Troy rear-end accident is subject of suit

A man claims an intoxicated driver rear-ended his vehicle after the driver failed to stop at a red light.

Kevin Woodring filed a lawsuit June 16 in Madison County Circuit Court against Rex L. Moreland.

Woodring claims he drove east on Illinois 162 at its intersection with Riggin Road in Troy when he stopped for a red light on June 17, 2008. At the same time, Moreland drove behind Woodring's vehicle, but failed to stop for the light and struck the rear of Woodring's automobile, according to the complaint.

Troy and Illinois state officers issued Moreland citations for driving under the influence of alcohol, for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for disobeying a traffic signal, the suit states.

Because of the collision, Woodring sustained injuries to his head, neck, shoulder and back and incurred medical costs of more than $15,000, the complaint says.

Woodring blames Moreland for causing the accident, saying he failed to keep a proper and adequate lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under control, drove too closely behind Moreland's vehicle, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, drove too fast, failed to stop or slow in response to a traffic signal and drove after consuming intoxicating beverages.

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

Mark R. Niemeyer of Onder, Shelton, O'Leary and Peterson in St. Louis will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-635.