A jury trial for a passenger’s auto accident suit began Monday in Madison County Circuit Judge David Dugan’s courtroom.
Plaintiff Gloria Teague, of Alton, is represented by Timothy Chartrand of Williamson Webster Falb & Glisson in Alton.
Defendant Suzanne Crancer, of Godfrey, is represented by Marcus Raymond of Maryland Heights, Mo.
Defendant Theresa Harrison, of Alton, is represented by Roger Wilson of St. Louis.
Teague filed her complaint on Aug. 31, 2015, against Crancer and Harrison. She argues that Harrison was driving a 2006 Buick Lucerne CX southbound on Henry Street in Alton while Teague was riding along as a passenger. At the same time, Crancer was driving a 2014 Ford Escape on US-67 and approaching the intersection with Henry Street.
Crancer allegedly drove her vehicle into the intersection, running a red light, while Harrison was also crossing the intersection. The two vehicles collided.
Teague alleges the defendants failed to obey a traffic signal, failed to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failed to warn each other of the imminent accident, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to decrease speed and failed to yield the right of way.
As a result, Teague alleges she suffered injuries to her arm, shoulder, hip, knee and strain to her C-spine.
Harrison answered the complaint on Dec. 7, 2015, denying liability in the accident.
In her affirmative defenses, Harrison argues that the accident was a direct and proximate result of Crancer’s negligence.
Crancer answered the complaint on Sept. 16, 2015, denying liability.
In her affirmative defenses, Crancer argues that Harrison’s negligence caused or contributed to the plaintiff’s injuries. She alleges Harrison failed to obey a traffic control device or signal, failed to reduce speed in order to avoid an accident, failed to warn the plaintiff of an imminent accident, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to decrease speed when approaching the intersection and failed to yield the right of way to Crancer.
Harrison filed a counterclaim against Crancer on Dec. 17, 2015.
She argues that Crancer failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep her vehicle under proper control, failed to obey a lawful traffic signal, failed to yield the right of way and failed to avoid a collision.
If Harrison is found liable, she argues that she is entitled to contribution from Crancer.
Teague filed a motion to transfer the case to the arbitration docket on May 3 through attorney Michael Glisson. In his affidavit, Glisson stated that at this time, the total damages sought do not exceed $50,000.
Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian granted the motion to transfer on May 13.
On Aug. 25, the arbitrators entered an award in favor of Teague and against Crancer for $22,500. However, the arbitrators found in favor of Harrison on both Teague’s complaint and Crancer’s counterclaim for contribution. They assessed 100 percent fault to Crancer in the incident.
On Sept. 20, Crancer rejected the arbitration award and requested a jury trial.
On Nov. 18, the case was transferred to the law docket for trial.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-1118