Driver merged, caused woman to swerve and crash, suit says

A woman who says she was caused to crash into a vehicle has filed suit against the driver who merged into her lane and caused her to swerve.

Edna Ruth Roberts claims she was driving her Chrysler west on Interstate 70 near mile post 18 in Pin Oak Township on July 20, 2007, at about 2:54 p.m. when defendant Scott Gregory Oakes, who was driving his Ford in a lane to the left of Roberts, attempted to merge into her lane.

In turn, Oakes's action caused Roberts to lose control of her car and to crash into a vehicle Mark Cipola was driving, according to the complaint filed July 9 in Madison County Circuit Court.

As a result of the accident, Roberts suffered injuries, the suit states.

She claims Oakes was guilty of failing to drive within his lane of travel, of failing to keep his vehicle under control and of failing to keep a proper lookout.

Oakes is seeking a judgment to compensate her for her losses.
She is represented by Matthew L. Willens of Willens Law Offices in Chicago.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-711.