The owner of a tractor trailer has filed suit against the driver who it claims caused more than $70,000 worth of damages to the trailer in a collision.
Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation alleges one of its drivers was operating a 2004 Freightliner Columbia 120 tractor with a 1999 Trailmobile enclosed trailer north on Interstate 57 near Mason in Effingham County on Jan. 13 when the incident occurred.
"On January 13, 2012, in the northbound lanes of I-57, Defendants' vehicle was negligently driven into the lane of travel occupied by the Gilster tractor trailer, striking the cab of the Gilster tractor, forcing it off the interstate and into the grassy median," the suit states. "As a result of Defedants' negligence and the collision between the vehicles, the Gilster tractor trailer overturned, causing significant damage to Plaintiff."
Defendant Jason Price was driving the 2012 Volvo conventional trailer with 2012 Vanguard trailer for defendant CRST Expedited when he struck the Gilster tractor, according to the complaint filed Feb. 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Because of the collision, Gilster incurred more than $70,000 for repair and towing costs, the complaint says.
Gilster blames Price for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, failed to drive in a single lane, failed to keep an adequate lookout, failed to provide sufficient warning of his intent to change lanes and failed to prevent the collision, among other negligent acts.
In its complaint, Gilster is seeking a judgment of $71,065.57, plus other relief the court deems just.
Ted L. Perryman of Roberts, Perryman in Belleville will be representing it.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-78.
I-57 accident forces tractor trailer into median
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