CEDAR RAPIDS -- A Protivin mother who lost two children in a December 2006 traffic accident is taking a trucking company to court.

The collision happened on ice-covered Highway 63 three miles north of New Hampton at about 5 p.m. Dec. 5, 2006, and involved a passenger car, a van and a tractor trailer.

The crash claimed the lives of Raven Williams, 3, and Wesley Williams, 2.

The mother, Nicole Sanders, 25, filed the lawsuit against Lee Steyer Trucking of Wisconsin and driver William L. Creager, 44, of Westby, Wis., in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

Nicole Sanders, her then-11-month-old daughter and the driver of their vehicle, sister Toni Sanders, were also injured in the accident.

At the time of the accident, officials with the Iowa State Patrol said the Sanders vehicle was headed north when it lost control and crossed the centerline, striking an oncoming van.

The two vehicles came to a rest in the roadway and was then struck by the southbound Wisconsin semi truck.

All people involved were wearing seat belts, troopers said.

The lawsuit, submitted by attorney Brian McPhail of Osage, alleges the semi was driving too fast for conditions, speeding and failed to take evasive actions to avoid the collision.

Nicole Sanders, who is the administrator for the children's estates, is seeking damages to include burial expenses, accumulated earnings had the children lived, pain and suffering and loss of consortium. The damages sought exceed $75,000 but a total wasn't disclosed.

Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com