Chain of Rocks Bridge accident leads to suit

A Madison County man and his mother have filed a lawsuit claiming they were hit from behind by a semi-truck while they were stalled on a Chouteau Township bridge.

Elijah Helmers and Toni Molck filed a lawsuit March 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Paul Allen Bales and Ruan Logistics Corporation.

According to the complaint, Helmers was driving a Mitsubishi Gallant east on Interstate 270 in Chouteau in December 2010. As he crossed the Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge, Helmers says his car stalled so he pulled it to the right side of the two-lane road.

Helmers says he called his mother, Molck, for help. When she arrived, Molck says she got into the passenger side of Helmers' parked Mitsubishi.

Helmers and Molck claim a Ruan Logistics Kenworth semi-truck being driven by Bales crashed into the back of the car while they were inside. They contend Bales failed to allow enough room between the truck and the stalled car to pass safely. The mother and son say police cited Bales at the time of the crash for improper lane usage.

Helmers and Molck accuse both Bales and Ruan Logistics of negligence. They seek an unspecified amount in damages for medical expenses, loss of income and court costs.

Attorney Chris Doscotch of Peoria is representing Helmers and Molck. They ask for a jury trial.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-306