Bicyclist claims driver made improper left turn into him

A bicyclist has filed suit against the driver whom he alleges broke his collarbone when she made a left turn and struck his bike.

Bruce Heafner alleges he was riding his bicycle north on North Illinois Street near its intersection with West F Street in Belleville on Dec. 23, 2012, when defendant Ardelle Restoff, who was driving south on the same road, attempted to make a left turn. Heafner had a green light and was riding through the intersection at the same time when Restoff struck his vehicle, according to the complaint filed Aug. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In addition to his broken collarbone, Heafner suffered injuries to his right and left shoulders, head, face and neck and suffered great pain and mental anguish, the suit states. He also lost wages and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Heafner blames Restoff for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to yield at an intersection, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep her vehicle under proper control and drove too fast, according to the complaint.

In his complaint, Heafner seeks a judgment of more than $50,000 plus costs.

Mary Mansfield Brauer of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer and Shevlin in Belleville will represent him.

The case number is St. Clair County Circuit Court case 14-L-604.