Damages sought by passenger in three-car accident

A woman says she suffered serious disabling injuries after a car she was a passenger in was involved in a three-car mishap on Sept. 17, 2008.

Joyce D. Ward filed a lawsuit on Sept. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court against Mary D. Williams, Virgil L. Robbins and John R. Peters.

Ward says she was a passenger in a car driven by Robbins that was traveling westbound on Illinois Route 140 near the intersection of Powdermill Road in Alton. She claims Robbins collided with Peters' vehicle at the intersection, which then rear-ended Williams' car.

Ward blames Williams, who was driving a car owned by Gregory Hanson, for allegedly changing lanes illegally and failing to signal. She claims Peters was negligent in not keeping a proper lookout, driving too fast and following too closely. She blames Robbins, the driver of her car, for speeding and following too closely.

Ward says she required hospitalization and sustained serious injuries to her body and limbs. She says she experienced disability and disfigurement. In addition to medical costs, she says she incurred pain, suffering and emotional distress. She claims loss of daily activities.

In her complaint, Ward seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs on all three counts.

Gregory D. Abel of Hausmann-McNally will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-901.