Randolph County couple sues in St. Clair County over Sparta accident

A Randolph County couple has filed suit against the driver who they claim rear-ended their vehicle.

Christopher Smith claims he was driving south on North Market Street in Sparta on Dec. 4, 2010, at about 9:55 a.m. when he slowed down in an attempt to make a right-hand turn. As Smith was slowing down, defendant Susan J. Ruiz, who was driving behind Smith, struck the back of his vehicle, according to the complaint filed June 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Because of the collision, Christopher Smith suffered injuries, the suit states. In addition, his wife, Pamela Smith, claims she incurred medical costs and suffered from a decreased amount of society and support from her husband.

The Smiths blame Susan Ruiz for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to adequately apply her brakes and failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision.

In addition to Ruiz, Christopher Smith names Kevin Grab as a defendant, saying he negligently entrusted his vehicle to a driver who operated it recklessly.

In their complaint, the Smiths are seeking a judgment of more than $200,000.

They will be represented by John Womick of the Womick Law Firm.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-292.