Emergency worker struck during assist files suit

Douglas J. Streubel has filed suit against James L. Dodd, Sr., James L. Dodd, Jr., and State Farm Insurance, alleging he was injured when a vehicle driven by James L. Dodd, Jr., hit him.

Streubel claims James L. Dodd, Sr., owned the vehicle James L. Dodd, Jr., was driving when the incident occurred on Sept. 2, 2006.

Streubel, who was a former emergency medical technician, claims he was helping victims from a previous accident on the shoulder of the right turn lane on Illinois Route 140.

After he was finished, he turned to go back to his vehicle when he saw a truck coming at him, the complaint filed Aug. 29 in Madison County Circuit Court states. The vehicle was not slowing down and was passing other cars stopped at a red light, the complaint states.

Streubel claims he only had time to put out his arms and bounced off the hood of the vehicle, then landed on the pavement and hit his head.

"The defendant then stopped, got out and yelled at Plaintiff 'You walked in front of me,' not showing any concern or remorse, smelling of alcohol," the suit states.

Streubel claims the accident caused him to break his right arm, have a concussion, and lose a day of work.

He claims James L. Dodd, Jr., was negligent because he did not watch where he was going, did not yield to a pedestrian, failed to stop before turning and drove on the shoulder of the road.

James L. Dodd, Jr., was given special treatment by the Alton Police Department because his father, James L. Dodd, Sr., is a former Alton alderman, the complaint states.

Streubel claims the Illinois State Police should have been called to the scene.

He also claims the $700 offered by State Farm Insurance would not cover his lost wages.

Streubel is seeking a judgment in an amount to cover all lost wages for himself, his wife and his daughter, to cover items lost due to the financial hardship and for pain and suffering.

He is also seeking $300,000, plus the costs of the suit.

Streubel is representing himself.