Bus rider sues driver, city over highway collision

A Jefferson County woman is suing the city of Port Arthur and one of its bus drivers after she claims she was injured when the bus was in a collision at a highway intersection.

Maria Escobar filed a lawsuit in Jefferson County District Court March 12, alleging she was a passenger on a city of Port Arthur transit bus that was involved in a collision on June 25.

According to the suit, the bus driven by Alfred Granger was traveling north on Texas 347 when he ran a red light at its intersection with Highway 73 Access Road.

"The bus crashed into a vehicle that was crossing SH 347 heading west," the suit states. "Defendant Granger lost control of the bus, traveled across lanes of traffic, and struck yet another vehicle before it came to rest."

Because of the accident, Escobar claims she incurred medical expenses and suffered injuries to her head, ribs, right shoulder, right ankle, back and lung and experienced physical pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, physical disfigurement and lost wages.

Escobar is seeking actual damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which she may be entitled.

Barry C. Bennett of Eddins and Bennett Law Firm in Beaumont will be representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Case No. B183-523