Suit says driver caused collision by speeding around tractor-trailer

GALVESTON � Adrian Cantu Barrera alleges a vehicle driven by Nathan Zachary Grant struck a tractor-trailer he operated in Kemah two years ago, recent court documents say.

According to a lawsuit filed April 14 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 2, Grant attempted to pass up Barrera near the intersection of Highway 146 and Meadow Lane, but collided with the complainant.

The accident in question occurred on or around April 14, 2009.

Barrera says that he was attempting to make a right turn into a business driveway prior to the alleged incident. He executed a customary wide turn as done by many tractor-trailers, the suit says.

Several vehicles on the other side of the highway stopped so the plaintiff could make the proper turn. It was then Grant supposedly tried to race past Barrera.

"The defendant apparently did not wish to wait for the turning maneuver or failed to keep a proper lookout and attempted to race past the plaintiff before the turn could be executed," the original petition says.

Barrera claims Grant weaved through stopped vehicles to pass him as if he was racing to beat an oncoming train.

"The defendant's impatient attempt to race past the plaintiff was the direct and proximate cause of the accident," the suit says.

It insists Barrera experienced physical pain and suffering and mental anguish while Sergio Valez, the tractor-trailer's owner, sustained property damage. Valez is also a plaintiff in the case.

The men sue for $50,000 and demand a jury trial.

They are represented by attorneys Sam Streeter and S. Bruce Hiran of Houston.

Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Barbara Roberts is presiding over the case.

Cause No. 65,073