Columbia Mutual sued over alleged refusal to pay uninsured motorist claim

A Madison County man says his auto insurance carrier refused to pay a claim after he was hurt in a crash.

Gregory Carnduff filed a lawsuit Nov. 14 against Columbia Mutual Insurance Company in Madison County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Carnduff was driving his 2003 Dodge in December 2010 when a hit-and-run driver crashed into him. At the time of the crash, Carnduff says he had an auto insurance policy with Columbia Mutual that included uninsured motorist benefits.

Carnduff claims he asked, through his attorney, for arbitration of the uninsured motorist claim but Columbia Mutual allegedly refused to participate.

Carnduff accuses the insurance company of breach of contract and asks for more than $100,000 in damages, including court costs.

Carnduff also asks the court to require Columbia Mutual to submit to arbitration to settle the insurance claim.

Attorney Samuel A. Mormino Jr., of Alton, represents Carnduff.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-1853