Route 161 accident is subject of suit

A man was severely injured by a driver who crossed over the center lane in Mascoutah.

Rusell D. Ehlers filed a lawsuit on Sept. 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Andrew C. Zinck.

Ehlers says he was driving northbound on Illinois Route 4 near the intersection of Route 161 on Aug. 30, when Zinck approached him in his car traveling south. Ehlers says Zinck's vehicle crossed the center lane, forcing him off the road and to flip his car twice.

Ehler's complaint says Zinck was negligent in failing to keep a proper lookout, driving in a manner that caused his car to to cross into Ehler's lane and not applying his brakes properly. Ehler further claims Zinck used excessive speed for conditions, didn't reduce his speed and drove on the wrong side of the road.

Ehlers says he suffered injuries to his neck, shoulder lower back and lumbar area. He says he incurred medical costs and disability. He claims pain and suffering and lost wages.

In his complaint, Ehlers seeks damages of more than $50,000 plus costs.

Attorney Thomas C. Rich of the Thomas Rich Law Firm is representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-509.