State Farm in trial for denying auto wreck claim

A case claiming an insurance company refused to pay for damages incurred in a collision with an uninsured driver has gone to trial.

As previously reported, Judy Harrington filed a lawsuit Jan. 26, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court against State Farm Insurance.

Jury selection in the case began Monday, Sept. 10 in Judge Gary Sanderson’s 60th District Court.

According to the original petition, Harrington claims she drove north on Eastex Freeway in Beaumont on Dec. 15, 2007, when uninsured driver Traylor Shmiker failed to control her speed and struck Harrington.

Following the collision, Harrington applied for benefits from State Farm, which had insured her at the time of the collision. Even though her insurance policy should have provided benefits for a collision with uninsured drivers, Harrington alleges State Farm denied her claim.

Harrington seeks damages for her pain, mental anguish and medical expenses.

Travis McCall of McCall and McCall in Beaumont represents her.

State Farm is represented by attorney William Jackson.

Case No. B189-253