Hylla
A Maryville police officer's lawsuit against a woman who allegedly rear-ended his vehicle during a traffic stop is at trial in Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla's courtroom.
Plaintiff Michael Radosevich claims defendant Robin Dacosta allegedly rear-ended his police car as he was making a traffic stop with his emergency lights on March 9, 2008 on Maryville Town Center Drive.
Dacosta was southbound in a Ford Ranger on Illinois Route 159, preparing to turn westbound on Maryville Town Center Drive when the alleged incident happened.
The lawsuit states Dacosta had a duty to be cautious and not injure the plaintiff.
The lawsuit states Dacosta followed too closely and drove her vehicle too fast. She failed watch other vehicles on the road and failed to control her vehicle.
Radosevich's head, neck, back, shoulders and extremities were seriously injured, he claims. He incurred medical care and treatment and will need more medical care.
Dacosta counters that Radosevich failed to signal properly and stopped his vehicle in a place that limited visibility for others on the road.
She also claims he stopped his car in a lane designated for moving traffic and failed to ensure his vehicle could be seen by others approaching from the rear. He also failed to adequately warn approaching motorists, she claims.
Radosevich is suing Dacosta for an amount more than $50,000.
Justin Mattea of Collinsville represents Radosevich.
Thomas L. Zimmer in St. Louis represents Robin Dacosta.
The case is Madison County Case number 10-AR-71.