Two Jefferson County residents have filed suit against the National Academy for Professional Driving, alleging they were injured when a vehicle's steering device failed.
Kimberly Seago and Darleen Wisby claim they were participating in a driver safety training program for the Beaumont Police Department on May 22, 2009, when the incident occurred.
"The NAPD course coordinator negligently selected a mechanically unsound 2007 Ford Crown Victoria in which to conduct a tactical drivers course," the suit filed Dec. 27 in Jefferson County District Court states.
"While maneuvering a set of safety cones the vehicle's steering mechanism failed and Wisby lost control of the vehicle and struck a concrete barrier protecting a light pole."
At the time of the incident, Seago was riding as a passenger in Wisby's vehicle, the complaint says.
Because of the accident, Seago and Wisby claim they experienced physical pain, mental anguish and disfigurement; lost wages and their earning capacities; and incurred medical costs.
Seago and Wisby blame the NAPD for negligently failing to provide a safe vehicle for use on the course, for failing to provide a vehicle with a safe steering mechanism and for failing to provide adequate supervision.
NAPD also negligently designed the tactical driving course and failed to provide a safe place to conduct the training, according to the complaint.
In their complaint, Seago and Wisby are seeking actual damages, plus pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Kent J. Lisenby of The Lisenby Law Firm in Fort Worth will be representing them.
The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.
Case No: D189-024