Multi-car wreck on Dowlen Road leads to lawsuit

Two Hardin County residents have filed suit against the driver who they claim failed to control her speed, causing a multi-car collision.

Samantha and Steven Coudrain claim they stopped for a red light while driving down Dowlen Road on July 30, 2009, when defendant Kirsten Satterwhite, who was driving a vehicle owned and insured by defendant Heather Johnston Purdy, failed to control her speed and slammed into the vehicle stopped behind the Coudrains.

In turn, that vehicle collided with the rear of the Coudrains' automobile, according to the complaint filed June 28 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the collision, the Coudrains incurred medical costs, lost their earnings and their earning capacity and sustained physical impairment, physical pain and mental anguish, the suit states.

Satterwhite negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to timely apply her brakes, failed to control her speed and failed to keep a clear distance between her car and the car in front of her, the complaint says.

In their suit, the Coudrains are seeking an unspecified judgment, plus pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Jonathan C. Juhan of Beaumont will be representing them.

The case has been assigned to Judge Bob Wortham, 36th District Court.

Case No. A190-420