Man seeks more than $5M following woman's death in crash

The executor of a deceased woman’s estate seeks more than $5 million after he claims the woman unexpectedly died in a car collision when a vehicle ran off the road into a ditch. 

Robert Stephen Jones and Elizabeth Jones McDaniel filed a lawsuit July 9 in Jefferson County District Court against Millie A. Powell and U.S. Liability Insurance Co.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs allege Rubye M. Jones was riding in a vehicle Powell was driving on March 1. Suddenly, Powell struck the vehicle in front of her, causing her vehicle to run off the road and into a ditch, according to the complaint. On its collision course, the vehicle struck a utility pole guide wire, the suit states.

During the collision, Rubye M. Jones sustained serious injuries that led to her death on March 3, the complaint says. Before her death, Rubye M. Jones suffered tremendous pain and emotional fright, torment, fear and mental anguish, the plaintiffs claim.

Because of Rubye M. Jones’s death, her children have lost their mother’s love, affection, society and companionship and suffered severe mental anguish, grief and sorrow, according to the complaint.

The plaintiffs blame Powell for causing the collision, saying she negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to drive at a safe speed, failed to apply her brakes in a timely manner, drove inattentively and drove while intoxicated.

They also name U.S. Liability Insurance Co. as a defendant because the company had covered Powell under an umbrella policy, the suit states.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs seek an unspecified judgment, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Bob K. Monk and Brandon P. Monk of The Monk Law Firm in Port Arthur will be representing them.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172^nd District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. E194-521