Wood River accident causes injuries, suit claims

A woman claims she sustained severe injuries to her neck, back, spine, head and face after a driver rear-ended her vehicle.

Diane Clay filed a lawsuit Dec. 28 in Madison County Circuit Court against William D. Leady and Vithai Patel.

In her complaint, Clay alleges she drove a 1999 Mercury Cougar west on East Edwardsville Road in Wood River on Jan. 12, 2010, when she stopped for traffic. Suddenly, Leady, who was driving a 1999 Ford west on the same road, failed to stop and struck her vehicle, according to the complaint. At the time of the collision, Leady was working for Patel.

In addition to her injuries, Clay experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical costs and lost wages, the suit states. She also sustained an impaired earning capacity and lost her enjoyment of life, the complaint says.

Clay blames Leady for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to properly apply his brakes and failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision.

In her two-count complaint, Clay is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Michael K. Nowak of Becker, Paulson, Hoerner and Thompson in Belleville will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-1439.