Former chief judge represents plaintiffs in head-on collision suit

The former chief judge of St. Clair County Circuit Court filed suit on behalf of Paula Kelley and the estate of Carrie Randolph involving a head-on collision on Interstate 55.

Stephen Kernan of Belleville represents the plaintiffs who are each seeking damages in excess of $100,000 and costs.

The case was filed against Rhonda Rinck and her employer Ozburn Hessey Logistics in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 21.

According to the complaint, Kelly was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Randolph. They were traveling southbound on I-55 just north of exit 44 in Macoupin County near Mount Olive.

The plaintiffs claim Rinck, 37, of St. Louis, entered the southbound lanes of I-55 going the wrong direction and causing a head on collision.

The plaintiffs claim Rinck negligently failed to keep her vehicle in the proper lane of travel, failed to keep a proper lookout to avoid a collision and failed to keep her car under control.

According to the complaint, Kelley, 23, of Alton, suffered severe and permanent injuries to her left hand and wrist, left leg, head and body as a whole which caused medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages.

Randolph sustained severe head and chest injuries which resulted in her death causing her next of kin to lose the value of her society, companionship, support and love and affection.

The complaint also states that prior to the accident, Rinck had attended a business meeting with her boss and a client causing them to be responsible for her actions.

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