Rear-end accident in Granite City results in suit

A Madison County woman has filed suit against her insurance company and the driver who she says rear-ended her.

Melissa A. Smith claims she was driving southeast on East 21st Street in Granite City on June 10, 2008, when Melinda Wunning, who was driving behind her, crashed into the rear of Smith's vehicle.

Because of the collision, Smith incurred injuries, according to the complaint filed Sept. 2 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Wunning, who was not insured at the time of the collision, negligently failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, failed to keep a proper lookout and drove too fast for conditions, the suit states.

At the time of the collision, Smith had uninsured motorist coverage through defendant Travco Insurance Company and demanded the company pay her up to its uninsured policy limits. Smith does not say whether Travco provided the money for her claim, but is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000 from Travco.

In addition, Smith is seeking more than $50,000 from Smith, plus additional relief the court deems just.

Thomas G. Maag and Peter J. Maag of Wendler Law in Edwardsville will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-908.