Defendant settles DWI suit for $10K

In April, two Jefferson County residents filed a lawsuit against the allegedly intoxicated driver who they claim struck their vehicle head-on while driving the wrong way on a divided highway.

Court records show a final judgment and approval of minor settlement was entered on Oct. 18, showing that defendant Casper Hunley agreed to settle for $10,000. 

Previously, Hunley  had filed an answer to the plaintiffs’ amended petition on Aug. 16, asserting a general denial and demanding that the plaintiffs prove their cause of action.

Plaintiffs Joshua Michael Seymour and Kristen Maria Daigle claim they were riding in a 2002 Ford Mustang traveling west in the inside lane in the 4400 block of State Highway 73 on an overpass in Port Arthur on May 1, 2011, at about 1:38 a.m.

At the time, minors Zoe Yelena Pennino and Alexis Pauline Fruge were riding in the back seat of the vehicle, according to the complaint filed April 11 in Jefferson County District Court.

Defendant Hunley, who was driving a 2003 Dodge Ram east in the inside lane of the westbound lanes of State Highway 73, struck the Mustang head on, the suit states.

Because of the collision, Seymour, Daigle, Pennino and Fruge suffered physical pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and endured physical impairment, the complaint says.

The plaintiffs blame Hunley for causing the collision, alleging he negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle, drove the wrong way on a divided highway and drove while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.

Seymour and Daigle are seeking an unspecified judgment, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Larry C. Hunter of Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represents them.

Beaumont attorney Collin Shellenberger of Germer PLLC represents the defendant.

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