MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A Missouri man has filed suit against an Illinois corporation and one of its employees, alleging his back was severely injured after a collision.

Charles Misko was involved in an accident with Frederick Lang, who was an employee of Midwest Intermodal Services, on March 19, 2007 on Interstate 70 near its intersection with Springdale Avenue in Berkeley, Mo., according to the complaint filed Sept. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Misko was driving in the left, westbound lane when his vehicle was struck by the tractor-trailer Lang was driving as he was attempting to switch into Misko's lane, the suit states.

Misko claims his back was permanently injured and he partially lost its use, movement and function.

He has suffered from fear, stress, anxiety, humiliation, frustration, embarrassment and depression from the accident, according to the complaint.

Misko has also incurred substantial medical costs and has lost his ability to work and enjoy his life, the suit states.

He claims his vehicle was also damaged in the accident, leading to a diminution in its value.

Lang was negligent because he operated his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield the right-of-way, made an improper lane change and should have stopped before colliding with Misko, according to the complaint.

Midwest was negligent because it hired Lang when it should have known he was not qualified to safely operate tractor-trailers, the suit states.

In the four-count suit, Misko is seeking a judgment in excess of $200,000, plus any relief the court deems proper.

He is represented by Greg J. Erickson of Fox Galvin in St. Louis and Thomas Q. Keefe of Swansea.