Woman awarded $750 for mental anguish following trial over auto collision

A Port Arthur woman, who sued the driver who failed to yield the right-of-way and struck her vehicle, received a $750 jury award for her mental anguish following a brief trial.

Andrea Denise Jones filed suit against Johnnie Johnson on March 3, 2011.

In her suit, Jones claims she was driving in Jefferson County on Sept. 2, 2010, when the collision occurred after defendant Johnson failed to control his speed, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to yield the right-of-way.

According to the charge of the jury, filed Nov. 30, jurors calculated that $750 would compensate Jones for her mental anguish and $1,937.44 would cover her medical expenses.

Jones was awarded no damages for her alleged past physical impairment.

The complaint alleged Johnson negligently failed to control his speed, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to drive in a safe manner, failed to maintain control of his vehicle and failed to yield the right-of-way.

When she first filed her complaint, Johnson was seeking actual and exemplary damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Matthew C. Matheny of Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represented her.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, presiding.

Case No. A189-532