F-150 driver claims Freightliner caused rear-end collision

A man has filed suit against the truck driver who he claims caused a collision.

Kenneth Cottrell claims he was driving a 2004 Ford F-150 west on Illinois Route 140 near Manix Road in Hamel Township on Jan. 10, 2012, when defendant Dale Lurkins, who was driving a 2001 Freightliner F- 170 Conventional tractor-trailer behind Cottrell, struck the Ford.

Because of the collision, Cottrell suffered head, neck, ribs, left knee, spine, spinal cord, vertebrae and other miscellaneous injuries and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint filed Jan. 4 in Madison County Circuit Court. Cottrell also suffered from an impaired ability to enjoy life and incurred
medical costs, the suit states.

Lurkins negligently followed Cottrell’s vehicle too closely, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep his vehicle under control so it could be stopped to avoid a collision, failed to warn of his impending approach, failed to stop or turn to avoid a collision, failed to keep his vehicle in working condition and failed to yield the right-of-way, among other negligent acts, the complaint says.

In addition to Lurkins, Cottrell also names Southwestern Electric Cooperative as a defendant, saying it is liable for the actions of Lurkins, who it had employed.

In his two-count complaint, Cottrell is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Justin B. Mattea of The Mattea Law Firm in Collinsville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-18.