Beaumont in trial over 'horrible road conditions'

Jury selection for an automobile injury trial against the city of Beaumont began Monday, Sept. 13.

Kevin Roach sued the city in July 2008, alleging "horrible road conditions" forced him to veer into oncoming traffic and strike another motorist.

Court papers show that on July 10, 2006, Roach was traveling down Concord Street in Beaumont, when "horrible road conditions caused (him) to lose control of his vehicle" and slam head on into another vehicle in the opposite lane.

"Plaintiff would show the area in question had huge holes, cracks and depressions in the asphalt," the suit states. "Such excavations and obstructions caused plaintiff to lose control."

Roach will attempt to convince jurors that the city negligently failed to maintain its roadways.

He will ask jurors to award him damages for his alleged mental anguish, lost earnings, impairment and medical expenses.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the trial.

Roach is represented by Beaumont attorney Jonathan Juhan.

Senior Assistant City Attorney Quentin Price represents the city.

Case No. D181-982