Driver caused collision after reversing, lawsuit claims

TYLER - A Kilgore resident has filed a lawsuit against a driver who caused a collision driving in reverse into another lane of traffic.

Claiming his neck and back were injured, Robert Richardson filed suit against Thomas Michael Reid and Thomas Reid, doing business as T-Bird's Transport Inc., on Nov. 24 in Gregg County District Court. The defendants removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division on Feb. 2.

The accident occurred on Sept. 17 as Richardson was driving in the outside lane of traffic near Longview. According to the lawsuit, defendant Thomas Reid was traveling in the outside lane, ahead of Richardson.

Richardson claims that the defendant stopped in the lane and started reversing his truck because he missed his right turn.

As Reid reversed, he crossed into the inside lane and drove into the path of Richardson's vehicle when he attempted to make a right turn.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to properly apply the brakes, for backing his vehicle when it was unsafe to do so, failing to keep his vehicle completely within the right half of the roadway, making an unsafe and improper right turn, making a right turn from an inside lane of traffic, turning when it is unsafe, driver inattention and faulty evasive action.

Defendant T-Bird's Transport is accused of negligent entrustment, hiring and failing to terminate Reid, failing to maintain driver training and failing to supervise Reid.

Richardson is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical disability, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earning capacity, loss of property use, property damage, interest and court costs.

Richardson is represented by Brandon Ramsey and Donald L. Chip Parker II of Loncar & Associates in Tyler.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider is assigned to the case.

Case No. 6:11-cv-00054