Mom says daughter hurt when car hit her while riding her bike

A Jefferson County woman is suing over claims her daughter, a minor, was struck by a car while riding her bike.

Tanika Ford, individually and as next friend of Theresa Barnes, a minor, filed a lawsuit Oct. 8 in Jefferson County District Court against Heather L. Cope, citing negligence.

According to the complaint, Barnes was riding her bicycle east on the sidewalk of Helena Avenue on May 16, when Cope drove her vehicle out of the parking lot of a gas station at the corner of Helena Avenue and North 22nd Street, failed to observe Barnes and struck her bicycle. The complaint states Barnes sustained injuries, and Ford has accrued medical expenses.

The lawsuit also states Barnes is likely to accrue medical expenses when she reaches the age of majority. Cope is accused of negligence and negligence per se for allegedly failing to control her vehicle's speed and maintain a proper lookout.

Ford seeks more than $200,000 in damages, interest and costs of court. She is represented by attorneys John A. Daspit, Robert Morse and Kiernan McAlpine of Daspit Law Firm in Houston.

Jefferson County District Court case number: A-196203