Carthage accident results in Madison County suit

A Madison county man has filed suit against a Hancock County man, alleging he was damaged after a side collision.

Michael P. Dufrain claims he was driving west on Oct. 18, 2007, through the intersection of Buchanon Street and Madison Street in Carthage and was hit in the side by Edward R. Newman, who was driving north.

"After Plaintiff stopped at the four-way stop intersection at Buchanan and Madison and lawfully proceeded into the intersection, Defendant blew through the stop sign governing his direction of travel and smashed into the side of Plaintiff's truck at a high speed, thereby causing severe and permanent damage to Plaintiff and to his property," the complaint states.

Dufrain claims he did and may continue to incur pain, suffering, disability, loss of his normal life, lost income and medical expenses.

He claims Newman was negligent because he failed to stop at an intersection, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and continued to drive dangerously knowing he was physically and mentally incapable of driving safely.

In the two-count suit, Dufrain is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs of the suit. He also seeks an amount not to exceed $50,000.

He filed the suit in Madison County Circuit Court Sept. 2.

Dufrain is represented by Joseph R. Brown, Jr., of Lucco, Brown, Threlkeld & Dawson in Edwardsville.