Pedestrian struck near Scott AFB sues driver

A man has filed suit against the driver who he says struck him as he was attempting to cross the street.

John Fridley claims he was walking in the crosswalk of the southbound lane of Scott Drive and approaching the northbound lane at Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County on Dec. 9 when the incident occurred.

"As John Fridley was crossing Scott Drive in the designated crosswalk area, Defendant Eric C. Vaughn continued traveling North on Scott Drive disregarding the painted crosswalk and the pedestrian crosswalk warning light, thereby entering the crosswalk and striking the Plaintiff," the suit filed Oct. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court states.

As a result of the collision, Fridley suffered a broken knee, experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical costs and lost wages, the suit states. In addition, Fridley suffered mental anguish, depression, emotional distress and a loss of his ability to engage in normal activities, the complaint says.

Fridley blamed Vaughn for failing to stop, yield and grant the right-of-way in a crosswalk, for failing to exercise due care, for failing to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and for failing to keep a proper lookout.

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

He will be represented by David Cates of Goldenberg, Heller, Antognoli and Rowland in Edwardsville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-570.