BEAUMONT — A Jefferson County automobile dealer is suing multiple entities, alleging they entrusted a vehicle to a drunk driver.
Philpott Motors Ltd., doing business as Philpott Toyota, filed a lawsuit June 23 in Jefferson County District Court against First Chance Auto, Emanuel K. Foster, Charles Linton and Tajee S. Gardner, alleging negligent entrustment.
According to the complaint, Philpott Toyota suffered damages of more than $18,000, plus the diminished value of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The suit says after Gardner purchased a car from FCA, Linton and Foster he was under the influence of alcohol and that he negligently operated the vehicle onto plaintiff's property and damaged a 2016 Toyota Tacoma owned by Philpott.
The suit says FCA, Linton and Foster failed to ensure that Gardner had an insurance for the vehicle.
Philpott Motors seeks a trial by jury, damages including but not limited to at least $18,000, the diminished value of the vehicle, costs of court, pre- and post-judgment interest, and all relief as it may be justly entitled. It is represented by attorneys Donald W. Gould II and David M. Crimmins II of Johnson DeLuca Kurisky & Gould in Houston.
Jefferson County District Court Case number A-198651