Suit blames owner for loaning car to unlicensed driver

A local man has filed suit against the person he says negligently entrusted a vehicle to a non-licensed driver who rear-ended him.

Jerry L. Hammers II claims he was driving in Jefferson County on March 22, 2008, when defendant Juan Pablo Guzman-Rodriguez struck the rear of his vehicle. At the time of the incident, Guzman-Rodriguez was driving a vehicle defendant Daniel Guzman had loaned to him, according to the complaint filed Dec. 17 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the accident, Hammers sustained severe and permanent injuries to his neck, back and body; suffered physical pain and mental anguish; and incurred medical costs, the suit states.

The plaintiff claims Guzman should never have lent his vehicle to Guzman-Rodriguez, who was an unlicensed driver, the complaint says.

Hammers blames Guzman-Rodriguez for failing to control his speed, for failing to exercise ordinary care, for failing to keep a proper lookout and for failing to properly apply his brakes.

Hammers seeks an unspecified judgment, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

He will be represented by Kip K. Lamb, K. Leigh Parker Jr. and Mark W. Frasher of Beaumont.

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: B185-498.