Groves woman sues over collision in Nederland

A Groves woman claims she incurred medical costs after a driver failed to yield the right-of-way to her at a stop sign.

Brandi Almaraz filed a lawsuit Dec. 22 in Jefferson County District Court against Val Lyons.

Almaraz claims she drove on U.S. 69 Service Road approaching its intersection with Helena Ave. in Nederland on Jan. 21, 2009, when Lyons, who drove on Helena, failed to yield the right-of-way and struck her vehicle.

In addition to her medical costs, Almaraz lost her earnings and earning capacity and suffered physical impairment, physical pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint. She also incurred property damages, the suit states.

Almaraz blames Lyons for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to timely apply his brakes and failed to proceed through an intersection only when the move could be safely made.

In her complaint, Almaraz seeks an unspecified judgement, plus pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Jonathan C. Juhan of Beaumont will be representing her.

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

Case No. D189-007