SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A mother is suing another driver and the board that oversees the Missouri Department of Transportation over a crash that killed her 11-year-old daughter.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that Clorissa Tilden was forced into a guardrail in May, while driving on U.S. 65 in Springfield. She alleges in the lawsuit filed this month that the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission had "actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition involving the relevant portion of the guardrail and failed to remove, repair, replace or warn of the dangerous condition." The commission blamed the fatality on distracted driving in a statement.
The lawsuit also names 18-year-old Mikaila Koch, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault in the crash. Prosecutors say she was speeding and not paying attention. She's pleaded not guilty.