Driver ran red light at Fairview Heights intersection, suit claims

A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims failed to obey a red light, causing a collision.

Sheree Steele claims she was riding in a vehicle traveling east on Frank Scott Parkway near its intersection with North Illinois Street in Fairview Heights on March 10 when defendant Louis Jones, who was driving in the same direction, proceeded through a red light and caused a collision.

Because of the accident, Steele received head, neck and back injuries; became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled; and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint. She also experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, the suit states.

Jones negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to properly apply his brakes, failed to obey a traffic signal and drove through an intersection while facing a red light, the complaint says.

In addition to Jones, Steele names Phyleccia Cole as a defendant, saying she negligently lent her vehicle to Jones, who she should have known to be an incompetent, inexperienced and reckless driver.

In her complaint, Steele is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

She will be represented by Thomas C. Rich and Kristina D. Cooksey of Fairview Heights.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-276.