Passenger sues driver for injuries sustained in crash

Todd Hemann filed a personal injury suit against Dianna Hemann in Madison County Circuit Court Feb. 5, alleging he was injured as a passenger in Dianna Hemann's Chevrolet Cavalier.

Todd Hemann alleges that on July 23, 2007, he was a passenger in Dianna's car when she allegedly lost control of her vehicle, colliding with a Freightliner truck parked on Interstate 55 in Madison County.

He alleges Dianna Hemann negligently and carelessly failed to keep a lookout ahead and laterally ahead while operating her car, failed to stop the car in time to prevent crashing into the truck, drove at a rate of speed that was high and excessive under the circumstances and failed to avoid crashing into the truck parked on the shoulder of the roadway.

The complaint does not indicate whether the plaintiff and defendant are related.

Todd Hemann also claims she failed to exercise ordinary care in operating her car, failed to act in an appropriate manner to avoid striking the truck on the shoulder and allowed her car to crash into the truck.

According to Todd Hemann, he was caused to suffer permanent and disabling injuries to his head, brain, spine, pelvis, shoulder, neck, back, arms, legs, knees, internal organs and other parts of his body all of which have caused and will continue to cause pain, suffering, mental anguish, lost wages and at least $250,000 in medical expenses.

Represented by Zane Cagle of St. Louis, Todd Hemann is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs and medical expenses.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Dan Stack.

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