North Belt West accident blamed in suit

A St. Clair County resident has filed suit against an East St. Louis woman, alleging her neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, back and left leg were injured after an accident.

Deniece Smith was driving west on North Belt West on July 6, 2006, when Karen S. Pendl, who was also driving west on the same road, collided with Smith's vehicle, according to the complaint filed Dec. 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In addition to her injuries, Smith incurred medical expenses and other damages in excess of $25,000, the suit states.

Smith claims Pendl was negligent because she drove too fast for the circumstances, failed to exercise the highest degree of care to keep a lookout, failed to warn of her approach, failed to yield the right of way and drove into the back of Smith's vehicle.

Smith is seeking a sum of no more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

She is represented by Steven M. Aroesty of Brown and Crouppen in St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-620.