Driver, American Eagle Logistics sued after fatal accident involving 18-wheeler

Multiple relatives of deceased family members bring suit after fatal collision.

Roberto Gutierrez, Virginia Barboza, Jamie Topete as next friend of Adriana Topete and Jamie Topete Jr., Jimmy Moreno Sr. individually and as wrongful death beneficiary and on behalf of the Estate of Annabel Gutierrez-Topete and Jimmy Wayne Moreno Jr., filed a lawsuit April 14 in the Jefferson County Court against American Eagle Logistics LLC and Charles Douglas Patterson, citing respondeat superior, wrongful death and survival.

The complaint states Annabel Gutierrez-Topete was driving northbound on Orange Street in Jefferson County with Jimmy Moreno Jr. as a passenger when Patterson struck the plaintiff's vehicle with the 18-wheeler he was driving.

Annabel Gutierrez-Topete and Jimmy Moreno Jr. died as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident, according to the complaint. The plaintiffs contend Patterson was employed by American Eagle Logistics and acting in the scope of his employment at the time of the accident.

The plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages.

They are being represented in the case by Keith C. Perdue and E. Michael Grossman of Grossman Law Offices PC in Dallas.

Jefferson County Court Case No. D195-603

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Jefferson County Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.