Family blames driver for collision, damages

BUCKHANNON – An Upshur County couple is suing an unauthorized driver for an accident that occurred in February of last year.

Plaintiffs Penny and Brian Parcell, also suing on behalf of their minor daughter Cara, claim defendant Mark Wright turned his vehicle into the plaintiff's vehicle, causing a collision. Wright was cited for a "failure to yield."

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege they were driving west on Route 151 when the vehicle controlled by the defendant, which was traveling eastward, turned directly into the plaintiff's 1991 Chevrolet Lumina.

The suit asserts that Wright "negligently, carelessly and recklessly made a left hand turn" directly into the path of the plaintiff's vehicle. In the resulting crash, two of the plaintiffs, Penny Parnell and her daughter Cara Parnell, were thrown about within the vehicle.

The plaintiffs note that at the time of the crash, defendant Mark Wright was driving under a revoked license due to a previous DUI conviction.

Penny Parnell allegedly suffered a broken left foot, lumbar sprain, and cervical strain. It is also claimed her daughter Cara Parnell broke her left leg, causing chronic leg pain and scarring. She also suffered from lumbar sprain, cervical strain, and a laceration to her left temple.

The complaint goes on to say that both were forced to undergo various medical procedures, costing the plaintiffs over approximately $16,000.

Plaintiff Brian Parnell came upon the accident following his wife and daughter, and as part of the suit, claims "a loss of consortium and enjoyment of life."

The filing demands an unspecified amount that is "fair and equitable" of which serves to provide restitution for injuries as well as punitive damages.

The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Thomas H. Keadle.

Upshur County Circuit Court case number: 06-C-13