Motorcyclist claims St. Clair County negligent for oily road

A motorcyclist is seeking in excess of $50,000 from St. Clair County for injuries he sustained during a crash on a non-barricaded, recently oiled and chipped county road last year.

Mark Bartel claims the county failed to prevent drivers from operating their vehicles on a portion of Imbs Station Road between Triple Lakes Road and State Route 143 on July 27, 2007, according to a suit filed July 24 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

After he was waved on by "a man with a walkie-talkie, believed to be an employee and/or agent of Defendant," Bartel traveled well past construction vehicles in the road's eastbound lane, he claims.

"Suddenly and without warning, the motorcycle lost traction on the oil placed on the surface of Imbs Station Road by Defendant," the complaint states.

Bartel claims "through no fault of his own" he lost his balance and violently crashed. He fractured his right arm, the suit claims.

"Plaintiff has been unable to sleep at night due to the discomfort he experiences and the inability to place himself in a position comfortable for sleeping," the complaint states.

Bartel claims he has incurred medical expenses, has lost his ability to enjoy life, lost wages and suffered great mental anguish and pain of mind and body.

He is represented by James E. Parrot of St. Louis.