EDWARDSVILLE — A motorcycle rider is suing a helmet manufacturer and cycle shop for allegedly failing to distribute helmets that comply with the industry standards.
Joseph Richards filed a complaint on Aug. 17 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Daytona Helmets Inc., Lee Ann Nicole Wiley and Freaky Nicky's Custom Cycle Shop, alleging negligence and strict liability.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Sept. 24, 2017, he was involved in a motorcycle crash on Broadway in Alton while wearing a helmet purchased from the defendants. he claims the helmet was defective and failed to sustain reasonable and expected forces. He also alleges the defendants failed to label the helmet as not suitable for highway use.
As a result of the defective helmet, Richards claims he suffered a serious and profound brain injury and has become disabled and will continue to be throughout the remainder of his life.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in his favor in an amount greater than $50,000, plus costs. He is represented by Lanny Darr of Darr Law Offices Ltd. in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 18-L-1071