Driver turned left in front of oncoming car, suit says

A woman claims she suffered injuries to her low back, left hip, right knee and left wrist after a driver attempted to make a left-hand turn in front of her.

Tamara Smith filed a lawsuit Oct. 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Sophia Treser.

Smith claims she was driving a 2001 Ford Explorer west on East A Street at its intersection with North Jackson Street in Belleville on Feb. 13, 2008, at about 9:57 a.m. when Treser, who was driving a 2000 Chrysler Concorde, attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Jackson Street.

Instead, Treser struck the front of Smith's vehicle, according to the complaint.

In addition to her injuries, Smith was disabled, lost her normal life, experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical costs and lost wages, the suit states. In addition, her car was damaged and she has been unable to use it, the complaint says.

Smith blames Treser for failing to drive in a single lane, for moving from the single lane of travel without first determining it was safe to do so, for improper lane usage, for being inattentive and for failing to keep a proper lookout.

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

Del A. Goldenhersh of Knapp, Ohl, Green and Marron in Edwardsville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-580.