Wrongful death complaint filed over Cahokia accident

The mother of a deceased man is suing the person who crashed into her son and killed him.

Carla R. Grissom filed a lawsuit May 14 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dartavus B. Allen.

Grissom says her son, Brandon J. Murdock, was walking in the 800 block of Falling Springs Road in Cahokia on April 13 when Allen, who was driving south on the same road and approaching Murdock, collided with Murdock.

"At the time and place aforesaid, the defendant, Dartavus B. Allen, negligently drove his automobile off the traveled surface of Falling Springs Road, through a driveway, into a yard located alongside thereof, as a proximate result, in whole or in part, of the negligence of the defendant," the suit states.

As a result of the collision, Murdock died on April 13, according to
the complaint.

Because of Murdock's death, his mother, father, brother and sister have lost his companionship and society, Grissom says.

Allen negligently drove too fast, failed to keep his vehicle within a single lane, failed to keep a proper lookout ahead and failed to stop or swerve to avoid hitting Murdock, Grissom claims.

Grissom is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

Brad L. Badgley of Belleville will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-251.