Tractor-trailer driver and companies sued over rear-end accident

A man who claims he was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer while driving on the interstate has filed suit against the driver of the vehicle and five companies.

Bradley K. Bronnbauer says he was stopped facing westbound on Interstate 270 due to traffic conditions and weather on Feb. 4, 2008.

At the same time, defendant Nicole Valeanu was driving a semi tractor-trailer behind Bronnbauer when he failed to stop for traffic and struck the rear of Bronnbauer's vehicle, the suit states. The impact caused Bronnbauer to collide with vehicles in front of him, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Bronnbauer experienced pain, suffering and disability, incurred medical costs, sustained emotional distress and disfigurement and lost wages, the complaint says. In addition, Bronnbauer claims his ability to participate in normal activities has been impaired.

Valeanu negligently failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle, failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, failed to decrease his speed to avoid a collision, failed to properly yield to the vehicle in front of him and drove too closely to Bronnbauer's vehicle, according to the complaint.

Besides Valeanu, there are five other defendants named in the lawsuit, which include Motor City Express Inc., Challenger Motor Freight, James Group International, James Group International II Inc. and James Group Midwest.

The five defendants named other than Valeanu were guilty of failing to properly educate their employee and failing to instruct Valeanu with proper policies and procedures, the suit states.

In the six-count complaint, Bronnbauer is seeking a judgment of more than $300,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

He will be represented by Michael S. McKinley of Prusak, Winne and McKinley in Peoria.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1059.