Wood River accident is subject of suit

A man claims a driver rear-ended him after she failed to drive in a safe manner.

George W. Abel filed a lawsuit June 16 in Madison County Circuit Court against Chandra M. Cope.

Abel claims he drove west on Airline Drive in Wood River on July 10, 2008, when Cope, who drove in the same direction, rear-ended him.

Because of the collision, Abel suffered disability, disfigurement, great pain and mental anguish; lost earnings; incurred medical costs; and experienced a diminished earning capacity, the suit states.

Abel blames Cope for causing the collision, saying she failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner that she struck the rear of Abel's vehicle, failed to apply her brakes, failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision, ran into the rear of Abel's vehicle and drove in an unsafe manner.

In his complaint, Abel seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt and Tobin in East Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-637.