Bicycle collision in Port Arthur results in lawsuit

A bicyclist is suing a driver and insurance company after sustaining injuries in an accident.

Williard Hochstrasser filed a lawsuit May 5 in the Jefferson County Court against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. and Thomas Wagner, citing negligence.

The complaint states Hochstrasser was on a bicycle in the 9800 block of U.S. 87 in Port Arthur when Wagner struck the plaintiff with the automobile he was driving. The plaintiff alleges he sustained injuries as a result of Wagner's negligence. In addition, at the time of the accident, Hochstrasser was insured by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, which included an uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, according to the complaint. The plaintiff states he should be able to recover from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance.

The plaintiff is seeking actual damages, punitive damages, interest and costs. Hochstrasser is being represented in the case by Ryan M. Schaper of Provost Umphrey Law Firm LLP.

Jefferson County Court Case No. B-0195662.

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.