State Farm trial put on backburner

Allowing more time for mediation, a trial against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, which was supposed to start Monday, has been continued. 

Last March, Roderick Alvare filed suit against his insurance provider, State Farm, alleging the company refused to pay him underinsured motorist benefits following an automobile collision.

The case was set to go to trial Oct. 8 in Judge Milton Shuffield’s 136th District Court.

However, a courthouse official told the Southeast Texas Record the case was continued, allowing extra time for mediation.

Court records show that on July 23, 2009, Alvarez was traveling north on Major Drive in Beaumont when Annie Lester disregarded a red light and slammed into his vehicle, causing it to roll over twice.

Lester’s insurance company, Allstate, with State Farm’s consent, paid Alvarez $25,000 in damages after the incident, court papers say.

Under his policy, Alvarez made an additional request to State Farm for underinsured motorist benefits, which were allegedly not paid.

Beaumont attorney Tommy Yeates of Moore, Landrey represents him.

Case No. D189-656