Head-on collision in Wood River subject of lawsuit

A man has filed suit against the driver who he claims struck his vehicle head-on.

David German claims he was driving north on Wesley Drive in Wood River on Aug. 22 when he encountered defendant Dorothy Sheppard's vehicle, which was heading south on the same road.

"That plaintiff saw defendant's vehicle approaching him directly, driving south in the northbound lane," the suit filed Sept. 16 in Madison County Circuit Court. "That plaintiff stopped his vehicle before defendant's vehicle impacted his vehicle but had no time to take any other action to avoid the impact."

Because of the collision, German sustained bodily injuries, incurred medical costs, experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, according to the complaint.

Sheppard negligently failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, improperly used the state highway, failed to yield the right-of-way and improperly drove south in the northbound lane, the complaint says.

In his two-count complaint, German is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Shari L. Murphy of The Law Offices of Shari L. Murphy in Wood River will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-938.