Mother sues tow truck driver in I-255 accident

The mother of two children has filed suit against a tow truck driver and another driver who struck a wheel lift that fell from the tow truck and struck the car the mother was driving.

Crystal Little claims she was driving south on Interstate 255 at milepost 24 in Collinsville on Nov. 2 at about 10 a.m. when the incident occurred. Riding in the car with her were her two minor children, Zachary Anderson and Dylan Little.

Defendant Shawn P. Reese, who was working for Bills Wrecker Service at the time of the incident, was also operating a tow truck in the same direction, but had failed to secure a wheel lift, which is used to lift vehicles onto tow trucks, according to the complaint filed Nov. 16 in Madison County Circuit Court.

The wheel lift fell from the tow truck at milepost 24, and defendant Herbert R. True, who was also driving south on the same interstate, struck the wheel lift lying on the highway, knocking it into Little's car, the suit states.

Because of the incident, Little and her children were made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled; incurred medical costs; and suffered disability, the complaint says. In addition, they experienced pain and suffering and Crystal Little incurred medical expenses on behalf of her children, Little claims.

During the accident, Crystal and Dylan Little also received injuries to their necks, shoulders and low backs, while Zachary Anderson received injuries to his legs, ankles and shoulder, according to the complaint.

Reese negligently failed to secure his cargo on the tow truck, drove in such a manner that the cargo fell from the truck and drove too fast, the suit states.

True failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to properly apply his brakes, drove too fast, failed to reduce his speed when a hazard existed and drove without adequate brakes, the complaint says.

In the 15-count suit, Little is seeking a judgment of more than $750,000, plus costs.

John H. Hustava of Collinsville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1230.