Swerving truck and trailer caused wreck, suit alleges

A Hardin County man claims the driver of a truck with a trailer in tow failed to keep control of the vehicle and struck him.

Robert Q. Beaty claims he was driving his 2009 Nissan truck north on U.S. Highway 69 in Nederland on Oct. 15 when defendant Edward E. Slaughter, who was driving a 2001 Ford F-250 towing a 2006 Wells Cargo trailer, failed to stay in a single lane and struck the Nissan, pushing it into the concrete median strip.

Because of the collision, Beaty suffered two herniated discs in his lower back, one herniated disc in his neck and a torn tendon in his right shoulder, according to the complaint filed May 25 in Jefferson County District Court.

In addition, he incurred medical costs, experienced physical pain, mental anguish, suffering, disability and physical impairment and lost his enjoyment of life and his earning capacity, the suit states.

Beaty's Nissan cost more than $13,000 to repair and suffered a diminished value of more than $7,000, the complaint says.

Beaty blames Slaughter for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep an adequate lookout, failed to stay in a single lane and drove recklessly.

At the time of the collision, Slaughter was working for Gann Service Company, who Beaty alleges respondent superior, negligent entrustment, negligent hiring and negligent supervision against.

In his complaint, Beaty seeks actual damages, plus pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

Clay Dugas and Mike Jacobellis of Clay Dugas and Associates in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E186-944.