Alton accident results in suit against U-Haul

Two men claim they experienced pain and suffering after the driver of a U-Haul truck rear-ended them.

Kevin L. Spears and Michael Mason filed a lawsuit Feb. 11 in Madison County Circuit Court against Terrance A. McGowan and U-Haul Company of Arizona.

Spears claims he had stopped in a Chevrolet Suburban at a stop sign governing the intersection of Pear Street and Pearl Street in Alton on Feb. 22, 2008, at about 2:30 p.m. Next to him, Mason rode as a passenger in the vehicle.

According to the complaint, McGowan, who drove a U-Haul truck, rear-ended the Suburban as it remained unmoving at the stop sign.

Because of the collision, both men suffered bodily injury, pain and suffering; lost wages; and incurred medical costs, the suit states.

They blame McGowan for causing the accident, saying he failed to keep his vehicle under proper management and control, failed to maintain a proper lookout, drove too fast and failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision.

In the four-count suit, the plaintiffs seek personal injury damages of more than $40,000 but less than $120,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Ed Dorsey of Carbondale will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-155.