JC jury renders $23K verdict in wreck trial

A brief automobile collision trial concluded Tuesday with the jury awarding more than $23,000 in damages.

Plaintiff Hilda V. Bell filed suit against Dajore J. Marks on Feb. 12, 2013, in Jefferson County District Court, claiming Marks failed to obey a red traffic signal and caused an automobile collision.

The case went to trial March 24 and ended that same day.

According to the charge of the court, filed March 25, jurors were asked what sum of money would compensate Bell for injuries sustained in the crash.

The jury awarded Bell $13,500 in mental anguish damages, $3,000 for impairment and $7,140.84 for incurred medical expenses.

In her suit, Bell claims she was driving north on the service road for U.S. 69 at its intersection with Lucas on Aug. 9, 2011, when defendant Marks drove through a red light and struck her vehicle.

The suit further alleges Marks negligently failed to control his speed, failed to obey a red light, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep a safe distance between his vehicle and Bell’s, failed to swerve to avoid a collision, failed to stop to avoid a collision, failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to observe traffic signals and drove carelessly.

Attorney Ryan C. Scott of The Scott Law Firm in Beaumont represents Bell.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the case.

Case No. D193-932