who is accused of rear-ending another man's 1994 Chevrolet with his 2002 BMW.

Jason Shafer claims he was hit from behind on May 21, 2004, while stopped at the intersection of St. Louis and Vandalia Streets in Edwardsville.

Shafer is seeking at least $50,000 in damages. Shafer filed suit on Nov. 3, 2005.

According to the suit, Carr, 79, was negligent for failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and traveling too fast for conditions.

Shafer claims he sustained injuries to his neck and right shoulder, incurred medical expenses for care and treatment and will incur additional medical expenses in the future, experienced pain and suffering and his quality of life has been diminished.

Shafer is represented by John Leskera of Collinsville.