St. Louis accident is subject of Madison County suit

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

Shiara Ellington filed March 10 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Michael Hutchins.

According to the complaint, Ellington was driving on Ninth Street in St. Louis on Dec. 5, 2012, when the defendant, who was driving on the same road, crashed into the back of her vehicle.

Because of the collision, Ellington suffered neck, back and spine injuries, endured disability and disfigurement and suffered great pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint. She also lost earnings, incurred medical costs and suffered a seriously diminished earning capacity, the suit states.

Hutchins negligently drove while distracted, followed Ellington’s vehicle too closely, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to properly apply his brakes, failed to decrease his speed to avoid a collision, drove in such a manner as to strike the back of Ellington’s vehicle and failed to stop before rear-ending her vehicle, the complaint says.

Ellington is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems appropriate. She is being represented by Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt and Tobin in East Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-386.