Driver claims she was forced into light pole

A woman claims she was forced to hit a light pole after a driver suddenly swerved into her lane.

Tineka L. Galloway filed a lawsuit March 19 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Teryun Jackson.

In her complaint, Galloway claims she drove a 1997 GMC Suburban north on McCasland Avenue near its intersection with South 26th Street in East St. Alton on March 23, 2010, when Jackson, who drove in the same direction, suddenly veered into Galloway's lane, striking Galloway's Suburban. In turn, Galloway swerved off the road and struck a light pole, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Galloway and her minor children, Tayana C. Galloway and Curtis D. Galloway Jr., suffered physical pain and mental anguish and incurred medical costs, the suit states.

She blames Jackson for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to take evasive measures to avoid a collision and drove without adequate brakes, among other negligent acts.

In her five-count complaint, Galloway seeks an unspecified judgment, plus costs.

Thomas B. Cannady of Cannady and Aubuchon in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-145.