Chain reaction rear-end accident on Greenmount is subject of suit

Two people have filed suit against the drivers who they claim caused a multi-car collision.

Lisa Santos and Joe Santos claim Joe Santos was driving south on North Greenmount Road in Belleville on Aug. 19, 2011, when he stopped in a line of traffic near Chevy Drive. Defendant Sheryl Tate was driving a 2007 Jeep Liberty behind the Santos vehicle and defendant Joshua Glaus was driving a 2001 Mazda Tribute behind Tate’s Liberty, according to the complaint filed July 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. Suddenly, Glaus rear-ended Tate’s vehicle which in turn struck the back of the Santos vehicle, the suit states.

Because of the collision, Lisa Santos, who was riding in the vehicle with Joe Santos, and Joe Santos suffered head, neck, spine and back injuries and experienced pain and suffering, the complaint says. They also claim they lost wages and their earning capacities, incurred medical costs, lost their normal lives and suffered disability.

Glaus and Tate negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep their vehicles under proper control, drove too fast, failed to reduce their speeds to avoid a collision, followed other vehicles too closely and allowed their vehicles to collide with others, according to the complaint.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs are seeking a judgment of more than $300,000, plus costs and pre-judgment interest.

They will be represented by Robert P. Marcus of Kujawski Marcus in O’Fallon.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-398.