Man alleges auto crash injuries caused by faulty vehicle repairs

A man is suing a Summit auto repair business, alleging negligence led to a vehicle accident.

Brian Sterba filed suit April 13 in Cook County Circuit Court against Summit Auto Center Inc., citing negligence.

According to the complaint, on Oct. 30, 2013, David Sterba, father of the plaintiff, took a 2002 Ford Escape XLT to be serviced at Summit Auto Center, 6400 S. Harlem Ave. The suit says David Sterba complained of "unintended racing of the engine," as well as "prior repairs and recalls of the vehicle due to this problem." On the same day, Summit returned the vehicle to David Sterba, saying the problem had been repaired, the suit says.

But on Nov. 3, 2013, the suit states, Brian Sterba, was driving the vehicle on 135th Street in Palos Heights when it accelerated on its own and caused it to go at a high speed until it crashed at the end of 135th Street and Vine Street in Blue Island. The suit says Summit Auto Center failed to properly diagnose the problem, failed to adequately repair, replace and install the necessary parts, failed to properly inspect the vehicle to ensure the problem was fixed, created a condition that caused an "unreasonable risk of harm," and was negligent.

The plaintiff claims internal and external injuries, as well as becoming sick, sore, lame, diseased and disordered for a long time and suffering "great pain."

Sterba seeks unspecified damages. He is represented by attorney Thomas J. Fedick, of Harman and Fedick, of Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 15-L-3798.