The parents of a University of Iowa student who was struck and killed by a motorist last September as she crossed Burlington Street are suing the driver.

Robert and Janet Skolnick of Woodstock, Ill., are suing Thomas Eldridge of West Des Moines for damages to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering caused by the loss of their daughter, Amanda Skolnick.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Johnson County District Court, alleges negligence and asks for more than $20,000 in punitive and exemplary damages to punish Eldridge and "to serve as an example to others."

The Skolnicks and their attorney, Mark Spellman of Perry, did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Eldridge, 21, could not be reached for comment Wednesday; he was not listed in the local phone directory or the one in West Des Moines.

Eldridge was arrested for vehicular homicide July 8 and was formerly charged July 9. Iowa City Police Sgt. Brian Krei said the Kirkwood Community College student turned himself in for hitting Skolnick, 20, with his Ford Explorer while turning left onto Burlington Street from southbound Linn Street. The accident occurred at 10:22 a.m. Sept. 4, 2003, as Skolnick, a UI junior, was on her way to work at Atlas World Grill, 127 Iowa Ave.

According to police reports, Eldridge was going between 12 mph and 14 mph when he his vehicle struck Skolnick in the crosswalk. Because Eldridge allegedly did not immediately use his brakes, Skolnick was dragged 30 feet.

She died later at University Hospitals from head injuries. Officials said Eldridge admitted to smoking marijuana within 12 hours before the collision, and a urine analysis showed 63 ng/ml concentration of THC - a marijuana metabolite - in his system.

Vehicular homicide is a class B felony and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison upon conviction.

Attorney Steve Swift of Cedar Rapids is defending Eldridge in the criminal case and said that proceedings still are in the early stages. He declined comment about the Skolnicks' civil suit, adding that Eldridge will likely use different legal representation for the case.

According to the suit, the Skolnick's are seeking damages in addition to the actual and compensatory damages that include hospital costs, funeral arrangements, and the loss of "aid, services, support, affection, companionship, and society of Amanda Skolnick, which losses will continue into the future."