BELLEVILLE – A passenger on a city bus is suing over injuries he allegedly received when the bus was involved in an accident.
Julio Smith filed the suit Jan. 14 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Bi-State Development Agency, doing business as Metro, and Danny Phinney.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 27, 2015, the plaintiff was a passenger on a bus owned and operated by the defendant that was traveling southbound on Mississippi Avenue in Centerville. The driver turned left at an intersection, and the right-hand side of the bus was allegedly struck.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants were negligent in failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to properly apply the brakes, driving too fast for conditions and failing to yield the right-of-way.
As a result of said negligence, the plaintiff claims he sustained injuries to his head, neck, back and arms, expects to pay medical expenses, has suffered disability and has lost wages.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against both defendants in excess of $50,000 plus court costs. He is represented by Thomas C. Rich, Kristina D. Cooksey and Michelle Rich of Thomas C. Rich PC in Fairview Heights.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-28