Driver who struck work convoy sued

A Jefferson County company claims a truck driver hit its work convoy as the company performed construction work on the side of a highway, causing it to incur property damage and employee-related expenses.

Crabtree Barricade Systems filed a lawsuit Nov. 18 in Jefferson County District Court against Best Transportation Service, Best Delivery Systems and Sergio Mungia.

In its complaint, Crabtree alleges its work convoy, which consisted of a pick-up truck and trailer, two attenuator vehicles and other equipment, was working on Highway 73 near Labelle Road on June 21, 2010. Suddenly, Munguia, who drove a vehicle for Best, struck the work convoy, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Crabtree lost profits, incurred towing and rental expenses and incurred expenses for therapy provided to its employees for emotional distress, the suit states. In addition, Crabtree incurred deductible costs and increased payroll costs and sustained funeral expenses, the complaint says.

Crabtree blames Mungia for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to yield, failed to keep a proper distance from the work convoy, failed to turn to avoid hitting the convoy and drove too fast, among other negligent actions.

It also names Best Transportation and Best Delivery as defendants, saying they negligently hired a known incompetent and reckless driver, the suit states.

In its complaint, Crabtree seeks damages within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Charles W. Goehringer Jr. of Germer Gertz in Beaumont will be representing it.

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

Case No. A191-379