Suit blames crash on drunk driver

Two Jefferson County residents claim they experienced mental anguish, physical pain and suffering after an allegedly intoxicated driver rear-ended them.

Stanley J. Guillory and Noemi S. Rodriquez filed a lawsuit Nov. 15 in Jefferson County District Court against Charles C. Cropper.

The plaintiffs claim Guillory came to a stop in the left-hand lane in the 3100 block of Concord and attempted to make a left-hand turn into a private driveway on July 25 when the allegedly intoxicated Cropper rear-ended the vehicle.

Because of the collision, Guillory and Rodriquez incurred medical costs, suffered disability and lost their enjoyment of life, according to the complaint. In addition, they suffered physical impairment and lost their earning capacities, the suit states.

The plaintiffs blame Cropper for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to exercise due care, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to timely apply his brakes, drove negligently and drove inattentively.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs seek a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limit of Jefferson County District Court, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which they may be entitled.

Clay Dugas and Mike Jacobellis of Beaumont will be representing them.

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

Case No. E188-805