Crash on wet road subject of lawsuit

GALVESTON - Joy A. King claims a vehicle driven by Deborah Jo Tavernier struck hers on the Gulf Freeway two years ago, recent court documents say.

A lawsuit filed Aug. 30 in Galveston County District Court alleges Tavernier failed to drive in accordance to weather conditions on Sept. 11, 2009, when she collided with King.

The suit states the plaintiff was traveling northbound along the freeway and attempting to enter a ramp. Meanwhile, the defendant was traveling on the same road in the first lane of traffic.

The suit says road conditions were slick as it was raining at the time.

"The defendant's vehicle hydroplaned and the defendant lost control of her vehicle as the plaintiff had entered the third lane of traffic," the original petition says.

"As a result, the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiff's vehicle in its front end."

It adds the collision occurred with great force that it caused the plaintiff to suffer personal injuries.

In addition to not operating her vehicle safely in inclement weather, Tavernier is faulted for failing to maintain a proper lookout and other acts of negligence.

King consequently seeks a minimum of $75,000 in damages and a jury trial.

She is represented by Jim S. Adler and Associates, P.C.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County 10th District Court Judge David Garner.

Case No. 11-cv-1386