EDWARDSVILLE — A passenger is suing a truck owner who allegedly stopped suddenly and caused the plaintiff's vehicle to leave the roadway and hit a tree.
Robert Schnelten filed a complaint Jan. 31 in Madison County Circuit Court against A-Z Welding and Machine Inc., alleging the truck owner failed to properly train its employee/driver in operating a commercial vehicle safely.
According to the complaint, Schnelten alleges he was a passenger in a Lerry-Mead Concrete Construction truck traveling south on Fosterburg Road in Fosterburg Township on Sept. 6, 2017. He claims the defendant's truck suddenly stopped in front of the plaintiff's vehicle, causing Schnelten's driver to swerve to avoid the collision and travel onto the grassy shoulder until it hit a tree.
Schnelten claims he sustained serious injuries to his ulnar and radius on his right side, which required surgery and hardware placement, plus injuries to his right ankle, right hand and right fingers.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant's employee failed to keep proper lookout, failed to provide warning that the truck was going to stop quickly and negligently slammed on the brakes.
Schnelten seeks trial by jury, judgment of more than $50,000, plus court costs. He is represented by attorneys Michael P. Glisson and Timothy J. Chartrand of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court Case number 19-L-0134