Insurance company refuses to pay couple $20,000 for injuries, suit claims

Two Beaumont residents claim an insurance company refuses to pay them more than $20,000 for damages they sustained in a collision. 

Brandon and Toi Broussard filed a lawsuit Oct. 1 in Jefferson County District Court against Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Co.

The Broussards allege they were traveling north on Concord Road and Destiny on Feb. 9 when Destiny Batiste, who was driving south on the same road, failed to yield the right-of-way, attempted to make a left-hand turn and struck their vehicle.

Because of the collision, Brandon Broussard suffered head, neck, right shoulder and back injuries and incurred medical costs of $11,017 while Toi Broussard sustained neck, back, leg and knee injuries which cost her $11,765, according to the complaint.

Following the collision, the Broussards attempted to collect money from Batiste’s insurance company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Co., but it refused to pay them the damages they incurred, the suit states.

The Broussards say Batiste’s insurance company should be held accountable for the collision because Batiste caused it. Batiste negligently failed to properly apply her brakes, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to drive in a safe manner, failed to keep a safe distance and failed to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

In their complaint, the Broussards seek a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Tom Oxford of Waldman Smallwood in Beaumont will be representing them.

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

Case No. D193-249