Suit blames crash on red-light runner

An Austin man has filed suit against the driver who he claims ran a red light and struck his vehicle.

Raymond Meyer claims he was driving east on Laurel Street at its intersection with Eleventh Street in Beaumont on Dec. 24, 2009, when he proceeded through a green light.

Suddenly, defendant Ngozi Ukeje, who was driving south on Eleventh Street, ran a red light and collided with Meyer, according to the complaint filed Oct. 13 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the collision, Meyer experienced physical pain, suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment; lost his earning capacity; and incurred medical costs, the suit states.

Ukeje negligently failed to timely apply her brakes, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to drive in a safe manner, failed to maintain control of her vehicle and failed to keep a safe distance, the complaint says.

In addition, Ukeje failed to take evasive action, failed to yield the right-of-way and failed to stop at a red light, Meyer claims.

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

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

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: E188-594