Women hit by car in bar parking lot file suit against driver

Two Hardin County women have filed suit against the allegedly intoxicated driver who they claim struck them as they were attempting to cross a parking lot.

Amber McKeller and Kelly Dinkle claim they were walking through the parking lot of Madison's on Dowlen Road in Beaumont on April 1 when defendant Miste Droddy Denman struck them with the 2011 white Chrysler 300 she was operating.

"After striking plaintiffs with her car, Defendant Denman advised Plaintiff she was a nurse and when the authorities were called, fled the scene of the accident," the suit states.

Eventually, Denman was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.178, which is more than twice the legal limit, according to the complaint filed June 20 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the incident, McKeller and Dinkle suffered physical pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and experienced physical impairment and disfigurement, the complaint says. In addition, they claim they lost wages and their earning capacities.

They blame Denman for causing the collision, saying she negligently drove while under the influence, failed to render aid to them after striking them with her vehicle, failed to drive as a reasonable person would have and failed to keep a proper lookout.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs are seeking actual and exemplary damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Mitchell A. Toups of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell in Beaumont will be representing them.

The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Case No. E192-598