Frank Scott Parkway accident blamed on unsafe lane change

A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims attempted to change lanes when it was not safe to do so, causing a collision.

Sandra Flake claims she was riding in a vehicle defendant Valerie Spacher was driving on Frank Scott Parkway in Swansea on Feb. 27, 2012, when defendant Victoria Owca suddenly changed lanes. In turn, she caused a collision with the vehicle driven by Spacher, according to the complaint filed May 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Because of the collision, Flake experienced pain and suffering, endured disability and disfigurement, incurred medical costs and lost her income and her normal life, the suit states.

Owca negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, changed lanes when it was not safe to do so, failed to drive within a single lane of traffic and failed to signal a lane change, the complaint says.

Flake also blames Spacher for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to avoid a collision and failed to swerve to avoid striking a vehicle.

In her complaint, Flake is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

She will be represented by Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-268.