Utility vehicle driver blamed for Route 177 rear-end accident

A man claims he experienced pain and suffering after a driver rear-ended the vehicle in which he was riding.

Eric Bricker filed a lawsuit Oct. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Bailey Chrisman and Homero Martinez.

In his complaint, Bricker alleges he rode in a 2003 Dodge Caravan Sean Bricker was driving east on Illinois Route 177 in St. Clair County on June 9, 2012, when Chrisman, who was driving a 2011 Volkswagon utility vehicle in the same direction, struck the caravan in the back.

Because of the accident, Eric Bricker experienced disability and disfigurement, incurred medical costs, lost his income and lost his normal life, the suit states.

Eric Bricker blames Chrisman for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to reduce her speed to avoid a collision, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep her vehicle under proper control and failed to use ordinary care to avoid a collision.

In addition to Chrisman, Eric Bricker names Martinez as a defendant, saying he owned the vehicle that Chrisman was driving at the time of the collision.

In his complaint, Eric Bricker seeks actual damages of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Kevin Boyne of Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-553.