Man blames driver for alleged injuries caused during rear-end collision

A man claims he sustained back, knee and leg injuries after a driver rear-ended his vehicle. 

Bill Barnard filed a lawsuit Dec. 11 in Jefferson County District Court against Harold Bell Jr.

In his complaint, Barnard alleges he drove on College Street on Dec. 16, 2010, when he took a right turn to get onto the Interstate Highway 10 service road. Suddenly, Barnard was forced to stop for traffic in front of him when Bell, who was driving a pickup truck, struck the back of his vehicle, according to the complaint.

Because of the collision, Barnard incurred medical costs, experienced physical pain and suffering, incurred property damages and sustained mental anguish, the suit states.

Barnard blames Bell for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to take evasive action to avoid a collision, failed to yield the right-of-way and failed to apply his brakes in a timely manner.

In his complaint, Barnard is seeking a judgment for damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, post-judgment interest at the legal rate and other relief the court deems just.

Thomas O. Moses of Beaumont will be representing him.

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

Case No. D193-699