Driver sued over rear-end collision

A Port Arthur woman has filed suit against the driver who she claims rear-ended her vehicle.

Brenda Howard claims she was driving south on Highway 347 in Port Arthur on April 7, 2011, when she stopped for a red light at 39th Street. Suddenly, defendant Alonzo James Kinlaw failed to stop and struck the back of Howard’s vehicle, according to the complaint filed Oct. 15 in Jefferson County District Court.

Because of the collision, Howard sustained neck, back and hip injuries; experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; and lost her earning capacity, the suit states. In addition, she suffered physical impairment and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Howard blames Kinlaw for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to drive in a safe manner, failed to maintain control of his vehicle, failed to keep a safe distance, failed to take evasive action and disregarded a stop sign.

In her complaint Howard is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

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

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

Case No. A193-356