BELLEVILLE – A motorist is suing over injuries she and her minor daughter allegedly suffered as the result of an automobile accident. She is citing negligence and seeks damages under the Illinois Family Expense Act.
Noel K. Russell, individually and as next friend of Haggen Russell, filed the suit March 7 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Sarah E. Bertelsman.
On Aug. 11, 2014, the plaintiff was driving her vehicle eastbound on Frank Scott Parkway East near its intersection with Benchmark Center Drive in Swansea, according to the suit, which says that at the same time, the defendant was driving in the same direction.
The defendant allegedly drove her vehicle in such a manner that it collided with the rear of the plaintiff's vehicle.
Among the defendant's allegedly negligent acts, the suit says, were: speeding, failing to keep the vehicle under control, failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to brake in time to avoid the collision.
As a result, the suit says, the plaintiff sustained personal injuries, she will be prevented from attending to her usual affairs, and she will continue to lose wages. She has spent large sums of money for medical bills, and expects to do so well into the future, the suit alleges.
The plaintiff's daughter also sustained personal injuries for which she has incurred large medical bills, and will continue to do so into the future, according to the suit.
The plaintiff seeks damages greater than $50,000 plus court costs. She is represented by Anthony P. Gilbreth of Crowder & Scoggins Ltd. in Columbia.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-131