Man blames driver for causing collision after running light

A man claims he experienced physical pain and mental anguish after a driver disregarded a light and struck his vehicle. 

Terry J. Holman Sr. filed a lawsuit April 11 in Jefferson County District Court against Tracy A. Orta.

In his complaint, Holman alleges he drove north on State Highway 347 while Orta was driving south on the same road on April 14, 2011. Holman was attempting to make a left turn when Orta disregarded a light signal and crashed into his vehicle, according to the complaint.

In addition to his physical pain and mental anguish, Holman suffered physical disfigurement and physical impairment and incurred medical costs because of the collision. He also lost his earning capacity, lost his household services, suffered property damages, lost the use of his vehicle, incurred repair costs and lost wages, the suit states.

Holman blames Orta for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to apply her brakes, drove too fast, failed to turn to avoid a collision, failed to stop or yield at a red light, failed to enter the intersection only when it was safe to do so, disregarded a red light and failed to control the speed of her vehicle.

In his complaint, Holman seeks a judgment of more than $200,000 but no more than $1 million, plus pre-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, post-judgment interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

James M. Lassiter and Timothy M. McHale of Lassiter Law Firm in Houston will be representing him.

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

Case No. B194-233