BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing motorists and the East Alton Circle K for unrelated injuries allegedly resulting from a collision and slip and fall incident.
Susan Krouse and David Krouse filed a complaint Sept. 22 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jose Mendez, Blincia Reza-Rodriguez and Mac's Convenience Stores LLC, doing business as Circle K, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, Susan Krouse was driving her vehicle on I-55-70 near an entrance ramp on Oct. 28, 2019. The plaintiffs allege that Mendez and Rodriquez were driving their vehicles in the left lane beside Krouse when they allegedly "violently" slammed into Krouse's vehicle. As a result, Krouse allegedly suffered injuries to her neck and other areas.
She also claims she has suffered pain, disability, "loss of normal life," and suffered disfigurement.
The plaintiffs claim they have incurred medical bills and that Krouse has "been impaired in her earning capacity." They also claim their vehicle was "severely damaged," which caused them to require a rental car "at great expense" as a form of substitute transportation.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants were negligent by speeding, failing to "give an audible warning" such as with his horn, failing to change lanes and yield the right of way and failing to drive "as practicable entirely within a single lane." They also claim Mendez was driving under the influence of alcohol.
In Krouse's claim against Circle K, she alleges she was at the East Alton location when she slipped and fell. As a result, she claims she suffered injuries to her neck, head, right arm, right shoulder, and right hip/leg.
She alleges Circle K failed to provide a reasonably safe walkway surface, failed to adequately warn of the dangerous conditions, failed to provide adequate lighting, and failed to provide an adequate door mat to cover the slick area and absorb water.
The Krouses seek monetary relief of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. They are represented by Brian Wendler and Angie Zinzilieta of Wendler & Zinzilieta PC in Edwardsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 20-L-0725