The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Trial date set in Poshard lawsuit

A trial date has been set for next year to decide a civil suit that began with a car accident more than two years ago involving SIU Board of Trustees Chairman Glenn Poshard and an SIUC junior.

Poshard and his wife, Betty Jo, are plaintiffs in the suit against Jacob Hayes, who was found guilty of disregarding a traffic control device in the accident that sent Poshard to the hospital for one night. Poshard, who was a vice chancellor at the University at the time of the accident, said he received months of therapy. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $50,000.

"It is not especially against Hayes, his insurance has just never paid anything toward my medical bills," Poshard said. "His insurance company has refused to pay any of the bills, so we are trying to get them to pay what is clearly its obligation."

Hayes is insured through Country Insurance and Financial Service. Company spokeswoman Melinda Zehr said she could not comment on the case.

Hayes said that while the company is paying his attorney's fees, the lawsuit is weighing heavily on his mind and sometimes he is forced to miss class because of depositions and other court matters.

"I am busy being a college student, trying to get my degree and make something of my life, but I have this shadow over me and I can't hardly concentrate for thinking about it sometimes." Hayes said.

Hayes said that if the Poshards win the case, which is scheduled for a jury trial on Sept. 13, 2005, the insurance will cover up to a certain amount and then he will be held personally responsible for any additional payments.

Poshard's attorney Jay Schafer said Hayes could have to pay anything more than what his insurance policy covers, but that is not likely.

"My entire history of practice, I have never gone out and tried to collect money for something that they did on accident," Schafer said. "How ever much insurance you've got is the extent of your liability."

James Bleyer, Hayes' attorney, said it will be difficult to get a fair trail in the case because Poshard is so well known.

"We are dealing with a very powerful, popular figure, that isn't a mystery," Bleyer said. "How would you like to get a jury?"

 

 

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