Suit claims driver and his employer are to blame for rear-end crash

A Madison County woman is suing a driver and his employer for injuries she allegedly suffered in a 2008 rear-end crash.

Michele R. Ahlin filed suit against David H. Shaw and his employer, Trendworx Inc., Sept. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Ahlin claims she was driving a Chevy Silverado on Humbert Road in September 2008 when she was rear-ended by Shaw, who was driving a Ford F-150. Ahlin says she was stopped at the intersection of Humbert and Alby Street in Godfrey when the crash happened.

Ahlin argues Shaw was negligent for failing to maintain control over his vehicle, driving too fast, failing to slow down or stop to avoid colliding with Ahlin's truck and for operating his F-150 in a reckless manner. She says she suffered severe and permanent injuries as a result of the crash.

Ahlin is asking Shaw pay more than $50,000 in damages to compensate her for severe and permanent injuries, medical expenses, lost time, lost income, pain and anguish.

According to the complaint, Shaw was driving for Trendworx at the time of the crash. Ahlin says the company is also liable for Shaw's negligence and is asking for more than $50,000 in damages from Trendworx.

Attorney Doug Mendenhall of Smith, Mendenhall, Selby & Cole in Alton is representing Ahlin.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-947