Man sues drivers over Route 40 accident

A Madison County man has filed suit against two drivers – one who he says fishtailed into him after the other driver struck her.

Burton J. Naberhuis claims he was driving a Ford near the intersection of Route 40 and Spring Valley Road on Dec. 23, when the accident occurred.

According to the complaint filed Oct. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court, defendant Darlene M. Bushue was driving near the same intersection when she struck a Ford being driven by defendant Kristina M. Longwell. In turn, Longwell attempted to apply her brakes, but caused her vehicle to fishtail and to crash into Naberhuis', the suit states.

Because of the accident, Naberhuis was hindered and prevented from attending to his usual duties and affairs, lost a substantial amount of time, suffered great pain and anguish and incurred medical costs, the complaint says. In addition, Naberhuis' vehicle has been damaged and he has not been able to drive it.

He blames Longwell and Bushue for driving too fast, for failing to keep their vehicles under proper control and for failing to keep proper lookouts.

In the two-count suit, Naberhuis is seeking a judgment of more than $300,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

He will be represented by Melroy B. Hutnick of Belleville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1081.