Man forced off road and into tree by negligent driver, suit claims

A man claims he sustained serious and permanent injuries after a driver left his lane of traffic, causing the man to crash into a bus sign and a tree.

Ishawn E. Harmon filed a lawsuit May 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Johnnie L. Marchbanks.

Harmon claims he drove west on Bunkum Road near 49th Street in Washington Park on Jan. 13, 2009, when Marchbanks, who drove east on the same road, crossed into the westbound lane, colliding head-on into Harmon's vehicle and causing Harmon to leave the road, strike a bus sign and collide head-on with a tree.

Because of the collision, in addition to his injuries, Harmon has been unable to conduct his normal activities, incurred medical costs and lost money from his usual employment and his future earning capacity, according to the complaint.

Harmon blames Marchbanks for causing the accident, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, drove too fast, failed to keep his vehicle under control and failed to apply his brakes in time to avoid a collision.

In his complaint, Harmon seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

David H. Bone of Kassly, Bone, English and Hillebrand in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-227.