State Farm seeks to recover payout of uninsured motorist benefits

An insurance company has filed suit against the driver who it claims struck one of its clients while he was standing on the side of the road.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company claims it paid Kenneth E. Mohr $105,000 after he was struck by a vehicle while standing near 501 North Monroe Street on Sept. 11, 2011.

Defendant Eric R. Bricker had been driving a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer in Freeburg on Sept. 11, 2011, at about 1:10 p.m. when he struck Mohr.

At the time of the collision, Mohr had an insurance policy through State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. In turn, the insurance company paid Mohr $100,000 for uninsured motorist benefits and $5,000 in medical costs, according to the complaint.

State Farm blames Bricker for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to properly control the vehicle, struck a pedestrian, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to stop when danger was imminent and failed to warn of his impending approach.

In its complaint, State Farm is seeking a judgment of more than $105,000, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Dennis A. Brebner of Yudkin and Brebner in Waukegan will be representing it.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-460.