Jurors award $5K verdict to plaintiff in automobile collision trial

On Tuesday, a Jefferson County jury awarded a plaintiff more than $5,000 for injuries she received in an automobile collision, taking less than two days for jurors to listen to testimony and reach a verdict.

The trial of Yasmin Maredia vs. Jesse Gilchriest began Monday, Dec. 13 in Judge Milton Shuffield's 136th District Court.

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

According to the suit, on Nov. 16, 2006, Maredia was traveling on W. 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 well being for the rest of her life.

Jurors found that Gilchriest's negligence caused the collision, awarding Maredia $3,934.28 for past medical expenses and $1,500 for her mental anguish.

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.

Case No. D182-715