Man sues over uninsured motorist benefits

A man has filed suit against his former insurance company, alleging it refused to pay him benefits following a collision with an uninsured driver.

Lawrence L. Blaize claims he was stopped at the intersection of Folsom Lane and Dowlen Road in Beaumont on Feb. 24, 2010, when Christina Magness failed to stop her vehicle. Magness struck the rear of the vehicle behind Blaize, which proceeded to rear-end Blaize's vehicle, according to the complaint filed July 8 in Jefferson County District Court.

At the time of the collision, Blaize had insurance through defendant 21st Century Centennial Insurance Co., which included a provision for coverage in the case of an accident with an uninsured driver, the suit states. Magness did not have liability coverage when the accident occurred, the complaint says.

However, 21st Century has refused to pay Blaize for the medical costs and physical pain and suffering he sustained during the collision, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Blaize also sustained physical impairment, lost his earnings and his earning capacity and suffered mental anguish, the suit states.

In his complaint, Blaize is seeking a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, post-judgment interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

John Pat Parsons of Lindsay, Lindsay and Parsons in Beaumont will be representing him.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Case No. D190-482