BELLEVILLE — A St. Clair County man is suing a motorist, alleging his negligence caused a crash that injured the plaintiff and damaged his bicycle.
Harvey J. Lewallen IV filed a complaint July 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jerry R. Vinson, alleging assault and battery in failing to keep his vehicle under proper control.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 5, 2014, Lewallen was riding his bicycle south on North Lincoln in Fairview Heights. The suit says Vinson, traveling in the same direction, attempted to pass Lewallen's path of travel, forcing the plaintiff and his bike up onto and over a curb and off the road surface.
As a result, the lawsuit states, the bicycle was severely damaged and non-functional. while Lewallen sustained injuries to his neck, head and right hand.
The plaintiff alleges Vinson shouted at the cyclist's group to "get off the road," aggressively swerved his vehicle directly into plaintiff's path in an effort to create fear and struck plaintiff with his vehicle.
Lewallen seeks trial by jury, judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs of suit. He is represented by attorney David C. Nelson of Nelson & Nelson, Attorneys at Law PC in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-398