EDWARDSVILLE — A passenger is suing a pickup truck driver for allegedly causing a crash on Illinois Route 162.
Brian Courtney filed a complaint on July 20 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Robert J. Portell, alleging the defendant failed to exercise ordinary care while operating his motor vehicle on the public highways.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on July 24, 2015, he was a passenger in a Ford that was stopped on Illinois Route 162 while traveling westbound. He claims the van was struck from behind by Portell's GMC Sierra near the intersection with Vadalabene Drive.
As a result, Courtney claims he suffered physical injuries, pain, loss of normal life and medical expenses.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to reduce the speed of his vehicle and followed a vehicle more closely than was reasonable and prudent.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in an amount which will fairly and reasonably compensate him for the injuries and damages sustained, in an amount in excess of $50,000, plus costs of suit, and other relief deems proper.
He is represented by James E. Prestley of Hausmann-McNally, SC in Rockford.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-001038