Granite City rear-end accident is subject of suit

A man has filed suit against an allegedly intoxicated driver who he says rear-ended him.

Ralph R. Burnett Jr. claims he was driving south on Illinois Route 203 near its intersection with Maryville Road in Granite City on Feb. 29, 2008, and was stopped in traffic when defendant Jeremy J. Pohl, who was driving in the same direction, struck him.

Because of the accident, Burnett suffered severe and permanent injuries to his head, body and limbs; became sick, sore, lame and disordered; and experienced great physical pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint filed Feb. 4 in Madison County Circuit Court. In addition, he incurred medical costs and lost large sums of money, the suit states.

Pohl negligently failed to keep his vehicle under control, failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, followed Burnett's vehicle too closely and drove while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and drugs, the complaint says.

Burnett is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000.

He will be represented by William J. Mateyka of Mateyka and Associates in Granite City.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-122.