Sheriff sues insurance company over wreck

WARREN -- Trumbull County Sheriff Thomas L. Altiere and his wife, Darlene, are suing their automobile insurance company to recover damages from a Jan. 24, 2004, accident.
According to the lawsuit filed in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, Thomas L. Altiere was westbound on East Market Street in the city, and Helene Schwab, no address, was northbound on Chestnut Street when Schwab drove through a red light at the intersection and collided with Altiere's vehicle.
The accident caused injuries to Altiere's neck, back and other parts of his body, requiring medical and hospital care. He has incurred pain and suffering, the suit states, and has been permanently impaired.
He accepted a $25,000 policy limits offer from Schwab's insurance company, American Commerce Insurance, on Jan. 1, but under the terms of the Altiere's own policy, he is entitled to recover underinsured motorist benefits to the extent that he has not been compensated for his damages, the suit said.
Darlene Altiere has been deprived of her husband's services and consortium, the suit states. The Altieres seek $75,000 and costs.