Bridge crash spawns lawsuit

SANDPOINT — A negligence suit has been filed against a motorist accused of causing a head-on crash on the Long Bridge two years ago.

Lance Bruce of Sagle is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $10,000 against Bert Thomas Maurer, a Bonner County man who allegedly drove left of center and crashed into Bruce’s pickup truck, causing it to overturn.

The crash happened at the north end of the bridge on July 5, 2007.

Maurer was driving southbound on U.S. Highway 95 in a 1991 Geo Metro when he crashed into Bruce’s northbound 2004 Dodge Ram, according to Idaho State Police Trooper Cpl. Terry Ford.

Maurer, 26, was charged with reckless driving, although it was later reduced to inattentive driving, court documents show.

Maurer pleaded guilty to the amended charge and was given a suspended sentence of 30 days in jail and ordered to complete 24 hours of community service.

Bruce, 36, and Maurer were both admitted to Bonner General Hospital following the crash. Bruce’s attorneys allege their client was seriously injured and the suit seeks compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and other damages.

The suit was filed in 1st District Court on May 28.