February 5, 2010
Menacing driver struck vehicle, suit claims
Three Beaumont residents claim a man who made threatening gestures while driving behind them ended up injuring them when he hit their vehicle.
Glen Segura, Erica Segura and Verma St. Andre, as next friend of minor Sohayla Savoy, filed a lawsuit Jan. 29 in Jefferson County District Court against Shane Lee Chandler.
The plaintiffs claim they stopped in the left-hand lane attempting to make a left turn from College Street in Beaumont on July 29 when they noticed Chandler, who had pulled up next to the vehicle behind them, making threatening gestures.
"Then Defendant changed lanes and struck Plaintiffs from behind, thereby directly and proximately causing injuries and damages to Plaintiffs," the suit states.
Because of the accident, Glen Segura sustained injuries to his neck and lower back, while Erica Segura sustained serious injuries to her neck, head and lower back and Savoy suffered injuries to her neck, head and back, according to the complaint.
In addition, all three incurred medical costs; lost wages; lost their earning capacity; and experienced mental anguish, physical pain, suffering and physical impairment, the complaint says.
They blame Chandler for causing the accident, saying he failed to properly apply his brakes, failed to keep a lookout, failed to apply his brakes, failed to keep proper control of his vehicle, failed to yield the right-of-way and remained inattentive while driving.
The plaintiffs seek actual damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law and other relief the court deems just.
Clay Dugas and Mike Jacobellis of Clay Dugas and Associates in Beaumont will be representing them.
The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.
Jefferson County District Court case number: D185-826
