Passenger files suit after driver allegedly runs red light, causes collision

A woman alleges she sustained injuries in a 2011 accident after a driver struck the vehicle in which she was riding.

Tamara Long filed a lawsuit Dec. 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Pratt Texier.

In her complaint, Long says she was riding in the front seat of a vehicle her stepfather, Shawn Corrill, was driving on April 27, 2011. As Corrill was driving through an intersection in St. Clair County, Texier ignored a red light, struck three different vehicles, then smashed into Corrill's vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Long suffered serious painful and permanent injuries, experienced physical pain and mental anguish and endured severe emotional distress, the suit states. She also lost her capacity to enjoy life, incurred medical costs, was prevented from engaging in her normal activities and was injured, the complaint says.

At the time of the collision, Long was 16. Because she was a minor, she is able to file a lawsuit after the two-year statute of limitations has expired, she alleges.

Long blames Texier for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to observe due care, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to exercise reasonable care and failed to obey traffic control lights.

Long seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Attorney Stephen J. Maassen, of Hoagland, Fitzgerald and Pranaitis in Alton, will represent Long.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-811.