MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A couple involved in a Williamson County accident have filed suit in Madison County over injuries they allegedly sustained.

David and Janet Knebel were passengers in a vehicle that was stopped in traffic for road work in the westbound lane of Illinois State Route 13 in Williamson County on April 4, 2007, the complaint filed March 25 says.

At the same time, Kayla Hoffman was driving west on Illinois State Route 13 directly behind the vehicle in which the Knebels were riding when she hit the back of the vehicle, according to the suit.

Because of the accident, David Knebel says he incurred injuries to his neck, back, head, shoulders and body.

Janet Knebel alleges she suffered injuries to her neck, back, head, left calf and body.

Both Knebels also suffered great pain, lost their normal lives, lost great sums of money because of their inability to pursue their normal occupations and incurred significant medical expenses, their lawyer, Kenneth P. Danzinger of Callis, Papa, Hale, Szewczyk and Danzinger in Granite City, wrote in the complaint.

They also say they have been deprived of each other's society, companionship and sexual relationship.

Hoffman was at fault for the collision because she failed to keep her vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision, failed to apply the brakes to avoid a collision, drove too fast for road conditions and drove too closely to the vehicle in which the Knebels were riding, the complaint says.

In the four-count suit, the Knebels are seeking a judgment in excess of $200,000, plus costs.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-305.