Pedestrians sue after being hit by car

Two pedestrians have filed a lawsuit asking for more than $600,000 after a vehicle ran over them.

Laurie and James Goutierrez filed suit against Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange and Auto Club Family Insurance Co. on March 18 in federal court in New Orleans.

The couple was walking near the intersection of Magazine and Eighth Streets in Orleans Parish when Esmiralda Yeremeyrva backed her 2006 Hyundai Elantra into them, striking them and knocking them to the ground.

According to court documents, Laurie Goutierrez injured her knee and underwent surgery and James Goutierrez injured his shoulder, which required surgery.

The Goutierrezes are asking for an award of damages for bodily injury, medical expenses, pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, increased susceptibility to future illness and disease, loss of wages and earning capacity, interest and court costs. They are also asking for statutory damages of $200,000 each and $100,000 each for mental anguish for the defendant's actions regarding the insurance claim.

The plaintiffs are represented by Baton Rouge attorney J. Price McNamara. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00620