Lawsuit claims commercial driver caused wreck by failing to control speed

TYLER - A recently filed federal lawsuit claims that a Texas woman suffered injuries in a car crash because a commercial vehicle driver failed to control his speed.

Donna Collins filed suit against Weatherford International Inc. on Dec. 18 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.

The accident occurred on July 2, 2012 as Collins was traveling eastbound on State Highway 64 and stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of Spur 248 in Smith County.

According to the lawsuit, Garcia was operating a commercial vehicle and was headed eastbound on State Highway 64. Garcia allegedly failed to control his speed, improperly failed to maintain his lane of travel and collided with Collins. She suffered serious injuries in the accident, the lawsuit claims.

The plaintiff alleges Garcia fled the scene of the collision and was later issued several citations. According to the lawsuit, it was later discovered that Garcia was not licensed to drive in the State of Texas, and had previous convictions for drug-related crimes.

The defendant is accused of negligent entrustment, supervision, hiring and training.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for medical expenses, physical impairment, pain and suffering, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, interest and court costs.

Collins is represented by Matthew B. Flanery and Darren Grant of Grant & Flanery PC in Tyler.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider is assigned to the case.

Case No. 6:13-cv-00964