Insurer suing its own over DUI damages paid

An insurance company is suing one of its insurees, alleging it had to pay more than $200,000 to a man after its insuree caused a collision while driving under the influence.

Progressive Direct Insurance Company claims Lamont A. Green was driving a 1996 Dodge Caravan on Route 3 toward Brooklyn on April 24, 2007, when he collided head-on with Shawn D. Brown, who was driving a 1993 Saturn in the opposite direction.

Green was negligent through improper lane usage, failure to yield, crossing the center line, failure to keep an adequate lookout and driving under the influence of alcohol, the suit states.

Because of the accident, Progressive was forced to pay Brown $255,000, but has subrogation rights to recover the money from Green, according to the complaint filed April 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In addition to the money it is due, Progressive is seeking costs and other relief the court deems just.

It is represented by Michael A. Hall of The Hall Law Group in Peoria.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-210.