Case over Cardinal Drive rear-end collision goes to trial

Jefferson County residents Yasmin Maredia and Jesse Gilchriest III will square off in an automobile collision trial this week.

Maredia sued Gilchriest in November 2008, alleging he negligently "failed to maintain proper attention" while operating a motor vehicle and rear-ended her.

Court papers show that on Nov. 16, 2006, Maredia was traveling on West Cardinal Drive in Beaumont when the collision occurred.

"Due to traffic stoppage in front of Maredia, she was required to stop," the suit states. "Defendant Gilchriest failed to control his speed, failed to maintain proper attention ... and take evasive action, thereby colliding with plaintiff from behind."

In her suit, Maredia claims she suffered severe injuries that will have a permanent effect on her wellbeing for the rest of her life.

She will ask jurors to award her damages for her alleged past and future mental anguish, impairment, lost wages and medical expenses.

Maredia is represented by attorney James Wimberley of the Beaumont law firm McPherson, Monk, Hughes, Bradley & Wimberley.

Gilchriest is represented by Houston attorney Rachel Rounsavall.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the trial.

Case No. D182-715