Interstate 70 accident causes serious injuries, suit says

An Effingham County couple claims they endured various damages after a driver struck their vehicle on the interstate.

Pamela and Michael Kloepping filed a lawsuit May 2 in Madison County Circuit Court against Alissa A. and Brian L. Yoder.

In their complaint, the Kloeppings allege Pamela Kloepping was driving on Interstate 70 less than one mile away from mile post 20 in Marine on Sept. 6, 2010, when Alissa Yoder, who was driving her vehicle in the same direction, collided with Pamela Klopping's vehicle.

Because of the accident, Pamela Kloepping was made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled and received injuries to her shoulder, lumbar and feet, according to the complaint. She also experienced pain, suffering and mental anguish; incurred medical costs; and sustained disability and disfigurement, the suit states.

In addition to Pamela Kloepping's injuries, her husband also suffered due to the collision, the complaint says. Michael Kloepping claims he lost his wife's society, companionship, love, affection, support and valuable services.

The Kloeppings blame Alissa A. Yoder for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to properly apply her brakes, drove without adequate brakes, drove too fast, failed to properly equip the vehicle, drove in such a manner as to strike the rear of Pamela Kloepping's vehicle and failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision.

The Kloeppings also names Brian L. Yoder as a defendant, saying he owned the vehicle Alissa A. Yoder drove during the collision. Brian Yoder negligently entrusted an unsafe vehicle with improperly equipped brakes to a driver and failed to repair the vehicle, according to the complaint.

In their four-count complaint, the Kloeppings seek a judgment of more than $250,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

D. Jeffrey Ezra and Sarah D. Smith of Ezra and Associates in Collinsville will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-577.