Driver using cell phone caused rear-end accident, suit claims

A Granite City man claims he suffered severe injuries after a driver rear-ended him while talking on her cell phone.

Corey G. Ritnour filed a lawsuit March 22 in Madison County Circuit Court against Sophia E. Rawlings.

Ritnour claims he drove a 1995 Dodge Spirit east on Horseshoe Lake Road and prepared to make a left-hand turn into Holiday Mobile Home Park in Pontoon Beach on June 9, 2009, when Rawlings, who drove a 2006 Subaru Forester behind him, drove into the rear of his vehicle.

In addition to his injuries, Ritnour experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical costs, lost wages, experienced a diminished earning capacity, lost his enjoyment of a normal life and sustained disability because of the collision, according to the complaint.

Ritnour blames Rawlings for causing the accident, saying she failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep her vehicle under control, failed to reduce her speed, drove too fast, followed Ritnour too closely and used a cell phone while driving.

Ritnour seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Eric J. Carlson of Carlson and Carlson in Edwardsville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-319.