Intoxicated driver caused Route 140 accident, suit claims

A woman has filed suit against the allegedly intoxicated driver who she claims struck her vehicle after failing to obey a red traffic light signal.

Dorothy J. Shaw claims she was driving north on Fosterburg Road near its intersection with Illinois Route 140 in Macoupin on Jan. 26, 2011, when defendant Lucas V. McNese disobeyed a traffic signal and struck her vehicle.

Because of the collision, Shaw suffered pain, discomfort and mental anguish and lost her normal life, according to the complaint filed Aug. 22 in Madison County Circuit Court. In addition, she lost wages, incurred medical costs and was restricted from her usual duties and affairs, the suit states.

McNese negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to drive at a safe speed, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to obey a traffic signal and drove in a "state of advanced inebriation," the complaint says.

In her complaint, Shaw is seeking a judgment of no more than $50,000 and no less than $15,000, plus costs.

She will be represented by S. Russell Meyer and Amy M. Meyer of Meyer Law Firm in Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-828.