Suit filed against driver who struck slowed vehicle

A man has filed suit against the driver who he claims struck the rear of his vehicle as he slowed for traffic.

Gary L. Bishop claims he was driving north on Texas Avenue on Oct. 12, 2009, when defendant Michael I. Wingle struck the rear of Bishop's vehicle as he slowed for traffic.

Because of the collision, Bishop incurred medical costs, sustained disfigurement and lost wages, according to the complaint Sept. 22 in Jefferson County District Court. In addition, Bishop sustained pain and suffering, the suit states.

Wingle negligently failed to control his speed, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to maintain a safe distance between the vehicle he was driving and the one in front of him and failed to swerve to avoid a collision, the complaint says.

Bishop blames Wingle for negligently failing to stop to avoid a collision, for failing to adequately apply his brakes and for driving carelessly.

In addition to Wingle, Bishop names Hertz Vehicle as a defendant, saying Hertz should have known Wingle to be a reckless driver and should never have lent him a vehicle.

In his complaint, Bishop is seeking actual damages within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal interest rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Jason L. Cansler of Brent Coon and Associates in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B188-416