18-wheeler driver blamed in I-44/55 rear-end accident

A Missouri woman claims she sustained permanent injuries to her head when the driver of an 18-wheeler rear-ended her vehicle.

Kimberly Hollis-Bentley filed a lawsuit Feb. 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Empire Express.

In her complaint, Hollis-Bentley claims she was attempting to drive to her home in St. Louis on June 17, 2009, when she became stopped in a lane of traffic intended for Interstate 55-44. Suddenly, Kevin Johnson, who was driving a vehicle for Empire Express, struck her vehicle from behind, according to the complaint.

Because of the accident, Hollis-Bentley sustained numerous injuries to her head and lumbar spine and suffered great pain and mental anguish, the suit states. In addition, she incurred medical costs and has been deprived of participating in her normal life activities, the complaint says.

Hollis-Bentley blames Empire Express driver Johnson for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove without keeping a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under control, drove too fast, failed to decrease his speed and followed Hollis-Bentley's vehicle too closely.

In her complaint, Hollis-Bentley seeks a judgment of more than $50,000 but less than $75,000, plus costs.

Jill S. Bollwerk of Bollwerk, Ryan and Tatlow in St. Louis and Terrence V. O'Leary of Bosslet and O'Leary in Granite City will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-61.