A motorist sued for hitting a man while riding his horse argues that the horse was not maintained properly on the roadway.
Bernard Campbell filed the lawsuit on Oct. 12 against Isaac Billups Sr.
According to the complaint, Billups was driving southbound on the Interstate Highway 255 ramp at State Street in East St. Louis on Jan. 26, 2014. At the same time, Campbell was allegedly crossing the crosswalk astride his horse when the defendant struck him.
Campbell claims his horse died in the collision and he was seriously injured. He seeks at least $50,000 in damages.
Billups answered the complaint on Nov. 12 through attorney Jennifer Barbieri of Clayborne Sabo & Wagner in Belleville. He asserted 13 affirmative defenses against the plaintiff, arguing that Campbell contributed to his own injuries and assumed risk of injury through his own actions.
The defendant argues that Campbell negligently and carelessly failed to display an amber signal lamp on the horse he was riding and failed to keep his horse under proper control and with due care while operating the horse on a public highway.
Billups also argues that Campbell failed to pay proper attention to persons on the roadway and failed to stop at the red light signal.
Campbell is also accused of operating his horse while under the influence of alcohol.
Campbell answered the affirmative defenses on Nov. 17 through attorney Christina Sugden of Katzman & Sugden in Belleville. He denied the allegations against him.
Circuit Judge Vincent Lopinot scheduled a status conference for March 14 at 9 a.m.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-580