Passenger sues driver after slamming into pole in middle of parking lot

A woman claims she sustained multiple injuries after a driver allegedly left the road and slammed into a pole in the middle of a parking lot.

Carmen Sutton filed a lawsuit Aug. 22 in Madison County Circuit Court against Thomas M. Hutchinson.

In her complaint, Sutton alleges she rode in a vehicle Hutchinson drove on Nameoki Road in Granite City on Sept. 19, 2009, when Hutchinson suddenly veered the automobile off the road and struck a pole in a parking lot.

Because of the accident, Sutton sustained severe and permanent injuries to her head, face, neck, back, abdomen, hips and legs and has incurred medical costs, according to the complaint. In addition, she has experienced a diminished ability to enjoy life, the suit states.

Sutton blames Hutchinson for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove in an imprudent manner, failed to keep his vehicle under control, left the road and drove too fast.

In her complaint, Sutton seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

James E. Parrot of St. Louis will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-827.