Truck driver accused of swerving, causing Highway 15 accident

A man claims he suffered severe injuries after a truck driver swerved into his lane and collided with his vehicle.

Ealon J. Gross filed a lawsuit July 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Troy A. Terry.

In his complaint, Gross claims he drove his 1992 Volkswagon Cariolet east on Highway 15 near its intersection with Busch Boulevard in Belleville on July 13, 2011, at about 4:45 p.m. Suddenly, Terry, who was driving a Chevrolet truck hauling a trailer and equipment in the same direction, collided with Gross’s vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Gross was severely and permanently injured, suffered physical and mental pain and anguish and incurred medical costs, the suit states. He also lost wages and suffered an impaired earning capacity, the complaint says.

Gross blames Terry for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout for vehicles, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision and swerved into Gross’s lane of traffic.

In his complaint, Gross seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Thomas B. Cannady of Cannady and AuBuchon in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-357.