Rent-A-Center, employee sued over wreck

In recently filed court documents, a Jefferson County man blames Rent-A-Center and one of its drivers for causing a collision.

Samuel A. Pinder filed a lawsuit Dec. 3 in Jefferson County District court against Rent-A-Center and Jared B. Coleman.

Pinder claims he sustained injuries when Coleman, who drove a vehicle for Rent-A-Center, struck the automobile he drove on Jan. 7, 2009.

Because of the accident, Pinder incurred medical costs; experienced physical pain, suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment; and lost wages, according to the complaint.

Pinder blames Coleman for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to exercise due care, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle.

In addition, Pinder negligently failed to swerve to avoid the collision, failed to timely apply the brakes, failed to yield the right-of-way and failed to use evasive action, the suit states.

In his complaint, Pinder seeks an unspecified judgment, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

Jeffrey T. Chilton of Packard Lapray in Beaumont will be representing him.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. D188-913