Allegedly intoxicated driver causes accident, suit says

A man claims he lost wages and his earning capacity after an allegedly intoxicated driver drove into oncoming traffic, causing his vehicle to flip several times.

Paul Verson Jr., his wife, Patty Verson, and his children, Nicole and Corey Verson, filed a lawsuit May 11 in Madison County Circuit Court against Mary Pinkerton and J.W. Dunn.

The Versons allege Paul Verson Jr. drove west on Johnson Road in Granite City on Aug. 22 at 10:15 p.m. when Pinkerton drove into oncoming traffic and collided with Paul Verson Jr.'s vehicle, causing it to flip several times before it landed upside down in the front yard of 1924 Johnson Road.

Following the collision, Granite City Police Lt. Craig Knight gave Pinkerton a breathalyzer test, according to the complaint. Pinkerton failed the test, registering a Blood Alcohol Consumption level of .180 -- more than twice the legal limit, the suit states.

Because of the collision, Paul Verson Jr. sustained serious and permanent injuries, lost wages and his earning capacity and incurred medical bills, the complaint says.

Paul Verson's wife and children say they lost their husband's and father's support and services because of the accident.

Paul Verson Jr. blames Pinkerton for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control and failed to give time and attention to the operation of her vehicle. In addition, Pinkerton negligently drove in a reckless manner, failed to take evasive action to avoid a collision, drove across lanes of traffic and endangered the lives of others, according to the complaint.

In addition to Pinkerton, the Versons name J.W. Dunn also known as Eddie's Neighborhood Bar and Grill as a defendant, saying it caused Pinkerton to become intoxicated.

In their three-count complaint, the Versons seek compensatory damages of more than $45,000.

Christopher P. Threlkeld of Lucco, Brown, Threlkeld and Dawson in Edwardsville will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-453.