I-55 accident victim claims driver failed to avoid crash

A Salem man is suing a St. Clair County driver he says crashed into his stopped car on I-55.

Kevin Patterson filed the lawsuit Feb. 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Mark Schell.

According to the petition, in February 2009, Patterson was driving on I-55 near milepost two in St. Clair County. Patterson says he was stopped in traffic when Schell allegedly drove up from behind and crashed into him.

Patterson argues Schell should have had ample time to see the stopped vehicles and avoid the crash. He says Schell was negligent for allegedly driving too fast and for failing to swerve, slow down or stop prior to the collision.

Patterson says he received multiple injuries in the crash. He is asking for more than $50,000 in damages to compensate for medical expenses, loss of a normal life and lost income.

Attorney Bill J. Milner of Salem is representing Patterson. They demand a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 2011-L-75