Rear-end accident in Fairview Heights leads to suit

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

Shamica T. Smith filed suit July 10 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Sean C. Williams.

According to the complaint, Smith was driving south on North Illinois Street in Fairview Heights on Oct. 29, when she attempted to turn right into a parking lot. Suddenly, the defendant, who was driving behind her, struck the back of her vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Smith suffered severe and permanently disabling and disfiguring injuries to her back, neck and body and sustained great pain and mental anguish, the suit states. She also lost wages and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Smith blames Williams for causing the collision, saying he failed to keep a proper distance between his vehicle and the automobile in front of him, followed Smith’s vehicle too closely, drove too fast and failed to reduce his speed.

Smith is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just. She is being represented by attorney Gregory L. Shevlin of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer and Shevlin in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-542.