Motorists who unexpectedly met six years ago in an automobile collision will come together again as a trial over the incident begins in a Jefferson County courtroom.
In December 2005, Debra Beckett filed suit against Cynthia Purkey and Jody Shepherd, alleging the two defendants were responsible for the injuries she suffered after Purkey rear-ended her vehicle.
On Monday, May 17, jury selection began in Jefferson County Judge Donald Floyd's 172nd District Court.
Court documents show that on Jan. 21, 2004, Beckett was traveling on Interstate 10 and preparing to exit onto a service road when she was forced stop for backed up traffic.
"Plaintiff stopped for traffic and (Purkey) rear ended her vehicle, causing a collision," Beckett's suit states, adding that, through no negligence of her own, she suffered severe and permanent injuries.
The suit does not describe Beckett's injuries in detail.
Shepherd is also a defendant in the trial.
In her suit, Beckett accuses Shepherd of negligently entrusting her vehicle to Purkey.
Beckett is asking jurors to award her damages for her alleged past and future mental anguish, lost wages and medical expenses.
She is represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Michael Nacol.
The defendants are represented by Beaumont attorney Karen Spivey.
Case No. E176-176
Rear-end collision subject of trial
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