MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

The mother of three children claims she and her offspring sustained multiple injuries when a driver rear-ended the vehicle in which they rode.

Tamika Johnson filed a lawsuit Dec. 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Christopher Maul.

Tamika Johnson claims she drove east on U.S. Highway 50 about 50 feet from its intersection with Frey Lane in Fairview Heights on Oct. 24 when Maul, who drove in the same direction, struck her vehicle. At the time of the collision, Johnson's three children -- Deion Buckels, Jarred Johnson and Jordan Johnson -- rode as passengers in Tamika Johnson's vehicle.

Because of the collision, Tamika Johnson and her three children suffered injuries to their necks, shoulders and low backs and became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled, according to the complaint. In addition, they suffered disability and experienced pain and suffering, the suit states.

Meanwhile, Tamika Johnson incurred medical costs, lost wages and experienced a lost earning capacity, the complaint says.

Tamika Johnson blames Maul for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, struck the rear of her vehicle, failed to properly apply his brakes, drove too fast and followed her vehicle too closely.

In her four-count complaint, Tamika Johnson seeks a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.

Thomas C. Rich and Kristina D. Cooksey of Fairview Heights will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-637.