BELLEVILLE – A truck driver and his employer are being sued for wrongful death after he allegedly caused a collision, killing a father of two young sons.
Laura Marler, acting as administrator of the estate of Ryan Marler, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against defendants Bione Truck Service, Inc. Lee Enterprises, Inc. and employee Larry Hallman, citing carelessness and negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Hallman, an employee of Bione Truck Services, was driving east on I-64 in O'Fallon on Oct. 21, 2020. His truck was carrying newspapers and other publications manufactured and sold by Lee Enterprises. At the time, the suit states that the weather was extremely foggy, which significantly limited his visibility. Despite these weather conditions, Hallman was allegedly driving at speeds in excess of 50 mph when he crashed into Ryan Marler's vehicle. Marler was seriously injured in the crash and ultimately died from his injuries, the suit states.
The suit alleges that Marler's death has caused grief and sorrow to his next of kin, which includes two young sons.
Laura Marler is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. The plaintiff is represented in this case by attorney Reed Nelson of Nelson & Nelson Attorneys at Law in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 22LA0875