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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Trial over Beaumont auto collision begins

LaRue

Jury selection has begun in a case brought by five plaintiffs who claim they suffered injuries in an automobile collision.

Last February, the Southeast Texas Record reported that Elizabeth Mullins and Debbie Mills filed a lawsuit individually and on behalf of their three minor children in Jefferson County District Court against Chau Thoung and Hue Tri Nguyen.

According to the suit, Mullins and Mills claim Mullins was driving a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire on Washington Boulevard in Beaumont on Aug. 5, 2009, when she stopped at the boulevard's intersection with 11th Street for a red light. Suddenly, Nguyen, who drove a 1997 Ford pick-up west on the same road, failed to control his speed and struck the Pontiac.

On Monday, March 5 jury selection began in the case. Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the trial.

In their suit, Mullins and Mills blame Nguyen for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to avoid the collision and failed to drive as a reasonable driver would have.

Truong is faulted for negligent entrustment.

Because of the collision, Elizabeth Mullins experienced cervical neck pain, which caused her headaches, and lumbar back pain, the suit states. Sorto experienced cervical neck, left knee, leg and back pain while Marpoe experienced cervical neck pain, thoracic back pain and shoulder pain, the complaint says.

The plaintiffs will ask jurors to award them damages for their medical expenses, pain and mental anguish.

David J. LaRue and Ryan Douglas White of Loncar and Associates in Beaumont represent them.

Case No. A189-267

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