Auto collision suit settles before trial

An automobile collision lawsuit slated to go to trial Monday settled before a jury could be called upon.

As previously reported, area resident Jennifer Brooks filed suit against Port Arthur locals Jeremy and David Gonzalez on Jan. 24, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court for causing a collision with a vehicle in which she was a passenger.

Rather than go to trial, the parties reached a settlement, according to a courthouse official.

The suit alleges that on July 11, 2010, Brooks was a passenger in a vehicle traveling west on 29th Street in Port Arthur when Jeremy suddenly stopped in front of the vehicle to attempt to back into a private drive, causing the collision.

The suit accuses Jeremy of negligently failing to keep a proper lookout and David of negligent entrustment.

However, the defendants maintained that the incident was caused by a third party, Jeffery Rodgers, who allegedly failed to maintain a speed that was reasonable, court records show.

Although the settlement amount is not on file, a motion in limine sought to stop the defendants from mentioning that one of the defendants paid or offered to pay any of the plaintiff’s medical expenses.

Brooks sought damages for her alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

Beaumont attorney Ryan White represents her.

The defendants are represented by R.J. Blue of the Houston law firm Soule, Baldwin & Fanaff.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. B191-794