Rear-ended motorist sues SUV driver for $75,000
Staff writer
A Hillsboro man whose pickup was rear-ended by a sport utility vehicle filed suit Sept. 9 seeking more than $75,000 from the other driver.
Ivan Schmidt claims he suffered permanent injuries, has past and future medical expenses, and has suffered disability and wage loss. He also claims ongoing pain.
The wreck happened Jan. 28, 2022, on Indigo Rd. while Schmidt was driving southbound in a 2000 Ford Ranger.
Defendant Joseph Willems, also from Hillsboro, was driving a 1998 Ford Expedition behind Schmidt.
Schmidt claims Willems came upon his pickup at high speed before crashing into it.
He claims Willems was 100% at fault because he failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to take evasive action, drove too fast for conditions, and did not use reasonable care to keep his SUV under control.
According to an accident report, Schmidt was taken by ambulance to Hillsboro Community Hospital. He told deputy Kaylan Miles he had seen Willems approaching in a mirror, but Willems said he hadn’t seen Schmidt’s pickup until it emerged from shadows.
Schmidt told Miles he had been driving around 55 mph, but Willems, who claimed to have been driving no faster than 60 mph, said Schmidt’s vehicle had appeared to be barely moving.
Miles listed inattentive driving by Willems as a factor, but no citations were issued.