MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A Marion County man says he was hurt when he was hit by a trailer that had disconnected from its tow vehicle while driving in Hillsboro.

James R. and Malinda Edwards filed a lawsuit March 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Michelle D. Martinez, Budget Truck Rental LLC and Whiteys Cars and Truck Rental.

James Edwards says he was driving a tractor trailer east on Route 16 in March 2011. At the same time, according to the complaint, Martinez was driving with a tow trailer when it came unhooked from her car and crashed into Edwards' truck. Martinez allegedly rented the trailer from Whiteys Cars and Truck Rental, a Budget Truck Rental dealership in Arkansas.

The Edwardses accuse the defendants of negligence for allegedly failing to properly secure the trailer to the tow vehicle and failing to train employees to properly maintain and secure the trailer. They seek a judgment of more than $150,000 in damages for medical bills, loss of income and consortium plus the cost of the lawsuit.

Attorney Christopher B. Daniels of Salem represents the couple. They ask for a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-130