An insurance company has filed suit against the driver that it claims struck the vehicle of one of its customers at a red light.
State Farm Fire and Casualty alleges it had issued an insurance policy to William Showers. On June 2, 2010, while the policy was in effect, Showers stopped at a red light at the intersection of Illinois Highway 157 and Interstate 64, according to the complaint filed June 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Suddenly, defendant Michael J. McDaniels, who was driving in the same direction, failed to stop and struck the back of Showers's vehicle, the suit states.
Because of the collision, State Farm was forced to pay Showers $324.61 for vehicle repair costs, plus $34,654 for uninsured motorist benefits and $2,000 for medical costs, the complaint says.
State Farm blames McDaniels for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to properly control his vehicle, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and failed to stop when danger was imminent, among other negligent actions.
It also names Chasity Malone as a defendant, saying she negligently lent her vehicle to a careless, reckless or incompetent driver.
In its complaint, State Farm seeks a reimbursement of the money it paid to Showers, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
It will be represented by Dennis A. Brebner.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-300.