Trial over rear-end collision starts

Jury selection started Monday in litigation brought by a Port Arthur woman, who sued the driver who she claims rear-ended her vehicle.

As previously reported, Charlotte L. Martin filed suit against Marcy L. Messer on Oct. 12, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court. 

In her suit, Martin claims she had stopped for traffic on March 15, 2011, when Messer struck the back of her vehicle.

Because of the collision, Martin sustained serious and permanent injuries, incurred medical costs, experienced physical pain and suffering and endured physical impairment and mental anguish, and also lost her earning capacity and suffered disfigurement.

She will seek an award from the jury for those alleged damages.

The suit says Messer negligently failed to control her speed, drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to keep a safe distance between her vehicle and Martin’s, failed to swerve to avoid a collision, failed to stop to avoid a collision, failed to timely apply her brakes, failed to observe traffic signals and drove carelessly.

Ryan C. Scott of The Scott Law Firm in Beaumont represents the plaintiff.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the litigation.

Case No. A193-348