A woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims struck the parked bus she was driving for Port Arthur Transit Authority.
Ursula Andres Reed claims she had parked a bus in the 4900 block of state Highway 87 near its intersection with state Highway 347 in Port Arthur on Oct. 16, 2009, when the incident occurred.
Defendant Barbara Nichols, driving a 1996 Buick Roadmaster, was trying to exit a parking lot north of the intersection when she struck the bus, according to the complaint filed Oct. 7 in Jefferson County District Court.
Because of the collision, Reed suffered severe bodily injuries, sustained a deteriorated mental and physical condition and experienced great physical and mental pain, suffering and anguish, the suit states. In addition, she incurred medical costs and lost earnings and her earning capacity, the complaint says.
Reed blames Nichols for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to drive the vehicle in a safe manner, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to turn to the right to avoid a collision and failed to apply her brakes to avoid the collision.
In addition to Nichols, Reed names William Windle as a defendant. He owned the vehicle Nichols drove at the time of the collision, according to the complaint. Reed says Windle never should have entrusted his vehicle to a reckless driver such as Nichols.
In her complaint, Reed seeks an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Gordon D. Friesz of McPherson, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberley, Steele and Chatelain in Port Arthur will be representing her.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A191-126