Man drives into ditch to avoid wreck, sues other driver's employer

A Jasper County man has filed suit against a glass company after he landed in a ditch while trying to avoid being hit by one of the company's vehicles.

According to court documents, Buford B. Taylor claims he was driving his red Ford Explorer north on U.S. Highway 69 in Port Arthur on Aug. 9, 2007. At the same time, Robert Edward Farris, an employee of Susan's Glass Shop doing business as Glass Doctor, was driving south on the highway and attempted to make a U-turn.

"In making the U-turn, Defendant Robert Edward Farris crossed into the outside lane on Highway 69, causing the Plaintiff to take evasive action, leaving the road, becoming airborne, and landing in a ditch," the complaint filed July 23 in Jefferson County District Court states.

Because of the accident, Taylor sustained permanent bodily injury, lost wages and was forced to retire early, according to the complaint.

"Prior to the injury Plaintiff was working for Universal Plant Services Inc., in Deer Park, Texas, and earning $21.83 per hour and getting overtime at the rate of $32.74 per hour," the complaint says. "Plaintiff was forced to retire early and lost at least five years' wages exceeding $200,000."

In addition, Taylor claims he incurred medical costs of more than $50,000.

The complaint alleges that Farris negligently failed to yield the right-of-way when making a U-turn, crossed into a lane of traffic that Taylor was occupying, failed to keep a proper lookout, made a left turn into oncoming traffic and failed to apply his brakes.

Taylor is seeking a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of the court, plus post-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

Frank A. Adams of the Law Offices of Adams and Adams in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: A184-544.