Lawsuit: driver rear-ended vehicle twice in St. Clair County

On Behalf of Johnston Law Offices P.C   |   Oct 25, 2012   |   Car Accidents ,

Unfortunately, car accidents occur on a daily basis throughout Illinois and Missouri. Drunk driving, inattentive driving, distracted driving and speeding all frequently leave people with injuries and expensive medical bills. Fortunately, those who are injured in car accidents caused by another’s negligence do have the right to seek compensation.

For example, a woman who sustained multiple injuries in a car accident in St. Clair County has now filed a lawsuit against the other driver in the accident. The woman was reportedly driving east on Illinois Route 15 in September 2010 when a car behind her struck her vehicle–not once, but twice.

In general, in Illinois, the rear vehicle is usually liable for rear-end collisions. This is because even if the front car slows or stops unexpectedly, the rear vehicle is the one that is responsible for keeping a safe distance to avoid an accident.

While a report about the victim’s personal injury lawsuit does not detail exactly what led this particular accident to occur, most rear-end collisions involve the inattentiveness of the rear-ending driver. Of course, cellphone use, fatigue and driver distractedness can all contribute to inattentive driving.

According to a report In the Madison-St. Clair Record, the plaintiff has claimed that the driver who rear-ended her failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to maintain control of the vehicle, neglected to stop or swerve to avoid a collision and to keep a safe distance between the two vehicles.

The extent of the woman’s injuries was not reported, but she has asked for $25,000 in addition to legal costs.

In the aftermath of a car accident, expenses can add up. In addition to property damage to a vehicle, victims are left with medical and rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for time spent in recovery, among other costs. Civil action can often remedy these financial difficulties as well as hold a negligent driver accountable.

Source: The Madison-St. Clair Record, “Driver failed to keep proper lookout in Route 15 accident, suit says,” Kelly Holleran, Oct. 18, 2012