Swansea woman sues over North Illinois accident

A Swansea woman claims she was injured during a collision with a Belleville man.

Deborah Luter-Manning is seeking more than $100,000 from Alex and Laurence Shurtleff after a July 30 collision.

Luter-Manning was driving north on North Illinois Street about 50 feet north of Belle Street in Fairview Heights when Alex Shurtleff, who was driving behind her, collided with her, according to the complaint filed Feb. 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

As a result of the collision, Luter-Manning suffered pain, loss of a normal life and aggravation of a psychological injury and has incurred medical expenses, the suit states.

Alex Shurtleff was negligent by failing to keep a proper lookout for other traffic, by driving too fast and by failing to keep his vehicle properly maintained, Luter-Manning claims.

Laurence Shurtleff, who owned the vehicle, was negligent by failing to keep his vehicle properly maintained, by failing to keep the brakes in operating order and by failing to warn other people the brakes were defective, according to the complaint.

In addition to the $100,000 Luter-Manning is seeking, she is requesting costs of the suit.

Jon E. Rosenstengel of Bonifield and Rosenstengel in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0103.