AUBURN – A Wales woman claims a poorly maintained railroad crossing caused the motorcycle accident that left her with a permanent brain injury.

Cynthia McDonald and her husband have filed a lawsuit in Androscoggin County Superior Court in connection with the July 2003 accident in Masardis.

The suit accuses Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, the Maine Department of Transportation, Aroostook County and the town of Masardis of failing to repair the railroad crossing and failing to notify motorists of the possible hazard.

The couple was crossing the railroad on Route 11 on their motorcycles when Cynthia McDonald crashed. Her husband, Richard, witnessed the accident.

They are seeking damages for their emotional pain and suffering, their medical bills and and Cynthia McDonald’s lost wages.

None of the defendants has filed responses in court.