A Smithton couple has filed suit against the driver who they claim rear-ended their vehicle.
Allen and Sheri Switala allege Allen Switala was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer north on North Illinois Street at its intersection with Frank Scott Parkway in Swansea on Nov. 28, 2009, when he stopped to wait for a red traffic signal to change. Suddenly, defendant David Temares, who was driving a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis behind Allen Switala, struck the back of the Explorer, according to the complaint filed Nov. 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. At the time of the collision, Sheri Switala was riding as a passenger in the vehicle, the suit states.
Because of the collision, the Switalas sustained injuries to their necks, backs and spines; experienced pain and suffering; and incurred medical costs, the complaint says. In addition, they claim they lost wages and lost their enjoyment of a normal life.
They blame Temares for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, drove without regard for the safety of others on the road, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to properly his brakes, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision and failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision.
In their complaint, the Switalas are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.
Michael K. Nowak of Becker, Paulson, Hoerner and Thompson in Belleville will be representing them.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-650.
North Illinois rear-end accident causes injuries, suit says
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY