Passenger claims driver got distracted, crashed into guardrail

A Madison County man claims he sustained temporary and permanent injuries after a driver crashed into a guardrail.

Austin Popek filed a lawsuit May 11 in Madison County Circuit Court against Cody Coughlin.
Popek claims he rode in a 1997 Dodge Intrepid Coughlin drove west on Illinois 143 on Jan. 17, 2010, when Coughlin got distracted and crossed the boundaries of the lane, striking a guardrail.

In addition to his injuries, Coughlin incurred medical costs and became prevented from attending to his usual duties because of the accident, according to the complaint.

Popek blames Couglin for causing the collision, saying he failed to drive in a straight line, failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, failed to exercise proper control over his vehicle and failed to brake.

Popek seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Lanny Darr of Schrempf, Kelly, Napp and Darr in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-451.