Route 40 accident subject of suit

A man and his wife have filed suit against the driver who they claim crossed into the man's lane and struck his vehicle.

Donald E. Roach claims he was driving a 1998 Chevrolet west on U.S. Route 40 near its intersection with Fourth Street on July 15, 2008, when defendant Ashley D. Donnelly, who was driving a 1996 Honda Accord east on U.S. Route 40, turned her vehicle and crossed into Roach's lane in front of oncoming traffic, causing a collision.

Because of the accident, Donald Roach suffered severe and permanent injuries to his body, sustained severe physical pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs, suffered an impaired earning capacity and was hindered from attending to his usual affairs, according to the complaint filed June 25 in Madison County Circuit Court.

In addition, Mylene Roach claims she suffered from an interruption of her marital relationship and household duties normally performed by her husband.

Donnelly negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner that she struck the Roaches' vehicle, failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision, failed to apply her brakes to prevent an accident and drove too fast, the suit states.

In their two-count suit, the Roaches are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000.

Jack Davis of Davis Law Offices in Springfield will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-670.