Driver claims injuries in rear-end accident

A man claims he suffered permanent bodily injuries after a driver rear-ended him as he stopped for a school bus.

Daniel L. Kloepper filed a lawsuit Feb. 10 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Thomas Swearengin.

Kloepper claims he drove a 1999 Saturn SL1 on Floraville Road in St. Clair County on Dec. 7, 2009, when he stopped for a school bus.

Suddenly, Swearengin, who drove a 1997 Ford F-150 in the same direction, struck the rear of his vehicle, according to the complaint.

In addition to his injuries, Kloepper experienced disability and loss of a normal life and sustained pain and suffering, the suit states. He also incurred medical costs and lost the value of his time, earnings, salary and benefits, the complaint says.

Kloepper blames Swearengin for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to see things that were plainly visible, failed to keep his vehicle under control to avoid a collision and failed to use every precaution to avoid a collision.

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

Paul M. Ray of Fisher, Kerkhover and Coffey Law Offices in Red Bud
will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-63.