Chain reaction accident causes injuries, suit claims

A driver is asking to be paid more than $50,000, claiming he was hurt in a chain-reaction crash in O'Fallon.

Ronald E. Swain filed a lawsuit Feb. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jamie D. Marotte.

According to the complaint, in November 2010, Swain was driving west on Highway 50 near the on-ramp to I-64 in O'Fallon. Swain says he was stopped in a line of traffic.

Swain contends Marotte drove up behind the stopped vehicles and allegedly crashed into another vehicle, pushing that car into into Swain's vehicle.

Swain contends Marotte was negligent for allegedly failing to stop, slow down or swerve to avoid the collision.

Swain says he was injured in the crash and is asking to be awarded more than $50,000 to cover the cost of medical expenses. He also asks to be reimbursed for court costs and attorney fees.

Attorney Brad L. Badgley of Belleville is representing Swain.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-77