Multi-car collision on Illinois 3 results in injuries, suit claims

Three people claim they sustained severe and permanent injuries after a driver behind them caused a multi-car collision.

Alex R. Grohmann, Nicholas S. Grohmann and Debbie Grohmann filed a lawsuit April 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Michelle L. Pippin.

The Grohmanns claim Alex R. Grohmann drove north on Illinois State Route 3 near its intersection with Horse Creek Road on May 11, 2008, at about 4:36 p.m. with Nicholas S. Grohmann riding as a passenger in the vehicle. Alex R. Grohmann attempted to turn left onto Horse Creek Road and stopped his vehicle to yield to southbound traffic on Illinois State Route 3, according to the complaint.

Pippin drove a few vehicles behind the Grohmanns when she caused a collision between vehicles heading south on Illinois State Route 3 and the vehicle in which the Grohmanns rode, the suit states.

Because of the collision, in addition to their injuries, the plaintiffs suffered disability and disfigurement, endured physical and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and could not perform their usual tasks, the complaint says. Debbie Grohmann, Nicholas S. Grohmann's mother, claims she had to pay for his medical costs.

They blame Pippin for causing the collision, saying she drove faster than the speed limit, failed to keep her vehicle under proper control, failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision, drove on the left side of the road and failed to keep a proper lookout for traffic conditions ahead of her.

In their three-count complaint, the Grohmanns seek a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs. Debbie Grohmann seeks a judgment of $7,381.75, plus costs.

William P. Gavin of Gavin Law Firm in Belleville will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-191.