Unsafe lane change caused accident, suit claims

Wanda J. Nold has filed suit against Jay Dean Kolker, alleging she was injured after he hit her while trying to change lanes.

Nold was driving south in the right-hand lane on Route 159 in Swansea on June 4 when Kolker, who was driving south in the left-hand lane, attempted to merge into the right lane, according to the complaint filed Feb. 12 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

While changing lanes, Kolker collided with Nold, the suit states.

Because of the accident, Nold suffered foot, back, neck and shoulder injuries, was hindered and prevented from attending to her usual duties and affairs and has incurred substantial medical costs, she claims.

Kolker was negligent by attempting to move his automobile from the left lane to the right lane when it was not safe to do so, by failing to provide a signal or warning that he was going to switch lanes and by failing to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles on the road, according to the complaint.

He also negligently failed to keep his automobile under proper control, failed to see Nold's vehicle and switched lanes without determining if it was safe to do so, the suit states.

Nold is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus other relief to which she is entitled.

She is represented by Robert J. Sprague of Sprague and Urban in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0075.