East Alton accident causes injuries, suit claims

A man claims he suffered an ACL tear requiring surgery after a driver allegedly ran a red light and crashed into him.

Frank L. Niemeyer filed a lawsuit Feb. 8 in Madison County Circuit Court against Robert M. Jones and Helmkamp Construction Co.

Niemeyer claims he attempted to turn a Honda CBR left from West St. Louis Avenue onto Virginia Street in East Alton on July 17, 2008, when Jones, who drove a 2004 Ford F-150, disobeyed a red light and entered the intersection at the same time, crashing into Niemeyer. At the time of the incident, Jones drove for Helmkamp, according to the complaint.

In addition to his ACL tear, Niemeyer suffered injuries to his back, shoulders, neck and head; experienced great pain and anguish; and suffered disability and loss of a normal life, the suit states. He also incurred medical and property costs, the complaint says.

Niemeyer blames Jones for causing the accident, saying he failed to keep his vehicle under control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop to avoid a collision, failed to give a proper warning, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to reduce his speed, drove without safe brakes and ran a red light.

In the two-count suit, Niemeyer seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-138.