Car passenger sues after collision

A woman claims injuries after a rear-end collision in Belleville.

Emily Shinn filed a lawsuit Nov. 15 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Alicia Valdez.

Shinn says she was a passenger in a car traveling on the Frank Scott Parkway near the intersection of Route 161 in Belleville on May 5. She claims that another car following behind her, driven by Valdez, struck her in the rear of her vehicle.

Shinn blames Valdez for failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to properly apply her brakes. She also says Valdez was driving at an excessive rate for conditions and followed her more closely than reasonable.

Shinn says she suffered disabling injuries to her neck, shoulder, lower back and lumbar area.

She claims medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

In her complaint, Shinn seeks more than $50,000 plus costs.

Attorney Thomas C. Rich will be representing her.