Wood River accident is subject of suit

A man has filed suit against the driver who he says struck another vehicle that in turn struck the vehicle in which he was riding.

James Charnas claims he was riding in a vehicle Andrew Swarringin was driving on East Airline Drive near its intersection with Airwood Drive in Wood River on June 28, 2008, at about 4 p.m. when William Pugh II collided with a vehicle driven by Robert Van Demmin, which caused Van Demmin's vehicle to collide with Swarringin's.

Because of the collision, Charnas suffered injuries to his back and neck, experienced pain, suffering and disability, incurred medical costs, lost wages and incurred a diminished earning capacity, according to the complaint filed Nov. 20 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Pugh negligently failed to reduce his speed, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to stop at an intersection, the suit states.

Charnas is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus costs.

Lance R. Mallon and Dawna M. Hale of Mallon and Hale in Wood River will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1261.