Passenger sues Lenzburg woman claiming injuries in drunk driving accident

A Lenzburg woman says her back was broken because a friend drove drunk and crashed into a guardrail.

Renee Prohaska filed a lawsuit Aug. 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Sandra Grau.

Prohaska claims she was a passenger in a car being driven by Grau near the New Athens Marina in October 2010. As they approached the marina, Grau allegedly lost control of the car and crashed into the guardrail. Prohaska says she was knocked unconscious during the crash and awoke to find her back had been broken in several placces.

Prohaska contends Grau was driving under the influence of alcohol and did not immediately report the crash.

She accuses the defendant of negligence and asks for more than $50,000 in damages for medical bills, loss of earnings and court costs.

Attorney Paul W. Johnson of Belleville is representing Prohaska. They ask for a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-471.