Illinois Route 15 rear end accident causes injuries, suit says

A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims rear-ended her.

Sarah Ruzicka claims she was driving south on South Green Mount Road at its intersection with Illinois Route 15 in Belleville on June 29, 2011, when defendant Timothy Harley rear-ended her vehicle.

Because of the collision, Ruzicka was made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled; received injuries to her head, neck, back and shoulders; and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint filed April 16 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. In addition, she incurred a disability, experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, the suit states.

Harley negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, struck the rear of Ruzicka's vehicle, failed to apply his brakes, drove too fast, followed Ruzicka's vehicle too closely and failed to reduce or decrease his speed when he was approaching railroad trucks, the complaint says.

Ruzicka is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Thomas C. Rich and Kristina D. Cooksey of Fairview Heights will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-194.