Red-light runner on trial for causing crash

A civil trial is underway in a suit filed by an Orange man against the driver who he claims struck his vehicle as he sat stopped at a red light. 

The complaint was filed Oct. 14, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the complaint, Kendall Shea Swenson claims he was stopped at a red traffic light facing south in the 100 block of Highway 347 on Jan. 29, 2011, when defendant Dianne Trevey, who was making a left-hand turn onto Highway 347, failed to drive in a single lane and struck the front of Swenson’s vehicle.

Jury selection in the case began Monday July 8 in Judge Donald Floyd’s 172nd District Court.

Trevey negligently failed to stay in her lane, drove too fast and failed to keep a proper lookout, the complaint says.

Because of the incident, Swenson alleges he sustained neck and back injuries and incurred medical costs,

He will tell jurors he experienced mental anguish, physical pain, suffering and disability; lost his enjoyment of life; lost his earning capacity; and sustained physical impairment.

Attorney Clay Dugas of Clay Dugas and Associates in Beaumont represents the plaintiff.

Case No. E191-204