Collinsville accident is subject of suit

Donald E. and Kathleen P. Bean have filed suit against Terry A. Mathews, alleging Donald was seriously injured after an accident.

Donald was driving south on Illinois State Highway 157 in Collinsville on Dec. 27, 2006, when Mathews, who was driving east on Horseshoe Lake Road and approaching the highway, collided with Donald, according to the complaint filed Dec. 18 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the accident, Donald sustained severe and permanent injuries to his neck, upper back, arms and knees and endured pain and suffering, the suit states.

He also claims he incurred medical expenses and suffered lost wages, disabilities, physical restrictions and loss of a normal life.

Donald suffered property damage to his car, which had to be repaired, according to the complaint. During his vehicle's time in the shop, Donald had no vehicle to drive, the suit states.

Kathleen has been deprived of Donald's services, society, companionship and consortium, according to the complaint.

Mathews was negligent by failing to obey a traffic control signal, by attempting to make a right-hand turn at a red light when it was not safe, by failing to yield the right-of-way to Donald's vehicle, by failing to stop before attempting a right-hand turn at a red light, by failing to stop his vehicle to avoid a collision and by driving too fast, according to the complaint.

Mathews also negligently drove in a careless and negligent manner, the suit states.

In the three-count suit, the Beans are seeking a judgment in excess of $100,000 and the amount of reasonable rental value of a similar vehicle for the amount of time his car was in the repair shop, plus costs.

W. Michael Gnavi of Collinsville will be representing the Beans.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-1198.