Optima driver sues Expedition driver over collision

A woman who says she is experiencing ongoing neck problems as the result of a collision has filed suit against the owner of the vehicle who hit her.

Sarah Bower claims she was driving a 2006 Kia Optima east on Horseshoe Lake Road near its intersection with State Route 157 in Collinsville on Aug. 28, 2008.

Suddenly, Glenda Jeffreys, who was driving a 2000 Ford Expedition owned by defendant Michael Austin, rear-ended Bower's Optima, according to the complaint filed Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the accident, Bower suffered great pain and mental anguish, has experienced ongoing neck and back problems, suffered disability and loss of a normal life and incurred medical expenses, the complaint says. In addition, she incurred property damages, the suit states.

Bower claims Austin, through Jeffreys, negligently failed to keep his vehicle under control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop in time to avoid a collision, failed to give a proper signal or sound a horn to warn of the oncoming approach, failed to reduce his speed and failed to provide adequate brakes on his vehicle.

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

She is represented by Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-888.