Rear-end accident injuries prevent woman from doing household chores, suit says

A Belleville woman claims she is no longer able to perform household chores and her daughter was forced to drop out of band after a collision caused them to sustain severe injuries.

Maria and Christine Dopp filed a lawsuit Feb. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Mathew Weaver.

The Dopps allege they were riding in a 2010 Nissan Rogue, which was traveling on Highway 161, when it stopped at the intersection with B Street on Feb. 23, 2010. Weaver was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier behind the Rogue when he failed to stop and rear-ended their vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Christine Dopp claims she sustained numerous back injuries and sustained headaches following the collision, which caused her to be unable to carry books in her backpack and to drop out of band class. In addition, she frequently woke up because of persistent pain in her back and was forced to eliminate certain physical activities, such as bike riding and tennis, the suit states.

Maria Dopp also sustained back injuries, along with neck and shoulder pain. As a result, she became unable to exercise, to do laundry, to carry anything heavy and to work in her garden, the complaint says.

The Dopps blame Weaver for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and failed to keep his vehicle in proper working order.

In their complaint, the Dopps seek a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Jim Ellis of Ellis Law Firm in Belleville will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-93.