Wreck on W. Port Arthur Road subject of lawsuit

Two Beaumont men claim they sustained head and back injuries when a truck driver crossed the center lane of the road, striking their vehicle.

Kendrick Metts and David Gilchrest filed a lawsuit Feb. 2 in Jefferson County District Court against Billy Ray Scott, Shamrock Vacuum Service and Jeremy Stanley.

Metts and Gilchrest claim they rode in a pick-up truck driven by Stanley on Jan. 5 at the intersection of W. Port Arthur Road and FM 365 when Scott, who drove a truck for Shamrock, crossed the double yellow lines and struck the truck as Stanley waited to make a left-hand turn.

In addition to their injuries, Metts and Gilchrest incurred medical costs, lost wages and their earning capacity and experienced mental anguish, physical pain, suffering and disability, according to the complaint. They also suffered physical impairment, the suit states.

Metts and Gilchrest blame Scott for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to stay in his lane, crossed a double yellow line, failed to make a proper left-hand turn and drove inattentively. In addition, Scott negligently drove too fast, the complaint says.

The plaintiffs also names Shamrock as a defendant, saying it negligently failed to properly train Scott, failed to properly supervise Scott, hired a driver who was likely to cause a collision and entrusted its vehicle with Scott.

Stanley also was partly responsible for the collision, the defendants say, because he failed to stop at a designated stopping area at the intersection.

In their complaint, Metts and Gilchrest seek actual damages, costs, pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law and other relief the court deems just.

Clay Dugas and Mike JacobEllis of Clay Dugas and Associates in Beaumont will be representing them.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. B189-301