Iowa student struck by Cambus suing university, driver

A University of Iowa student who was struck by a Cambus on campus in September 2011 has filed a lawsuit against the driver and the University, according to records from the Johnson County Courthouse.

The suit, filed March 28, says Rebecca Segriff, 20, was using a crosswalk in the eastbound lanes of Madison Street, near the Washington Street intersection, when a Cambus driven by Peter Leahy allegedly struck her, according to court documents.

In September, The Gazette reported that the female student was hit at approximately 10:09 a.m. near the Main Library and was conscious when first responders arrived on scene, though the impact cracked the windshield of the bus, and the woman wound up underneath the vehicle. She was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

At the time of the accident, Cambus Manager Brian McClatchey said all drivers are trained about what to do in the case of an accident, and the driver did what he was supposed to do by contacting dispatch with his radio and stopping the bus to see if anyone needed assistance.

The suit alleges Leahy failed to keep proper lookout, keep his motor vehicle under proper control or yield to the right of way of Segriff as a pedestrian, and that he operated the bus at a speed higher than what was reasonable and failed to sound his horn or warn Segriff he was approaching.

In the suit, Segriff, who is being represented by Chicago attorney Stephen Smalling, is seeking compensation for physical, emotional and mental pain and suffering from the date of the accident to present, which includes costs for previous and future medical services, loss of full function of her body and disfigurement. No specific amount of compensation being sought was included in the lawsuit.

At the time of the accident, McClatchey said Cambus accidents involving pedestrians happen less than once a year.