Chouteau Township accident subject of suit

Jason L. Clayton has filed a suit against Joel C. Holtz, alleging he was injured after a rear-end collision.

Clayton was driving west on Illinois Route 270 in Chouteau Township on Nov. 15, 2007, when Holtz, who was also driving west behind Clayton, struck his vehicle in the rear, according to the complaint filed Nov. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the accident, Clayton sustained bodily injuries, disability and disfigurement, physical pain and mental anguish, the suit states.

Clayton claims he also lost past and future earnings and incurred medical costs.

Holtz was negligent because he failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to reduce his speed to avoid an accident, followed Clayton's vehicle too closely, drove too fast for the circumstances, failed to stop in a safe and timely manner, failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle and searched for his cell phone on the floor while driving, according to the complaint.

Clayton is seeking $50,000, plus costs.

Stephen C. Buser of the Law Office of Stephen C. Buser in Columbia will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-1137.