Rear-end accident at 162 and 111 is subject of suit

A man and his wife have filed suit against the driver who they say failed to stop behind them after the man yielded for a red light.

Morris and Denise McGee claim Morris McGee was driving on Highway 162 near its intersection with Highway 111 in Pontoon Beach on Aug. 18, 2008, when he observed that a traffic light was changing from yellow to red and stopped his vehicle. At the time, Denise McGee was riding as a passenger.

Pete A. Alfaro, who was driving behind Morris McGee, rear-ended him at the light, according to the complaint filed Dec. 11 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the accident, Morris and Denise McGee suffered injury to their necks, spines and backs; experienced physical pain, suffering, emotional pain, emotional distress and disability; and incurred medical costs, the suit states. In addition, they lost each other's consortium and were deprived of valuable services, the complaint says.

The McGees blame Alfaro for failing to obey a traffic control device, for failing to keep a proper lookout, for failing to maintain a safe speed, for failing to maintain a safe distance and for failing to stop or swerve to avoid a crash.

In the four-count suit, the McGees are seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.

Dawn Kamadulski and Eric W. Evans of Roth Evans in Granite City will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1342.