Crash on I-10 leads to lawsuit

A Beaumont man claims he experienced physical pain and suffering after a driver slammed into the rear of the vehicle in which he rode.

Jerome Harmon filed a lawsuit May 26 in Jefferson County District Court against Joseph Gomez.

Harmon claims he rode in a vehicle Amy Hadnot drove south on Interstate 10 service road on May 19, 2009, when Gomez failed to control his speed and struck the vehicle.

In addition to his pain and suffering, Harmon incurred mental anguish, lost his earning capacity, suffered physical impairment and incurred medical costs because of the accident, according to the complaint.

He blames Gomez for causing the collision, saying Gomez failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to drive in a safe manner, failed to maintain control of his vehicle, failed to keep a safe distance, failed to take evasive action and failed to control his speed.

In his complaint, Harmon seeks an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Tom Oxford of Waldman Smallwood in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: D186-943.