Suit filed over parking lot collision

A motorist is suing two women, alleging negligence in a 2013 parking lot collision.

James Helfrich filed a lawsuit on March 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Ashley Sturniolo and Tracy Sturniolo, citing several counts of negligence in a 2013 collision.

According to the complaint, on March 19, 2013, Helfrich was driving his 2001 Dodge Dakota in the Belleville Crossing parking lot. As he proceeded down a two-way lane, the side of his vehicle was struck by a vehicle operated by Ashley Sturniolo when she put her car into reverse.

The complaint accuses Ashley Sturniolo of negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles and control her own vehicle when she shifted gears.

Helfrich alleges severe injury, permanent pain, mental anguish, disability and disfigurement, loss of ability to tend to everyday duties, lost wages, property damages and medical expenses.

The plaintiff also accused Tracy Sturniolo of negligent entrustment by allowing Ashley Sturniolo to operate the vehicle, arguing she should have known Ashley would drive carelessly.

Helfrich seeks damages in excess of $75,000, plus attorney fees and costs. He is represented by attorney Samantha Unsell of Keefe & Keefe in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 15-L-148.