Collision on North Causeway and Galleria Drive subject of lawsuit

An Orleans Parish resident is suing the owner of a tractor-trailer after the truck collided into his vehicle while turning onto Galleria Drive.

Asad Al-Shathri filed suit against Leondis Dickerson Trucking, Bryant Strickland, Ooida Risk Retention Group Inc. and American Service Insurance Co. Inc. on March 2 in Jefferson Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on April 1.

The accident occurred on March 16, 2010 as Al-Shathri was operating a vehicle in the left turn lane of southbound North Causeway Boulevard in Jefferson Parish. Al-Shathri states a vehicle owned by Leondis Dickerson Trucking and operated by Bryant Strickland was traveling in the "right" left turning lane and veered into his lane, causing a collision.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout, failing to see what he should have seen, failing to maintain reasonable and proper control of the vehicle, driving at an unreasonable speed, operating his vehicle in a careless and reckless manner without regard for the safety of others and failing to follow the customary rules of the road.

The accident caused Al-Shathri "severe and disabling injuries," the suit says.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, rental expenses, property damage, loss of use or depreciation of vehicle, medical expenses, loss of earnings, disability, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, penalties, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

Al-Shathri is represented by Edward J. Womac Jr. of Edward J. Womac Jr. & Associates in New Orleans.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00709