Big rig clips car, injured occupants sue

Two Beaumont residents say they were disfigured after an 18-wheeler clipped the rear of their vehicle.

Shawna Gaines and Frank Manaway claim Gaines was driving on Interstate 10 near Hamshire on Jan. 28, 2008, when defendant William Moore, who was driving an 18-wheeler for defendant A&B Transport, attempted to change lanes.

"He suddenly clipped the left rear-quarter panel of Plaintiff's vehicle," the suit filed Jan. 28 in Jefferson County District Court states. "Plaintiff, Frank Manaway was a negligent-free passenger in the vehicle that Plaintiff Shawna Gaines was operating."

Because of the accident, Gaines and Manaway suffered physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and physical impairment and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

Moore negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to safely stop his vehicle and failed to keep his vehicle under control, the complaint says.

Gaines and Manaway are seeking actual damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Charlton P. Hornsby of Beaumont will be representing the plaintiffs.

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: B185-818.