Settlements reached in collision suits called up for trial

Two automobile collision suits called up for trial in the same court both settled before a jury could be selected. 

The first suit was brought Clayton Allen, who filed a lawsuit Dec. 22, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court against Katherine and Carolyn Owens.

Allen claims he drove on Old Dowlen Road in Beaumont on Jan. 28, 2009, when Katherine Owens, who drove a vehicle insured by Carolyn Owens in the opposite direction on Old Dowlen Road, struck him when she failed to yield the right-of-way and attempted to make a left-hand turn.

The second case was brought by Kristin Marie McCall, who filed a lawsuit Sept. 30, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court against Shahryar Hussain.

In her complaint, McCall alleges she drove north in the 3600 block of N. Dowlen Road on July 29 when she slowed to a stop at an upcoming intersection. Suddenly, Hussain struck the vehicle behind McCall, which in turn rear-ended McCall’s vehicle, according to the complaint.

The cases were called up for trial on Monday, Dec. 3, but settled, according to a courthouse official.

The plaintiffs were seeking damages for their past and future medical expenses, mental anguish and lost wages.

Jonathan Juhan of Beaumont represents Allen. (Case No. D189-011).

J. Trenton Bond and Chris M. Portner of Portner and Bond in Beaumont represent McCall (Case No. D191-045).

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to both cases.