Couple faults driver in failed highway u-turn

A Louisiana couple filed a lawsuit against a Hood County driver and his Georgia-based employer alleging negligence in a 2013 motor vehicle accident.

Michael S. Mathews and Amanda S. Mathews of Grand Cane, Louisiana filed individually and on behalf of their two minor children against Jeremy B. Baker and Aaron’s, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta and doing business in Texas, in the Lufkin Division of the Eastern District of Texas on June 9, claiming liability in a June 2013 incident.

According to the suit, the plaintiffs were traveling westbound on the outside lane of U.S. Highway 84 in Shelby County on June 14, 2013 when Baker attempted to make a U-turn unsafely, crashing into the Mathews’ vehicle.

The complaint alleged that Baker was inattentive, failed to keep a proper lookout, and was negligent in his failure to control his vehicle, warn others of his approach or otherwise take evasive action to avoid the collision. The plaintiffs alleged Aaron's was guilty of negligent entrustment of its vehicle along with negligent hiring.

The couple claimed medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and impairment. They requested more than $75,000 in compensation for damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, expenses, and costs. The plaintiffs are represented by Patrick Jackson of Bossier City, Louisiana.

Lufkin Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case 9:15-cv-00096