Nine named in car accident suit

CHARLES TOWN - A lawsuit in Jefferson Circuit Court over a car accident that left a flagman dead names nine defendants.

David and Mary Snyder filed the lawsuit July 18 as personal representatives of the Estate of Michael Snyder.

The nine defendants are: Huntfield, L.C.; Ryan Incorporated Central; CHS Traffic Control Services; V.I.P. Limousine Service; Glen Lee doing business as V.I.P. Limousine; Sharon Wilson; Heather Strachan; Lee James Crawford; and Corporation of Charles Town.

On July 19, 2004, the lawsuit says Michael Snyder was directing traffic as a flagman on Augustine Ave. in Charles Town in connection with a construction project to wide the roadway in front of Huntfield subdivision.

It adds that Crawford was driving a Pontiac Sunfire for V.I.P. Limousine when "Defendant Crawford struck Michael C. Snyder with the Pontiac Sunfire, causing him fear, severe injuries, pain and suffering and killing him."

Ignored were three signs, one with a flagman silhouette on it, and a number of orange barrels on the edge of the road, the complaint says.

Against Huntfield, the Snyders claim it had a duty to provide for the safety of contractors on its widening project.

Against Ryan Incorporated Central, they claim it had a duty to ensure safety rules and regulations were followed for its subcontractors.

Against CHS Traffic Control Services, they claim it had a duty to provide for the safety of its employee, Michael Snyder.

Against Crawford, a driver for V.I.P., they claim he was negligent and reckless while driving.

Against V.I.P. Limousine, they claim it is liable for Crawford's negligence.

Against Wilson, Strachan and Crawford, the three enterprisers behind V.I.P., they claim they are liable for the negligence of one of their members.

Against Charles Town, they claim it was unable to produce documents and agreements related to the incident in violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

They will be seeking compensatory and punitive damages and court costs.

Samuel Byrer of Nichols and Skinner will be representing the Snyders.

Jefferson Circuit Court case number 06-C-243