October trial slated in BISD bus collision suit

An October trial has been slated in a suit filed by Harris County woman, who sued the Beaumont Independent School District after an automobile collision with a bus driver. 

As previously reported, Christina Leday filed the suit June 21, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court against the school district and its driver, Michael Wayne Pete.

Court records show that on May 14, BISD filed an amended motion for trial setting, requesting that a docket control order be entered in the case.

The motion asked that the case be put on the court’s September, October, November or December 2013 docket.

On June 28 a control plan order was entered, slating the trial date for Oct. 7, 2013.

Court records further show that on March 27, 2012, the district filed a counterclaim, asserting Leday traveled into the outside turning lane and struck the bus, causing damage to the district’s property.

Conversely, Christina Leday claims she and her minor daughter, Raven Leday, were traveling in Jefferson County on Jan. 19, 2011, when Pete collided with them.

She blames Pete for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to keep a proper distance from Christina Leday’s vehicle, failed to drive within a single lane, failed to change lanes only when it was safe to do so and drove too fast, the complaint says.

Christina Leday seeks a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which she may be entitled.

B. Adam Terrell of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell in Beaumont represents her.

The district is seeking an award of actual and consequential damages in an amount greater than $10,000.

Attorney Isidro Castanon of the Palacios law firm Allen, Stein & Durbin represents BISD.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. B190-329