Tractor-trailer driver sues over I-55/70 rear-end accident

A Belleville man has filed suit against the driver who he claims rear-ended his tractor-trailer.

Edwin J. Renth claims he was driving on Interstate 55/70 about 875 feet south of Interstate 55 in Collinsville on Sept. 26, 2011, when defendant James T. Ormesher, who was driving directly behind his vehicle, struck the back of it.

Because of the collision, Renth lost income, incurred medical costs, suffered pain and lost his normal life, according to the complaint filed Aug. 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Ormesher negligently drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, the suit states.

In addition to Ormesher, Renth names Stock Transport as a defendant because it had employed Ormesher at the time of the collision.

In his two-count complaint, Renth seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

Jon E. Rosenstengel of the Law Offices of Bonifield and Rosenstengel in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-402.