Granite City driver claims he was sideswiped

A Madison County man is suing the driver of a car that allegedly sideswiped him while driving in Granite City.

Justin Bateman filed a lawsuit Jan. 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Everett J. Portell.

According to the complaint, Bateman was driving west on Route 161 in September 2011. As he approached the intersection of East 23rd Street Bateman says he was passed by a car being driven by Portell. As he was being passed by Portell, Bateman claims both he and Portell tried to make a right turn onto East 23rd.

As both vehicles allegedly attempted the right-hand turn, Bateman says the side of his vehicle and the side of Portell's car collided. Batemans says the impact caused him to have received several injuries that required medical care.

Bateman accuses Portell of negligence for failing to take the necessary steps to avoid the side impact crash. He is asking for for more than $50,000 in damages for medical bills, lost wages and court fees.

Attorney John H. Hustava of Collinsville is representing Bateman.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-34