Bethalto man sues driver heading wrong way on I-255

A Bethalto man has filed suit against the alleged intoxicated driver who he says hit him head-on while driving in the wrong direction.

Barry Underwood claims he was driving south in the southbound lane of Illinois 255 near milepost 8 in Wood River on Dec. 26 when Paula Eichorn, who was driving north in the southbound lane, struck him head-on.

Because of the collision, Underwood suffered injuries to his neck, back, face and upper torso; was hindered from attending to his normal job; incurred medical costs and lost large sums of money, according to the complaint filed Oct. 22 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Eichorn negligently failed to drive in the appropriate lane, failed to reduce her speed to avoid an accident, failed to keep her vehicle under control, failed to keep a proper lookout and drove while intoxicated, the suit states.

Underwood is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Bob L. Perica of The Perica Law Firm in Wood River will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1128.