MARSHALL - A truck driver who lost control of his tractor-trailer is being sued by a driver who was following the truck and crashed when the tractor-trailer jackknifed.
James Earl Walker and Dana Renee Strickland filed suit against CTL Transportation, CTL Distribution, CTTS Leasing and Tyrone Shane Ross on May 2 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.
The crash occurred on Dec. 30, 2010, as James Earl Walker was operating a vehicle east bound on Interstate 20. Defendant Tyrone Shane Ross was operating an 18-wheeler and lost control of the truck, jackknifing to the left.
The plaintiffs were behind Ross and struck his trailer which was blocking the roadway. According to the lawsuit, Ross was cited for unsafe speed.
Defendant Ross is accused of negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to yield the right-of-way and control his speed, for driving recklessly, failing to pay attention and take evasive action and for failing to properly and timely apply his brakes in order to avoid the collision.
The CTL defendants are accused of negligent entrustment and are liable for their employee's actions under Respondeat Superior.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain and mental anguish, physical impairment, interest, court costs, attorney's fees and exemplary damages.
Walker and Strickland are represented by Garrett W. Wilson and Douglas C. Monsour of The Monsour Law Firm in Longview.
A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge T. John Ward is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-00240