Nederland man reaps $16K verdict in auto wreck trial

Four years after being rear-ended at a Dowlen Road intersection, Gerald Sawyer has been awarded more than $16,000 for alleged injuries he suffered in the collision.

On Jan. 27, 2006, Sawyer was traveling on Dowlen when he stopped at a red light and was rear-ended by Diana Cunningham.

Last week, a Jefferson County jury found Cunningham had negligently caused the automobile collision, awarding Sawyer $16,088.98 in damages, according to a charge of the court filed April 21.

In his suit, Sawyer says that at the time of the incident "Cunningham was an incompetent and unfit driver" and was driving while "under the influence of drugs."

Jurors agreed, awarding Sawyer $6,888.98 in past medical expenses, $2,000 in lost wages, $3,600 for his impairment, and another $3,600 for his mental anguish.

Sawyer was represented by Beaumont attorney Jonathan Juhan.

Cunningham was represented by attorney Kathryn Anderson.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District, presided over the trial.

Case No. D180-967