Man claims driver struck his vehicle after failing to obey traffic control device

A man claims he suffered severe personal injuries after a driver disregarded a traffic control device and struck his vehicle.

Fermin Chavez filed a lawsuit July 30 in Jefferson County District Court against Tilton Hayes Jr. 

In his complaint, Chavez alleges he drove north on State Highway 347 and was crossing its intersection with Seventh Street on Aug. 17, 2012, when Hayes ignored a traffic control device and struck Chavez’s vehicle in the middle of the intersection.

In addition to his injuries, Chavez incurred medical costs, experienced pain and suffering, endured mental anguish and disability and lost earnings and his earning capacity, the suit states. He also suffered disfigurement and incurred property damages, the complaint says.

Chavez blames Hayes for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to turn his vehicle to avoid a collision, failed to obey a red light, failed to keep an adequate distance between his vehicle and the vehicle in front of him and drove too fast.

Chavez seeks unspecified actual and special damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief the court deems just.

Cristobal M. Galindo, Jordan A. Glaze and Joshua Cole Garrett of Houston will be representing him.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58^th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. A194-575