Driver accused of talking or texting in accident suit

Two St. Clair County residents are accusing a driver of rear-ending their vehicle while the driver was either talking or texting on his cell phone.

Christopher Smith and Sheronica Washington filed a lawsuit Feb. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Kevin White.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs allege Smith was driving on Route 3, approaching its intersection with Monsanto Avenue on Dec. 22 when he stopped in traffic at a stoplight. Just as the light turned green, White smashed into the rear of Smith’s vehicle, according to the complaint. At the time of the collision, Washington rode as a front-seat passenger in the vehicle, the suit states.

Because of the collision, both Smith and Washington suffered back and neck injuries, incurred medical costs and experienced pain and suffering, the complaint says. In addition, Smith claims he incurred property damages and lost wages.

Smith and Washington blame White for causing the collision, saying he negligently rear-ended Smith’s vehicle, failed to keep a careful lookout, was texting or talking on his phone before the accident and drove too fast.

In their two-count complaint, the plaintiffs seek a judgment of more than $100,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Gary K. Burger of Cantor and Burger in St. Louis will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-99.