Wreck on rain-slicked road becomes subject of suit

The father of a minor boy has filed suit against the driver who he claims rear-ended the vehicle in which his son was riding, causing his son to sustain injuries and the man to incur medical costs.

Jerry Fontenot claims his minor son, Jourdain Fontenot, was riding in a vehicle his mom, Stephanie Fontenot, was driving in the 6200 block of Highway 105 during a rain storm on July 18, 2009. Stephanie Fontenot slowed to make a right turn onto the 5900 block of Navajo Trail, according to the complaint filed April 1 in Jefferson County District Court.

The rain-covered, slick roads caused defendant Justin Weir, who applied his brakes a few seconds too late, to slide into the rear of Stephanie Fontenot's vehicle, the suit states. In turn, Stephanie Fontenot lost control of her vehicle and struck a fence with her automobile, the complaint says.

Because of the multiple impacts, Jourdain Fontenot sustained injuries and his father incurred medical costs, Jerry Fontenot claims.

Weir negligently failed to control his speed, failed to timely apply his brakes and failed to maintain control of his vehicle, according to the complaint.

In his suit, Jerry Fontenot is seeking a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus other relief the court deems just.

Jeffrey C. Chilton of Packard Lapray in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 58th District Court.

Case No A189-704