U-turn caused accident in Edwardsville, suit claims

A man has filed suit against the driver who he says made a U-turn, causing him to strike the driver.

David Lay claims he was driving a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan east on W. Gateway Commerce Center Drive in Edwardsville on May 14, 2009, at 5:12 p.m. when defendant John H. Norman, who was driving a 1997 New Flyer west on the same road for defendant Agency for Community Transit, attempted a U-turn into the eastbound lane, causing Lay to strike him.

Because of the accident, Lay became sick, sore, lame and disordered; suffered great pain and anguish; suffered injuries to his chest, neck, head, shoulders, arms, knees, wrists and elbows; incurred medical costs; and sustained internal derangement of the injured members of his body, according to the complaint. In addition, he has been prevented from attending to his usual daily activities, the suit states.

Norman negligently failed to keep his vehicle under control, failed to see Lay's vehicle, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to yield the right-of-way and made a U-turn when it was not safe to do so, the complaint says.

In his two-count suit, Lay is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Richard G. Reed of Reed and Bruhn in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-320.