Rear-end crash caused painful injuries, woman's suit claims

A woman claims she suffered "painful bodily injuries" after a driver rear-ended her vehicle.

Jacqueline Ann Stelly-Reno filed a lawsuit Aug. 19 in Jefferson County District Court against Laverne Jesse Griffin.

In her complaint, Stelly-Reno alleges she drove in the eastbound block of Delaware Street on March 14 when she stopped and waited for traffic to pull into a private drive. Suddenly, Griffin, who drove behind her, failed to control her speed and slammed into the rear of Stelly-Reno's vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Stelly-Reno incurred medical costs, incurred physical pain and suffering and experienced physical impairment, the suit states. In addition, she lost earnings, incurred property damages and sustained mental anguish, the complaint says.

Stelly-Reno blames Griffin for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep a safe distance between her vehicle and Stelly-Reno's, drove too fast and failed to timely apply her brakes.

In her complaint, Stelly-Reno seeks a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

J. Trenton Bond and Chris M. Portner of Portner and Bond in Beaumont will be representing her.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. A190-705