Father files suit against driver he blames for daughter's death

The father of a woman who died in a collision seeks monetary relief from the driver who allegedly caused the accident. 

Eddie Smith filed a lawsuit Aug. 2 in Jefferson County District Court against Dustun Chas Taylor.

In his complaint, Eddie Smith claims the deceased Mauquita Tina Smith was driving in Beaumont on Aug. 31, 2011, when Taylor collided with her vehicle.

Because of the collision, the 28-year-old Mauquita Tina Smith died the same day, according to the complaint.

Due to his daughter’s death, Eddie Smith lost her affection, companionship, comfort and solace; suffered extreme grief, mental anguish and physical suffering; and lost her care, maintenance, support, services, advice, counsel and contributions, the suit states.

Eddie Smith blames Taylor for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to maintain control of his vehicle, drove too fast, failed to apply his brakes in a timely manner, failed to exercise ordinary care, failed to turn to avoid a collision, failed to keep a safe distance between his vehicle and those that were in front of him and drove too fast.

In his complaint, Eddie Smith is seeking damages within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

B. Adam Terrell of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell in Beaumont will be representing him.

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

Case No. B194-591