HOUSTON — A lawsuit has been brought against Safe Service Transport and the driver of an 18-wheeler that allegedly struck and killed a grandmother crossing the street.
Houston-based law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner partner Mo Aziz and attorney Edward Keenan, together with Kimberley Spurlock of Spurlock & Associates, filed the suit.
According to a press release, on June 1 an 18-wheeler was facing eastbound and stopped at a red light on East Freeway Southbound Service Road at the intersection of Sheldon Road. With traffic stopped at the red light, Tanya Prater lawfully entered the crosswalk to cross the service road.
“Tragically, despite Ms. Prater’s unmistakable presence in the crosswalk, inexplicably the 18-wheeler initiated a right-hand turn on red, running Ms. Prather down,” the press release states. “After knocking Ms. Prater off her feet, the 18-wheeler momentarily stopped before accelerating again and dragging the victim an estimated 300 feet. Tanya Prater was pronounced dead at the scene.
Attorney Mo Aziz added, “Ms. Prater was the victim of yet another semi-truck accident in the Houston area, which we see far too often. Surveillance footage clearly shows that Ms. Prater had the right of way.”
The lawsuit alleges negligence, negligent hiring, negligent selection, negligent retention, negligent entrustment, gross negligence, and wrongful death against the driver and Safe Services Transport, Inc.
The family of Tanya Prater and her estate are seeking damages over $1,000,000.