Semi ran man off interstate, suit says

A St. Clair County man claims a semi tractor-trailer ran him off the road when it veered into his lane.

Lawrence Butler filed a lawsuit Sept. 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the unknown driver of the truck, identified only as John Doe, and against J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.

Butler claims he was driving north on Interstate 55 near Lincoln on July 10, 2006, when Doe, who was driving the J.B. Hunt tractor-trailer north on Interstate 55, unexpectedly entered Butler's lane, causing Butler to run off the road.

As a result, Butler suffered back, neck and shoulder injuries, severe soreness, physical and emotional pain and anxiety, according to the complaint. In addition, he suffered mental distress, was required to undergo medical treatment, lost wages and incurred medical expenses, the suit states.

Butler blames Doe for failing to keep the semi-tractor in one lane of traffic, for failing to keep a proper lookout, for failing to use a signal before changing lanes, for failing to reduce his speed to avoid an accident and for driving too fast, the complaint says.

In the two-count suit, Butler is seeking a judgment not to exceed $100,000 and other relief the court deems just.

Ronald J. Foster Jr. of Schoen, Walton, Telken and Foster in East St. Louis will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-483.