Passengers claim injuries in Frank Scott Parkway accident

Four people claim they sustained numerous injuries, including neck, shoulder and low back injuries, after a driver rear-ended the vehicle in which they rode.

Dessie Bennett, Andre Bennett Sr. and Katina Scott filed a lawsuit March 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dan Hepp and Gregory T. Beys.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs claim Dessie Bennett drove a vehicle north on Frank Scott Parkway about 33 feet from its intersection with South 57th Street when Hepp, who drove a vehicle owned by Beys, rear-ended her vehicle. At the time of the collision, Andre Bennett and minor Keenan Deal Jr., Scott's minor son, were riding as passengers in the vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, the plaintiffs became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled and received neck, shoulder and low back injuries, the suit states. In addition, they incurred medical costs, suffered disability, experienced pain and suffering and lost wages, the complaint says.

The plaintiffs blame Hepp for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove in such a manner that he struck the rear of Bennett's car, failed to properly apply his brakes and drove too fast. In addition, Hepp followed Bennett's vehicle too closely, according to the complaint.

The plaintiffs name Beys as a defendant, saying he should never have entrusted his vehicle to Hepp, who was known to be an incompetent, inexperienced and reckless driver.

In their eight-count complaint, the plaintiffs seek a judgment of more than $400,000, plus costs.

They will be represented by Thomas C. Rich and Kristina D. Cooksey of Fairview Heights.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-147.