After vehicle strikes tree, parents sue children’s friend they claim caused accident through reckless driving

GRETNA – The parents of two children who were allegedly injured after one of their friends recklessly drove the car they were in into a tree are suing.

John R. Kissee, on behalf of his minor daughter, and Sheramy Brewer, on behalf of her minor daughter, filed suit against Donovan Snowden in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 22.

Kissee and Brewer claim that their daughters were riding in a car driven by Snowden on Aug. 15 when he began to drive in a reckless and careless manner. The plaintiffs allege their children asked the defendant to stop driving recklessly at which time he stated,“I got this,” and proceeded to lose control of the car and crash headfirst into a nearby tree at the corner of Bauvais and Division Street in Metairie. Kissee and Brewer contend their children received multiple injuries to their backs, knees and heads in the accident. In addition, Snowden is alleged to have abandoned the minors and the vehicle after the accident and later falsified a police report claiming the vehicle had been stolen, for which he was arrested.

The defendant is accused of negligence.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish, anxiety, inconvenience, medical bills and expenses, loss of enjoyment of life and hedonic damages.

Kissee and Brewer are represented by Keith A. Conley of the New Orleans-based Brandner Law Firm LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.

Case no. 742-722.