Houston woman sues over fiery car crash

A Houston woman claims she was riding in a vehicle when it crashed into another automobile, causing both vehicles to burn.

Toni Gutierrez filed a lawsuit Sept. 8 in Jefferson County District Court against Jimmie D. Cooper, Jarrod Gutierrez and Sour Lake Contracting.

In her complaint, Toni Gutierrez claims she rode in a vehicle Jarrod Gutierrez drove east in the left-hand lane of State Highway 87 on Sept. 9, 2009. Suddenly, Cooper, who drove a 2004 white Mack tractor for Sour Lake Contracting, attempted to turn into the left-hand lane from the right-hand lane.

Realizing his mistake, Cooper swerved back into the right-hand lane at the same time Jarrod Gutierrez turned right. The vehicles collided and began to burn, according to the complaint.

Because of the accident, Toni Gutierrez incurred medical costs; lost earnings; and sustained physical impairment, physical pain and mental anguish, the suit states.

She blames Jarrod Gutierrez for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to maintain a proper lookout and failed to take proper action to avoid the collision.

She also names Cooper as a defendant, saying he failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to take proper evasive action to avoid the collision and failed to activate his turn signal.

In her complaint, Toni Gutierrez seeks a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

James B. Doyle of the Law Offices of James B. Doyle in Lake Charles will be representing her..

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

Case No. D190-871