BELLEVILLE – An Illinois couple alleges a distracted driver struck the rear of the husband's vehicle on the McKinley Bridge over the Mississippi River.
Matthew Johnson and Christina Johnson filed a complaint on June 1 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Robert Rhea alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on June 9, 2016, Matthew Johnson was injured when the defendant struck the rear of his vehicle, causing it to move forward and violently strike the bridge's guard rail.
He alleges he sustained physical injuries to his shoulder, neck, back, head and other parts of the body. Christina Johnson alleges she suffered a loss of consortium and incurred medical bills.
The plaintiffs allege Rhea drove his vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit, drove while distracted, failed to keep vigilant lookout and failed to yield.
The plaintiffs seek judgment against the defendant in an amount of more than $50,000 for each for each plaintiff, plus costs of court.
They are represented by Michael P. Glisson and Taylor N. Fehrenz of Williamson, Webster, Falb & Glisson in Alton.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 18-L-394