Route 163 traffic fatality is subject of suit

The administrator of a deceased man's estate is suing the man who he says is responsible for the deceased man's death after driving into a tree and power line.

Scott A. Buskirk filed a complaint June 10 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against David A. Kernan III.

Scott Buskirk says Corey A. Buskirk was riding in the car Kernan was driving south on Illinois Route 163 just south of its intersection with Eiler Road in St. Clair County on May 17.

"The vehicle defendant was driving ran off the roadway, overturned and struck a tree and power line, which resulted in severe injuries to Corey A. Buskirk, which resulted in his death, causing plaintiff to lose the value of his support, society, love and companionship all to the damage of plaintiff in a sum in excess of $50,000," the complaint says.

Scott Buskirk claims Kernan was negligent by failing to keep his vehicle under control, by driving at an unreasonable speed, by failing to maintain his lane of travel, by failing to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and by failing to keep a proper lookout.

In the two-count suit, Scott Buskirk is seeking a judgment in excess of $100,000, plus costs.

Gregory M. Skinner of Swansea and William J. Vandersand of Swansea will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-302.