Jury selection began Monday in a civil trial over an automobile collision that took place on Highway 69 more than two years ago.
Alleging reckless driving caused the collision, Lisa Chapman and Amanda Breeden, as next of friend of several minors, filed suit against Alex and Maura Tony, Susan and Robert Saurage, and Dana Baker Jr. on Feb. 28, 2013, in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the plaintiff’s second amended petition, on No. 15, 2012, the defendants were traveling north on Highway 69 near the Fannett Road exit in Beaumont when they allegedly failed to control their speed and struck, or caused other vehicles to strike, the rear of Chapman’s vehicle.
Chapman was driving. The other plaintiffs were passengers in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The plaintiffs allege they sustained bodily injuries due to the defendants negligently failing to yield the right of way, maintain a proper lookout and control their speed.
The passengers are seeking less than $100,000 in damages. Chapman is not limiting her recover to $100,000, the suit states.
The plaintiffs will ask jurors to award them damages for their past and future, medical expenses, pain, mental anguish, impairment and actual damages.
Attorney Mark Sparks of the Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represents them.
The trial is expected to last for three days, according to a courthouse official.
Judge Kent Walston, 58th District Court, is presiding over the trial.
Case No. A194-035
Trial over auto collision on Highway 69 starts
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