State agency sued over Port Arthur wreck

A Port Arthur and a Crystal Beach resident have filed suit against the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, alleging a driver for the department collided with their vehicle.

D'Lisa Sorenson claims she was driving in the 6300 block of Jade Avenue at its intersection with 62nd Street in Port Arthur on March 19, 2009, when Pansy Whitmore, who was driving a vehicle for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, failed to yield at a stop sign and crashed into her vehicle.

At the time of the collision, Rhonda Sorenson was riding as a passenger in D'Lisa Sorenson's vehicle, according to the complaint filed Dec. 2 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the accident, D'Lisa Sorenson claims she suffered lower back pain, neck pain, bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral arm pain and bilateral leg pain while Rhonda Sorenson claims she sustained neck pain, headaches and a subchronic hemorrhage, the suit states.

In addition, both incurred medical costs; experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; sustained property damages of more than $2,500; and incurred out-of-pocket costs of $250, the complaint says.

Whitmore negligently failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to stop at a stop sign, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to timely apply her brakes, failed to take evasive action and failed to avoid the accident, the complaint says.

The Sorensons are seeking a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate, actual damages and other relief the court deems just.

David J. LaRue of Loncar and Associates in Beaumont will be representing them.

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

Case No. B188-904