Fairview Heights accident results in injuries

Two people have filed suit against the driver who they say rear-ended their vehicle.

Randy Christy Jr. claims he was driving south on Route 159 about 30 feet north of Market Place in Fairview Heights on July 24 at about 6:01 p.m. when defendant Joel D. Knopp, who was driving in the same direction, struck the rear of his vehicle. At the time of the accident, co-plaintiff Lauren E. McCauley was riding as a passenger in Christy's vehicle.

Because of the collision, Knopp and McCauley were made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled; suffered extensive injuries to their heads, bodies, limbs, necks, backs and shoulders; incurred medical costs; suffered disability; experienced pain and suffering; lost money; and incurred an impaired earning capacity, according to the complaint filed Feb. 3 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Knopp negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner that he struck the rear of Christy's vehicle, failed to properly apply his brakes, drove too fast, followed Christy too closely and drove without adequate brakes, the suit states.

In the two-count suit, Christy and McCauley seek a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

John H. Hustava of Collinsville will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-49.