Black Lane collision subject of St. Clair County suit

A Collinsville woman has filed suit against a Troy man, alleging she was severely injured after a collision.

Helen Hendricks was driving north on Black Lane and was stopped at a traffic control device on Dec. 2, 2006, according to the complaint filed Nov. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

At the same time, Stephen Kueker was driving east on Collinsville Road, the suit states.

The traffic control device where Hendricks had stopped was not working, thus making the intersection a four-way stop, the suit states.

"After waiting her turn, plaintiff proceeded into the intersection," the suit states. "Defendant did not stop or slow his vehicle prior to the intersection and struck the plaintiff in the driver's side of the vehicle."

Because of the collision, Hendricks was injured and suffered severe pain, a loss of enjoyment of life and disability, she claims.

Kueker was negligent because he failed to obey a traffic control device, failed to reduce his speed to avoid an accident, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to exercise reasonable care, according to the complaint.

Hendricks is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000.

Jarrod P. Beasley of The Kuehn Law Firm in Belleville will be representing her.