Vision and memory loss claimed in accident suit

A Clinton County couple is suing a St. Clair County woman after the man says he sustained vision and memory loss following a collision.

John B. Roach and Lois M. Roach filed a lawsuit June 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Lauren D. Lewis.

The Roaches say they were riding as passengers in a vehicle Rhody R. Campbell was driving west on U.S. Highway 50 in St. Clair County near its intersection with Belleville Street on Nov. 1, 2007.

As the vehicle approached Belleville Street, Lewis attempted to swerve around another vehicle driven by Margie Wuebbels, who was making a left turn onto Belleville, according to the complaint. Instead, she collided with the vehicle in which the Roaches were passengers, the suit states.

In turn, that caused Campbell to collide with another vehicle traveling south on Belleville, the complaint says.

Both John B. Roach and Lois M. Roach say they suffered from a traumatic brain injury, lost wages and incurred medical expenses. According to the complaint, they also endured pain and suffering, which will continue in the future.

In addition, John B. Roach suffered head, neck and shoulder injuries, multiple fractures to the left side of his face, multiple fractures to his left shoulder, a fractured seventh cervical vertebrae, disability and a diminished earning capacity, the suit states. He also exhibited post-concussion symptoms and has experienced decreased vision, memory loss, numbness, tingling and difficulty concentrating, the complaint says.

Lois M. Roach says she endured multiple bruises, a strain to her thoracic spine, continuing rib pain and knee pain.

Because of the accident, each has suffered the loss of the other's society, consortium, companionship, love, affection and support, according to the complaint.

The Roaches claim Lewis negligently failed to maintain a proper lookout, drove too fast, drove with a disregard for the safety of people in the area, failed to properly apply her brakes, failed to keep her vehicle under control, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, failed to exercise ordinary care and failed to yield the right-of-way.

In the four-count suit, they are seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Matthew J. Rossiter and Jamie L. Boock of Rossiter and Boock in St. Louis will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-327.