Driver and company sued over woman's injuries in rear-end collision

Marcella Herzog has filed suit against Oates Associates and one of its employees, alleging her neck, shoulder and low back were injured after he rear-ended her.

Herzog was driving north on South State Street at its intersection with East Emily Street in Freeburg on Nov. 24 when Bruce Schopp, the Oates Associates' employee who was also driving north on the same street, struck her vehicle in the rear, according to the complaint filed Dec. 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In addition to her injuries, Herzog claims she was made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled and incurred medical costs because of the accident.

She also suffered disability, experienced pain and suffering and lost money from a loss of wages, the suit states.

Schopp and Oates Associates through him were negligent by failing to keep a proper look out, by driving in a way so that it struck the rear of Herzog's car, by failing to brake, by driving too fast and by following Herzog's vehicle too closely, according to the complaint.

In the two-count suit, Herzog is seeking a judgment in excess of $100,00, plus costs.

Thomas C. Rich and Jennifer L. Barbieri of Fairview Heights will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-662.