Tractor trailer driver blamed for I-64 crash near Caseyville

Two people claim they suffered various injuries after a driver failed to yield the right-of-way and struck their vehicle.

Nicola Huitron and Bernabe Huitron-Rangle claim they were riding in a vehicle traveling east in the right-hand lane of Interstate 64 near milepost 9 in Caseyville on Dec. 3, 2011, when defendant Bruce E. Walker, who was driving a 2009 tractor-trailer east in the left-hand lane, struck their vehicle.

Because of the collision, the plaintiffs suffered severe and permanent injuries, were hindered and prevented from attending to their usual duties and affairs and suffered great pain and anguish, according to the complaint filed Sept. 24 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

The plaintiffs blame Walker for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, failed to keep proper control of his vehicle, drove too fast, drove without keeping a proper lookout, failed to equip his vehicle with adequate brakes and failed to yield the right-of-way.

In addition to Walker, the plaintiffs name Transam as a defendant, saying it had entrusted its vehicle to Walker.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs are seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.

Kenneth B. Beljanski of Brown and Brown in Fairview Heights will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-490.