Multiple injuries suffered during multi-vehicle collision

An Orange County man claims he suffered severe bodily injuries after three drivers caused a multi-vehicular collision.

James R. Whitfield II filed a lawsuit Jan. 22 in Jefferson County District Court against Ean Holdings, Alejandro Gonzalez, Chad Pepper and Courtney Verma.

In his complaint, Whitfield alleges he drove east in the 2900 block of Highway 73 in Port Arthur on Oct. 31. Whitfield was driving in the right-hand lane of the road next to construction barrels, which had blocked the left-hand lane, according to the complaint.

As Whitfield slowed for traffic in front of him, Gonzalez struck the back of Whitfield’s vehicle, the suit states. In turn, Pepper rear-ended Gonzalez and Verma struck the rear of Pepper’s vehicle, the complaint says.

“Each time a defendant struck the vehicle in front of him or her, plaintiff felt a separate and distinct jolt from the impact,” the suit states.

Because of the collision, Whitfield claims he suffered from a deteriorated physical condition; endured great physical and mental pain, suffering and anguish; and incurred medical costs. He also lost earnings and suffered disfigurement and physical impairment, according to the complaint.

Whitfield blames Gonzalez, Pepper and Verma for causing the collision, saying they negligently failed to drive in a safe manner, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to control their speeds, failed to turn to the right or left to avoid a collision, failed to adequately apply their brakes, failed to keep a safe distance between their vehicles and those in front of them and failed to keep their vehicles under proper control.

In his complaint, Whitfield seeks an unspecified judgment, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Gordon D. Friesz of McPherson, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberley, Steele and Chatelain in Port Arthur will be representing him.

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

Case No. D193-843