Route 203 accident causes injuries, man claims in suit

A man who was involved in an accident on Highway 203 is suing the man who hit him, saying he suffered severe injuries after the collision.

Robert E. Wente Jr. filed suit against Jacob A. West on March 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Wente was driving a 2004 Chrysler Town and Country north in the left lane of Highway 203 near its intersection with Benning Street in Nameoki Township on Nov. 26 when West, who was driving a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville north in the same lane as Wente, rear-ended him, according to the complaint.

In addition to the injuries Wente sustained during the collision, he experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical expenses, lost wages and suffered a diminished earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of a normal life and disability, the suit states.

West was at fault because he failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under control, drove too fast and failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, Wente says.

Wente is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Eric J. Carlson of Carlson and Carlson in Edwardsville is representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-310.