Collision in apartment complex lot leads to lawsuit

A woman claims she sustained injuries during a collision in the parking lot of an apartment complex after another woman allowed an unlicensed driver to operate her vehicle.

Audrey Mayon filed a lawsuit March 22 in Jefferson County District Court against Carmen and Monica Martinez.

In her complaint, Mayon alleges she was sitting in her automobile at a local apartment complex on March 25, 2010, when Monica Martinez lent her vehicle to Carmen Martinez, an unlicensed driver. Carmen Martinez proceeded to back into Mayon's vehicle as she tried to leave the parking lot, the suit states.

Because of the collision, Mayon incurred medical costs; experienced physical pain, suffering and physical impairment; and lost earnings and her earning capacity, the complaint says. In addition, she claims she suffered from a loss of consortium, lost her household services, incurred property costs of $982, experienced mental anguish and has ongoing medical monitoring costs.

Mayon blames Carmen Martinez for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to turn her vehicle to avoid a collision, failed to keep a proper distance away from Mayon's vehicle, drove too fast and failed to timely apply her brakes.

Mayon also names Monica Martinez as a defendant, saying she negligently allowed an unlicensed and reckless driver to operate her vehicle.

In her complaint, Mayon seeks a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of the court, plus exemplary damages, pre-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

Antoine L. Freeman of Port Arthur will be representing her.

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

Case No. D192-205