Motorcyclist claims Silverado driver struck him on Route 4

A motorcyclist is suing a Warrenton, Mo. man he claims pulled out onto a highway without warning and caused a crash.

Gabriel J. Light filed a lawsuit against Woodrow W. Thorn on June 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Light says he was driving his Harley Davidson motorcycle south on Illinois State Route 4 on May 11, 2012. Thorn was in a Chevy Silverado with a trailer attached parked along the southbound lanes of Route 4 near the intersection with Hummert Road.

As Light passed the Silverado that was stopped off the paved portion of highway, the complaint reads, Thorn allegedly drove the pick-up truck onto the road and collided with the Harley Davidson. Light accuses the driver of negligence for attempting to make a turn without signaling or keeping a proper lookout.

Light "suffered numerous and diverse injuries," according to the complaint. He is asking to be awarded $74,000 plus court costs for pain and suffering, medical expenses and loss of a normal life.

Attorney P. Michael Read of Belleville represents Light.

St. Clair County Case No. 13-L-279