Driver failed to obey stop sign, say parents in suit

A mother and father of four minors have filed suit against the driver who they say failed to stop at a stop sign, causing a collision.

Michael S. Overby, father of Paige Overby and Alexandria Overby, and Tiffany Blomgren, the mother of Michaela Blomgren and Joshua Blomgren, filed a lawsuit Oct. 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Billie L. Varner.

The plaintiffs claim Michael S. Overby was driving a Buick at the intersection of Alhambra Road and East Frontage Road on June 27, 2008, when Billie L. Varner, who was driving a 1998 Buick LaSabre four-door in the same intersection, ran a stop sign and struck the Buick Overby was driving.

At the time of the collision, Paige Overby, Alexandria Overby, Michaela Blomgren and Joshua Blomgren were riding in the vehicle Michael S. Overby was driving.

Because of the accident, Michael S. Overby incurred medical costs, was made sick, sore and lame, became disabled and suffered pain, which will continue into the future, according to the complaint. In addition, he sustained injuries to his back and a destroyed vehicle, the suit states.

The minor plaintiffs experienced pain, suffering, disability and disfigurement and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

The plaintiffs blame Varner for driving too fast, for failing to obey a traffic control device, for failing to maintain a lookout for other vehicles on the road and for failing to stop to avoid an accident.

In the five-count suit, the plaintiffs are seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

John D. Wendler of Edwardsville will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1113.