HOUSTON – A vehicle driver and his passengers who were struck from behind by a tractor trailer while stuck in traffic on I-10 are claiming negligence.
Blanca Rodriguez, Julio Cortez and Josue Cermenate Fernandez filed a complaint July 26 in Harris County District Court against ACR Trucking Inc., and Cesar Rios alleging negligence and vicarious liability.
Cortez was driving his Toyota Camry on I-10 East with Fernandez and Rodriguez as passengers on July 6, 2021, according to the plaintiffs' complaint. They allege that at the 2800 block of I-10 East, they were stuck in traffic when Rios, who was driving ACR's tractor trailer, "reached the crest of I-10 East," did not stop in time and collided with the rear of their vehicle.
The plaintiffs allege that as a result of the crash, they suffered "significant orthopedic" injuries, impairment, disfigurement, loss of earnings and incurred medical expenses. The plaintiffs claim Rios' negligence for failing to keep a lookout, failing to keep the truck under proper control and to control his speed. They also claim ACR's negligence for failing to properly supervise and control Rios or create and enforce safety rules.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Anthony Buzbee, Ryan Pigg, Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey and Mauricio Guevara of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-45240