Alum Creek man left wreck scene to get to methodone clinic, suit says

CHARLESTON - A Logan County man has filed a suit against a man who wrecked into his car, then left the scene because he was trying to get to a methadone clinic.

Richard T. Helton filed the suit Nov. 30 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Chad Harrison of Alum Creek.

According to the suit, Harrison was driving behind Helton on Greenbrier Street when Helton stopped at a red light. Harrison failed to stop and hit Helton, damaging both vehicles.

Harrison's 2000 Pontiac Grand Am was damaged with the hood obscuring his vision. However, the suit says he attempted to flee by driving with his head out the driver's side window of his car.

"A disinterested witness in another vehicle saw the accident and saw Harrison fleeing the scene, gave chase, and was able to force Harrison to pull off on the side of the road," the suit says. "Harrison explained he was not fleeing, but was in a hurry to get to the methadone clinic."

According to the suit, Harrison was under the influence of drugs and prescription medications at the time of the accident.

Barry and Sandra Harrison are also named as defendants in the suit and were allegedly negligent, under the family purpose doctrine, the suit says.

Helton seeks damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of income, convalescent care costs and related expenses and other damages.

Attorney Todd A. Mount is representing Helton. The case has been assigned to Judge Tod Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-2567