MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A Hamilton County man says a car in which he was riding struck a tree, causing him neck and back injuries.

Jason Vaupel says he was riding in a car Kevin Irvin was driving east on State Highway 14 in Hamilton County on April 10, 2005, when Irvin lost control of the vehicle.

The automobile struck a tree, making Vaupel sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled, according to the complaint filed May 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. Vaupel also incurred medical costs, suffered disability, experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, the suit states.

Irvin failed to properly apply his brakes, drove too fast and failed to keep control of his vehicle, Vaupel says.

Vaupel is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

James R. Williams of Williams, Caponi, Foley and Eckert in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-259.