Family sues driver allegedly under the influence in accident

A family has filed suit against a driver who was allegedly under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the family says he failed to obey a traffic control device and caused a collision.

Steven M. Pegram claims he was driving west on Homer Adams Parkway near its intersection with Godfrey Road on Feb. 28, 2009. Plaintiffs Sheryl A. Molloy-Pegram and Sheariah L. Pegram were riding as passengers in the vehicle. At the same time, James M. Neuhoff was driving on Godfrey Road when he collided with the Pegrams' vehicle, according to the complaint filed March 18 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the collision, Steven M. Pegram suffered injuries to his head, neck and knee while Sheryl A. Molloy-Pegram sustained injuries to her right arm and Sheariah L. Pegram incurred injuries to her face and left arm, the suit states. All three experienced pain, suffering and disability, the complaint says. In addition, Steven M. Pegram and Sheryl A. Molloy-Pegram claim they incurred medical costs and Steven M. Pegram says he lost wages. Steven M. Pegram says he also lost a coat, a jacket and a CB antenna and sustained property damage to his vehicle because of the collision.

Neuhoff negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to decrease his speed to avoid a collision, drove too fast, failed to maintain control of the vehicle he was driving, failed to obey a traffic control device and drove while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, according to the complaint.

In their eight-count suit, the Pegrams are seeking an unspecified judgment, punitive and compensatory damages and costs.

Laura A. Cole of Smith, Mendenhall and Selby in Alton will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-305.