Passenger accuses driver of losing control

A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims lost control of her vehicle, causing the woman to be transported to the hospital.

Jennifer Watson claims she was riding in a 2005 Kia Sedona, which defendant Marybeth Sandergren was driving north in the 400 block of South Bulbury in Collinsville on Dec. 19, 2010. Suddenly, Sandergren lost control of her vehicle, allowing it to leave the road and to strike a culvert, according to the complaint filed Nov. 16 in Madison County Circuit Court.

As a result of the accident, Watson was taken to the hospital by ambulance; sustained injuries to her back, right head, neck and knees; and suffered great pain and mental anguish. She also incurred medical costs and property damages, the complaint says.

Watson blames Sandergren for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep her vehicle under proper control, failed to stop in time to avoid a collision, failed to properly use her lane, failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision and drove without safe brakes.

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

She will be represented by John C. Webster of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1874.