ESL driver claims injuries after tractor trailer strikes

A man’s vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer, causing him to sustain neck, left shoulder, left arm and back injuries, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

Emziile Wilburn filed suit June 26 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against John Aumend and Jeffrey Magee, doing business as Magee Motor Lines.

According to the complaint, Wilburn was sitting in his 2002 Ford F150 on Missouri Avenue and was waiting to make a left-hand turn onto 26th Street in East St. Louis on Nov. 26, 2012, when Aumend, who was driving a 2004 Freighliner Tractor east on Missouri Avenue, struck his vehicle.

In addition to his injuries, Wilburn suffered disability and disfigurement, endured great physical pain and mental anguish and incurred medical costs due to the collision, according to the complaint. He also lost his ability to enjoy a normal life, the suit states.

Wilburn blames Aumend for causing the collision, saying he failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to stop to avoid a collision, drove without safe brakes and failed to apply his brakes in time to avoid a collision.

Wilburn is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs. He is being represented by Jeffrey A. Kopis of Kopis Law Office in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-525.