Driver claims tractor-trailer rear-ended him

A man claims he slowed for stopped traffic when a driver rear-ended him.

Samuel Clines filed a lawsuit May 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Steven R. Hilton, Charles K. Foster III and Curt Foster doing business as Foster Brothers' Salvage and Recycling.

Clines claims he drove east on West Highway 50 in O'Fallon on May 30, 2008, when he stopped for traffic. According to the complaint, Hilton, who drove a 1994 Kenworth tractor-trailer for Foster behind Clines, failed to stop and slammed into the rear of Clines' vehicle.

Because of the collision, Clines sustained injuries to his back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, ribs, spine, spinal cord, vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints, skin and bones; has been caused to suffer headaches, neck pain and back pain; and suffers from nausea, nervousness, swelling, dizziness, inflammation, limitation of motion and impairment of his natural functions, the suit states. In addition, Clines incurred medical costs and experienced a diminished ability to enjoy life, the complaint says.

Clines blames Hilton for causing the accident, saying he negligently followed vehicles in front of him more closely than reasonable, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control and drove in such a manner that he caused a collision.

In his three-count complaint, Clines seeks a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs.

Justin B. Mattea of Collinsville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-239.