I-64 rear-end accident is subject of suit

A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims struck her after she came to an abrupt stop on an interstate.

Kelly Speir also known as Kelly Rahm claims she was driving west on Interstate 64 in East St. Louis on April 13 when a vehicle in front of her came to an abrupt stop, causing her to suddenly halt. As
Speir was sitting in traffic, defendant David Spihlmann, who was driving behind Speir, failed to stop and struck her vehicle, pushing Speir into the vehicle in front of her, according to the complaint filed Sept. 13 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Because of the collision, Speir experienced pain, suffering, emotional distress, disability and disfigurement and lost her normal life, the suit states. In addition, Speir had to endure at least one surgery due to injuries she sustained in the accident, lost her earnings and her earning capacity and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Speir blames Sphilmann for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to drive in a safe manner, drove too fast, failed to decrease his speed, failed to stop when necessary, drove into the rear of her vehicle and drove without adequate brakes.

In her complaint, Speir is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Tarun Rana of Kodner, Watkins, Muchnick and Wiegley in St. Louis will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-474.