Suit says big rig changed lanes, struck vehicle

A Stonewall woman claims she sustained injuries when the driver of a tractor trailer failed to change lanes at a safe time and struck her vehicle.

Andrea Calhoun filed a lawsuit Nov. 10 in Jefferson County District Court against American Industrial Minerals and Henry Trahan Jr.

Calhoun claims she drove south on Highway 73 when Trahan, who drove a tractor trailer owned by American Industrial, improperly changed lanes and struck Calhoun's vehicle.

In addition to her injuries, Calhoun incurred medical costs; experienced mental anguish, physical pain, suffering and disability; and sustained physical impairment, according to the complaint.

Calhoun blames Trahan for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to stay in his lane, failed to exercise due care, made an unsafe lane change and drove negligently.

Calhoun also names American Industrial Minerals as a defendant, saying it failed to properly train and supervise Trahan, hired Trahan without conducting an adequate background check and entrusted a vehicle to a driver who it should have known to be incompetent.

In her complaint, Calhoun seeks a judgment within the minimum jurisdictional limis of Jefferson County District Court, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which she may be entitled.

Clay Dugas and Mike Jacobellis of Beaumont will be rperesenting her.

Case No. E188-773