Woman sues over Wood River rear-end accident

A woman has filed suit against the allegedly intoxicated driver who she claims rear-ended her vehicle.

Antonietta Bartholomew claims she was driving a 2004 Ford Taurus east on Illinois Route 143 near its intersection with Fifth Street in Wood River on Nov. 17 when defendant Jeremiah N. Palmer, who was driving a 2006 Infiniti in the same direction, rear-ended her vehicle, forcing her to strike a utility pole.

Because of the collision, Bartholomew suffered neck, back and shoulder injuries; suffered pain and mental anguish; and sustained disability, according to the complaint filed Dec. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court. She also lost her normal life and incurred medical costs and property damages, the suit states.

Bartholomew blames Palmer for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove under the influence of alcohol, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop in time to avoid a collision, failed to give a proper signal to warn of the impending collision, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and drove without safe brakes.

In her complaint, Bartholomew is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-2094.