Driver who allegedly left car parked in middle of road named as defendant in suit

Two women claim they incurred medical costs following a collision caused by an allegedly intoxicated driver who left his vehicle parked in the middle of the road.

Kristen and Melissa Baker filed a lawsuit Jan. 7 in Jefferson County District Court against Wendell Melonson Jr. and Rodney Amidon.

In their complaint, the Bakers allege they were riding in a vehicle Amidon was driving on Nov. 18. Suddenly, Amidon encountered Melonson’s vehicle, which was parked in the middle of the road.

After Amidon struck Melonson’s automobile, the Bakers suffered physical pain and mental anguish, endured physical impairment and disability, lost wages and lost their earnings, according to the complaint.

They name Melonson as a defendant, saying he negligently stopped his vehicle and parked it in the middle of the road, failed to warn other drivers of his parked vehicle and drove while intoxicated.

They also name Amidon as a defendant, saying he negligently failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle, failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to take proper evasive action, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to use the same care an ordinary person would have in driving the vehicle and failed to stay alert, among other negligent acts.

In their complaint, the Bakers are seeking an unspecified judgment, plus interest at the legal rate, costs, exemplary damages and other relief the court deems just.

Rocky Lawdermilk of Beaumont will be representing them.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60^th District Court.

Case No. B193-795