Woman claims injuries from accident with tractor trailer

A Wisconsin woman is alleging serious injuries after being involved in an accident with a tractor trailer nearly two years ago on Interstate 55/70.

Kathleen E. Zaegel was driving her 2006 Nissan Altima west on I-55/70, about 30 feet west of MP2 in the Canteen Township, when she was struck by the 2004 Columbia 120 Freightliner Rodney K. Hayes was driving for his work at J.B. Hunt Transport, according to a complaint filed Dec. 31 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

"Rodney K. Hayes, negligently operated his tractor trailer so that as a direct and proximate result thereof, caused the tractor trailer he was operating to collide into the vehicle of the Plaintiff, Kathleen Zaegel, when he merged into the right lane from the far left lane," the suit states.

Because of the accident, which occurred Feb. 2, 2007, Zaegel suffered great pain and anguish, incurred medical costs, lost wages and her future earning capacity has been damaged, she claims.

Hayes, of Missouri, was negligent by failing to keep a proper lookout, by failing to keep his tractor trailer under proper control, by failing to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, by failing to see Zaegel while he was driving and by driving in the improper lane, according to the complaint.

J.B. Hunt Transport was negligent through Hayes, the complaint said.

In the two-count suit, Zaegel is seeking a judgment in excess of $100,000, plus costs.

Ronald J. Foster Jr. of The Rex Carr Law Firm in East St. Louis will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-666.