Tow truck driver sued after rear-ending vehicle in Mascoutah

A woman claims she incurred more than $70,000 worth of medical costs after a truck driver rear-ended her vehicle while driving at 35 to 45 miles-per-hour.

Debra K. Roehrig filed a lawsuit Feb. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Fast Lane Towing and Joshua A. Lance.

In her complaint, Roehrig alleges she stopped at 721 North Jefferson in Mascoutah, with her left signal activated, in an attempt to turn into the McDonald's parking lot on March 30, 2010, at about 2:57 p.m. Suddenly, Lance, who was driving a tow truck at 35 to 45 miles-per-hour for Fast Lane towing, rear-ended her vehicle.

Because of the collision, Roehrig suffered physical pain and mental anguish; sustained injuries to her back, neck, legs and spine; and experienced an impaired ability to work, according to the complaint. In addition, she lost wages of more than $20,000, incurred medical costs of more than $70,000 and suffered permanent disability and disfigurement, the suit states.

Roehrig blames Lance for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, failed to have his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to obey the rules of the road, followed her vehicle too closely and failed to sound his horn to warn of his impending approach.

In her two-count complaint, Roehrig seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Michael S. Williams of Belleville and Kristi M. Vetri of Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-113.