Motorcyclist sues over Old Poag Road injuries

A motorcyclist has filed suit against the driver who he claims gave him no warning before striking him.

Richard W. Lallemont claims he was driving his motorcycle on Old Poag Road in Edwardsville on Sept. 13, 2008, when defendant Karen J. Wentz, who attempted to turn left from a private road onto Old Poag Road, struck him.

"That at the aforesaid time and place, the Plaintiff, Richard W. Lallemont, abruptly and forcefully swerved out of Defendant's motor vehicle's pathway to avoid a violent collision with Defendant's vehicle, causing the Plaintiff to fall head-first and crash on said roadway," the suit filed Sept. 3 in Madison County Circuit Court states.

Because of the collision, Lallemont sustained injuries to his head, neck and shoulders; had lacerations and bruises; and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint. In addition, Lallemont suffered pain and a loss of enjoyment of life, the complaint says.

Lallemont blames Wentz for causing the collision, saying she failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to make a safe turn, failed to keep her vehicle under control, failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and failed to sound her horn to avoid a collision.

In his complaint, Lallemont is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Patrick G. King of Brown and Associates in Belleville will be representing him.

<>Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-918.