Car accident trial postponed due to defendant's military service

The trial of a suit stemming from a 2006 car accident near Fort Russell Township has been postponed.

The defendant in the case, Ryan Fritsch, serves in the U.S. Navy and was assigned in 2008 to a Florida base. He asked in July of that year to stay the Madison County court's actions.

Fritsch is being sued by Donna Crain who alleges that he hit her car in March 2006 when he made a left turn without paying attention.

The trial had been set to begin at 9 a.m. April 12.

According to her complaint, Crain was driving east on Illinois Route 140 near its intersection with Illinois Route 159 near Fort Russell Township.

Fritsch was driving west on 140.

The pair came to an intersection.

Crain alleges that she had the green light to go but that Fritsch made a left turn without looking and hit her car. Crain claims she injured her head, neck, spine and extremities.

Her suit seeks unspecified damages.

Crain is represented by Timothy Wiltsie of Belleville.

Fritsch is represented by Bradley Hantla of Litchfield.

Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla presides.

The case is Madison case number 08-L-188.