ESL bar sued by driver hurt in accident

A Cahokia man has filed suit against an East St. Louis bar, claiming he, his wife and his daughter were severely injured after a drunken driver collided with their vehicle.

Dennis A. Cordevant claims he, his wife and his daughter were traveling on Stolle Road in St. Clair County on June 3 when Michael Byrd, who was under the influence of alcohol, struck the vehicle the family was riding in, according to the complaint filed Oct. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Before the collision, Byrd had been drinking alcoholic beverages at Sandy Ridge and was intoxicated when he left the establishment, the suit states.

In addition to his severe bodily injuries, Cordevant claims his daughter, Kaylee, and his wife, Frances, were injured.

He lost Kaylee's and Frances's society and companionship because of the accident, according to the complaint.

Cordevant claims Sandy Ridge violated the Dram Shop Act by continuing to serve intoxicating beverages to Byrd.

The bar also destroyed footage of the night of the accident, even though Cordevant asked it to preserve the images captured that night, the suit states.

In the four-count suit, Cordevant is seeking a judgment in excess of $200,000, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court determines appropriate.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-525.