Driver rear-ended car in front during lane switch, suit says

A Madison County man and his wife claim the man was seriously injured after they say a driver negligently caused a collision.

Daniel E. and Cynthia Crum filed a lawsuit Sept. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court against Darren A. Merckle.

The Crums claim Daniel E. Crum was driving north on Interstate 55 in Madison County on Sept. 16, 2007, with Cynthia Crum as his passenger.

Merckle, who was driving in the same direction, attempted to switch lanes when the accident occurred, according to the complaint.

"The vehicle operated by the Defendant struck the rear of the vehicle in front of him causing his vehicle to leave the highway and roll over into the adjacent ditch," the suit states.

In addition to Daniel E. Crum's severe injuries, his wife has lost her husband's income, services and companionship, the complaint says.

They blame Merckle for driving faster than the posted speed limit, for driving too fast for traffic conditions, for failing to maintain a safe distance between his vehicle and the vehicle in front of him and for changing lanes without a proper lookout.

In the two-count suit, the Crums are seeking an unspecified judgment.

James R. Potter and Craig A. Randle of Londrigan, Potter and Randle in Springfield will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-980.