Woman says driver attempted to beat train across tracks

A woman claims she endured surgery after a driver attempted to turn left from a right-hand lane and struck her vehicle. 

Christine McGinnis filed a lawsuit Sept. 25 in Jefferson County District Court against Cicero Crutchfield.

McGinnis claims Crutchfield suddenly turned left from a right-hand lane of traffic and struck McGinnis’s vehicle.

“Defendant was also trying to beat a train across a crossing while the signals were on and the train was in sight and within a dangerous proximity of the crossing,” the suit states. “Defendant admitted to many at the scene including the police officer who investigated the incident that the collision was his fault.”

In addition to her surgery, McGinnis experienced pain and suffering, endured mental anguish, incurred medical costs and lost earnings and her earning capacity because of the collision, the complaint says. She also claims she suffered disfigurement and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

In her complaint, McGinnis seeks actual and punitive damages, plus other relief the court deems just.

Alto V. Watson III and Kevin Laine of Beaumont will be representing her.

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

Case No. A193-215