Woman says driver failed to yield at red light

A woman claims she incurred medical costs when a driver failed to yield the right-of-way at a red light.

Sarah Swiderski filed a lawsuit Aug. 26 in Jefferson County District Court against Alcode Plumbing and Richard Wayne Short.

In her complaint, Swiderski claims she was driving south on Park Street on June 12, 2013, when Short, who was driving east on Bowie Street, ran a red light and collided with Swiderski. 

Because of the collision, Swiderski incurred medical costs, lost wages, endured physical pain and suffering and experienced physical impairment and mental anguish, the suit states.

Swiderski blames Short for causing the collision, saying he negligently failed to timely apply his brakes, failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to keep proper control, failed to yield the right-of-way, failed to turn to avoid a collision and drove too fast, the complaint says.

In her complaint, Swiderski seeks damages within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, post-judgment interest at the legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

John Pat Parsons of Lindsay, Lindsay and Parsons in Beaumont will be representing her.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E196-051

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