Patricia Cross is suing Swift Transportation Company, its affiliate family of companies and one of its drivers, Martin S. Johnson, for damages from a trucking accident that left her friend, Kayla M. Rhodes, debilitated with serious injuries.
Cross is Rhodes' "next friend" and has taken legal action on Rhodes' behalf against the driver and company responsible for side-swiping Rhodes' car at the intersection of state highways 77 and 59 in Atlanta, Texas. The impact of Johnson's tractor trailer truck hitting Rhodes' Saturn sedan tossed the car hundreds of feet down the highway. Rhodes, a mother of two young girls, was hospitalized due to injuries sustained from the crash.
The plaintiff Patricia Cross has filed suit against truck driver Johnson, his employer Swift Transportation, and Swift's family of companies. She accuses Johnson of failing to observe safe driving behaviors, like applying his brakes in a timely manner, controlling his vehicle, avoiding a collision and controlling his speed. In addition, Cross accuses Johnson of operating his truck recklessly and incompetently and being inattentive while driving.
Cross also filed suit against Swift Transportation Company and its affiliates, claiming the company's were negligent in the supervision and training of its employees. The plaintiff seeks damages for medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity, physical and emotional pain and mental anguish.
In order to be awarded damages, Cross will have to prove her claims to the court. Namely, that Johnson's negligent driving behaviors led to the collision and resulting injuries sustained by Rhodes.
Collisions involving commercial trucks can result in catastrophic injuries to accident victims. If you or a loved one has been severely injured in an accident involving a large truck, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. Please consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.
