Stalled vehicle led to accident, suit claims

Lawrence P. Branam has filed suit against Calvin Hutson and William K. Knoche, alleging he collided with Knoche's vehicle after Hutson stalled in the left-hand lane of the interstate.

Branam was driving his 2005 Nissan east on I-270 at mile post 2.5 in Chouteau on Nov. 4, 2006, when the incident occurred, the complaint filed Oct. 30 in Madison County Circuit Court states.

Hutson was driving Knoche's 1989 Mazda MPV in the same direction when he stalled in the left-hand lane and Branam hit him, the suit states.

Branam claims that because of the accident, he was made sick, sore, lame and disordered, suffered extensive injuries to his neck, back and hands and incurred substantial medical costs.

In addition, Branam experienced pain and suffering, a loss of his earning capacity, lost wages and disability and disfigurement, according to the complaint.

Knoche was negligent because he failed to warn oncoming traffic of his stalled vehicle, failed maneuver his vehicle to the right shoulder, left the vehicle in the left-hand lane when it stalled and left the scene of the accident, the suit states.

Branam claims Knoche was negligent because he allowed Hutson to operate his vehicle when he should have known Hutson was an inexperienced driver and required supervision.

In the two-count suit, Branam is seeking a judgment in excess of $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Rodney D. Caffey of The Lakin Law Firm in Wood River will be representing Branam.