Multi-car crash on North Belt East causes serious injuries, suit says

A woman has filed suit against the drivers who she claims caused a multi-car collision.

Stephanie Scales claims she was driving east on North Belt East at its intersection with East Main in Belleville on March 3 when defendant Keith Spier, who was driving in the same direction, struck the rear of defendant Elana Phelps vehicle, pushing her into the rear of Scales's vehicle.

Because of the collision, Scales became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled; sustained neck, shoulder, back and leg injuries; and incurred medical costs, the suit states. She also suffered disability, experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, the complaint says.

Scales blames Spier and Phelps for causing the collision, saying they negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner so as to strike the rear of the vehicle in front of them, failed to properly apply their brakes and followed another vehicle too closely.

In her two-count complaint, Scales is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, 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-348.