EAST ST. LOUIS - A tractor-trailer driver is suing the operator of another tractor-trailer after his tandem tires allegedly became dislodged and caused a rollover crash.
Timothy Langfeldt filed a federal complaint on Dec. 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Mannley Transport, Inc and Johan B. Redecop, alleging negligence and vicarious liability.
According to the lawsuit, Langfeldt claims he was operating a 2018 Volvo 1800 Series semi tractor-trailer southbound on I-57 near milepost 69 in Franklin County at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2020. He claims Redecop was operating a 2013 freight tractor-trailer northbound on I-57. Langfeldt claims the tandem tires in the rear of Redecop's tractor-trailer became dislodged. Langfeldt claims Redecop's tandem tires crossed the median "at great speed" and collided with the front cab area of the plaintiff's tractor-trailer, forcing Langfeldt to "careen into the center median" and roll over.
Langfeldt claims he was caused to suffer severe and permanent injuries, including physically, emotionally, and economically. Langfeldt also claims he suffered great pain and anguish, both in mind and body, and conscious pain and suffering, expenditure and liability for large sums of money for medical care and services, mental anguish, guilt, remorse, and emotional distress.
Langfeldt seeks an award in excess of $75,000, plus cost of suit. Langfeldt is represented by Gerald Bekkerman of Taxman Pollock Murray & Bekkerman LLC in Chicago.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:21-cv-01736-NJR