Couple sues over Glen Carbon accident

A woman and her husband have filed suit against the driver who they claim struck their vehicle head on, causing the woman to suffer serious injuries to her low back, right leg, left leg, ribs, head, chest, neck, arms and hips.

Christina Gerlach claims she was driving south on Old Troy Road near Bollinger Road in Glen Carbon on Feb. 9 when defendant Joel Lien, who was driving north on the same road, struck her vehicle head on.

In addition to her injuries, Chirstina Gerlach incurred medical costs of more than $84,000 and lost earnings, according to the complaint filed July 14 in Madison County Circuit Court. In addition, she suffered damage to her psyche; experienced pain, suffering and disability; and lost her normal life, the suit states.

Duayne Gerlach, Christina Gerlach's husband, claims he lost his wife's services, consortium, society and companionship because of the collision.

Lien negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, failed to stay in his proper lane, failed to stop to avoid colliding with Christina Gerlach and collided with the front of Christina Gerlach's vehicle, the complaint says.

In their two-count complaint, the Gerlachs are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Michael J. Brunton of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-694.