Gavin
A husband and wife have filed suit against the driver who they claim rear-ended their vehicle.
Brian K. and Nicole Lilja claim Brian Lilja was stopped in traffic in the northbound lane of Interstate 270 on Aug. 25, 2011, when defendant James A. Rice struck the back of their vehicle. At the time of the collision, Nicole Lilja was riding in the vehicle with Brian K. Lilja, her husband, according to the complaint filed Sept. 25 in Madison County Circuit Court.
Because of the collision, the Liljas sustained severe injuries to their heads, necks, shoulders, arms, backs and legs and experienced pain and suffering, the suit states. They also suffered disability, lost their enjoyment of life, incurred medical costs and lost wages, the complaint says.
The Liljas blame Rice for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove too fast, failed to stop in response to stopped traffic, followed Lilja's vehicle too closely and drove without a valid driver's license.
In their four-count complaint, the Liljas are seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.
They will be represented by William P. Gavin of Gavin Law Firm in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1538.