Randolph County accident involving Kia and Beelman truck subject of suits

Two lawsuits have been filed against an Illinois driver accused of speeding and causing a rollover crash in Randolph County that allegedly left two passengers seriously injured.

Ronald Rees filed a lawsuit Dec. 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Vera A. Rees. St. Clair County-based Beelman Truck Company is also named as a defendant. Diana Anderson, on behalf of herself and her minor daughter Alyssa, filed a nearly identical suit against Vera Rees and Beelman on Jan. 3.

Ronald Rees and Alyssa Anderson were reportedly passengers in a 2001 Kia Sportage being driven by Vera Rees on State Route 13 in January 2010. They claim Vera was driving too fast and, in her attempt to avoid hitting a Beelman tractor-trailer, drove the Kia off the road near the intersection of Jean Road in Randolph County. The sudden movement caused the Kia to overturn, according to court records.

The suit filed by Ronald Rees does not indicate if or how he is related to defendant Vera Rees.

Rees alleges he broke his hand, leg and pelvis in the crash. Anderson says her daughter also received serious injuries that caused her family to "suffer grief, sorrow and support." Both say they were forced to pay for expensive medical care.

Ronald Rees and Anderson accuse Vera Rees of negligence. They say the Beelman truck driver was also negligent for allegedly veering into the girl's lane of travel. Both are asking for more than $100,000 in damages for medical expenses and court costs.

Attorney Laura A. Cole, of Alton, is representing Ronald Rees. David C. Nelson, of Belleville, is representing Anderson.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case Nos. 11-L-698 and 12-L-4.