Mother sues allegedly intoxicated driver for girl's injuries

The mother of a minor girl says her daughter sustained multiple injuries during a car accident involving an alleged intoxicated driver who was transporting the girl.

Marion Doxtator filed a lawsuit on behalf of her minor daughter, Michelle Doxtator, on Oct. 7 in Madison County Circuit Court against Robert R. Kopp and Rose L. Medina.

Marion Doxtator claims her daughter was riding in a vehicle Kopp was driving west on Hillcrest Avenue on Aug. 12 at about 1:08 a.m. when Kopp failed to stop at an intersection, causing a collision to occur.

At the time of the collision, Kopp was driving a vehicle Medina had lent to him, according to the complaint.

Because of the accident, Michelle Doxtator sustained injuries to her legs, right shoulder and face; suffered emotional injuries; and experienced pain and suffering, the suit states. In addition, she experienced a disability, incurred medical costs and lost wages, the complaint says.

Marion Doxtator blames Kopp for failing to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, for driving too fast, for failing to keep a proper lookout, for failing to stop at an intersection and for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

She says Medina should never have lent her vehicle to a person who she knew would be careless, reckless or incompetent with it.

In the two-count suit, Marion Doxtator is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus costs.

Lance R. Mallon and Dawna M. Hale of Mallon Law Firm in Wood River will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1070.