HOUSTON — A Harris County motorist and passenger are suing a truck owner and truck driver, alleging the defendants' negligence led to a crash that injured the plaintiffs.
Antonio Rivas and Esmeralda Flores filed a lawsuit Nov. 3 in Harris County District Court against Ari Fleet LT and Tommie Lee Esters, alleging Ari Fleet negligently hired, trained, supervised and retained Esters.
According to the complaint, on April 9, Rivas and Flores were traveling westbound in the 9800 block of Clay Road in Houston and were stopped at a red light traffic at the intersection of Windfern Road. The suit says Esters, driving a truck owned by Ari Fleet, suddenly collided into the vehicle behind the plaintiffs' car, pushing that vehicle into the plaintiffs' vehicle.
The lawsuit says the crash caused serious injuries to Rivas and Flores, resulting in pain, mental anguish, medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. The plaintiffs allege Esters failed to control his speed, failed to pay attention and keep proper lookout and failed to timely apply his brakes. The suit alleges Ari Fleet should have known Esters was an incompetent or reckless driver.
Rivas and Flores seek trial by jury, monetary relief between $200,000 and $1 million, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs of court and all other just relief. They are represented by attorney Christopher K. Johns of Lapeze & Jones PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court Case number 2016-76290