Union Pacific named in auto accident suit

A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims rear-ended her vehicle.

Paula Willis claims she was driving on Camp Jackson Road at its intersection with Route 3 in Cahokia on March 17 when defendant Brandon Marshall, who was driving a vehicle for defendant Union Pacific Railroad, drove into the back of her vehicle.

Because of the collision, Willis became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled and received injuries to her neck, shoulder and low back, according to the complaint filed May 24 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. In addition, she incurred medical costs, suffered disability, experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, the suit states.

Marshall negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner as to strike the rear of Willis's vehicle, failed to properly apply his brakes, drove too fast and followed Willis's vehicle too closely, the complaint says.

In her suit, Willis is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

She will be represented by Thomas C. Rich and Kristina D. Cooksey of Fairview Heights.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-326.