Suit filed over rear-end crash with tractor trailer

A Leon County man claims he sustained physical pain and mental anguish after a tractor-trailer truck rear-ended his vehicle.

Thomas Ayers filed a lawsuit June 10 in Jefferson County District Court against Robert Estes and Service Transport Co.

Ayers claims that on Aug. 19, 2008, he was driving west on State Highway 7 in Leon County pulling a flatbed trailer when he slowed for traffic in front of him.

According to the complaint, however, Estes failed to slow the tractor trailer he drove for Service Transport Co. and collided with the rear of Ayers vehicle, pushing Ayer's vehicle forward a great distance.

In addition to his physical pain and mental anguish, Ayers incurred medical costs, suffered physical impairment and disability, lost wages and sustained disfigurement, the suit states.

He blames Estes and Service Transport for causing the accident, saying Estes negligently failed to control his speed, failed to pay attention to the traffic and road conditions, failed to take proper evasive actions, recklessly operated his vehicle and drove an unsafe vehicle, while Service Transport Company failed to maintain the vehicle in accordance with state and federal laws, failed to adequately train its employees and failed to ensure that employee drivers drive in a safe manner.

In his complaint, Ayers seeks a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre-judgment interest at the highest legal rate, post-judgment interest, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

W. Hunter Shurtleff of Davis and Davis in Bryan will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E187-051.