Father sues driver after girl ejected from vehicle

The father of a minor Bond County girl is suing a Troy man, alleging his daughter was ejected from a car the man was driving.

Chris Balkenbusch filed a lawsuit on behalf of his daughter, Christina Balkenbusch, June 26 in Madison County Circuit Court against Michael N. Koeninger.

Chris Balkenbusch says Christina Balkenbusch was riding in Koeninger's 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe on Old Ripley Road near its intersection with Timberline Road on April 26 at about 1:30 a.m.

"At said time and place, Defendant lost control of said vehicle causing the Plaintiff to be ejected from the vehicle," the suit states.

Because of the accident, Christina Balkenbusch suffered severe injuries to portions of her body, suffered great pain and mental anguish and incurred medical expenses, according to the complaint.

Chris Balkenbusch blames Koeninger for failed to exercise due care, for failing to keep a proper lookout, for failing to reduce his speed, for failing to keep the vehicle under proper control and for failing to maintain a reasonable speed.

Chris Balkenbusch is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Kevin T. Hoerner and Brian T. Kreisler of Becker, Paulson, Hoerner and Thompson in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-671.