Pinch hitter called in for dealership in auto collision suit

The Allen Samuels Auto Group, a defendant in an automobile collision suit, has called in a pitch hitter and switched its lead counsel.

As previously reported, Sylvia and James Brown filed suit against Michelle Bobbitt and Allen Samuels on July 20, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court, claiming they were injured in the collision.

As the Browns were turning onto Fannett Road, they were allegedly rear-ended by Bobbitt, an Allen Samuels Auto Group employee who was in the course and scope of her employment with the dealership at the time of the incident.

Last Tuesday, Allen Samuels designated Houston attorney Kurt Nelson of Kilpatrick & White as its lead counsel, replacing attorney Kanchen Bhalerao, who is also with the firm Kilpatrick & White, court papers say.

Allen Samuels does not state in its notice to substitute why Bhalerao was replaced as lead counsel.

According to the lawsuit, on Aug. 11, 2008, the Browns were exiting Cardinal Drive onto Fannett Road when Bobbitt allegedly "failed to control her speed and slammed into the rear of the plaintiffs' vehicle."

In their suit, the couple accuses Bobbitt of failing to keep a proper lookout and Allen Samuels of failing to properly train and supervise her, court papers say.

The Browns are suing for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, impairment and mental anguish, plus actual damages and court costs.

Beaumont attorney Jonathan Juhan represents them.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the case.

Case No. A187-336