Injuries claimed in Fairview Heights accident

A man has filed suit against the driver of a 2006 Ford Escape who he says rear-ended him.

Carlous Huston claims he was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier east on Lincoln Trail near its intersection with Bluff Court in Fairview Heights on Aug. 2, 2008, when Jessica D. Mitchell, who was driving the Ford in the same direction, struck the back of his vehicle.

Because of the accident, Huston sustained serious injuries to his head and right knee, incurred medical costs and suffered great pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint filed July 27 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. In addition, he incurred disability and loss of a normal life, the suit states.

Mitchell negligently failed to keep her vehicle under proper control, drove too fast, failed to take evasive action to avoid an accident, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to sound her horn or give a warning of the impact, the complaint says.

Huston is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Steven E. Katzman of Katzman and Associates in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-396.