Public transit passenger sues over alleged injuries after bus rear-ended

GRETNA – A public bus passenger who was allegedly injured when another vehicle rear-ended the bus she was in is suing claiming she was severely injured and had to seek medical attention due to the accident.

Vivian Thomas filed suit against Allstate Insurance Company, Gary Stodghill, Susan Stodghill, an unknown driver, Jefferson Parish Transit and Transdev Services Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 15.

Thomas claims that on April 14, 2014 she was riding in a Jefferson Parish Transit bus when it was rear-ended by a vehicle owned by the Stodghills. The plaintiff alleges she received severe injuries in the incident for which she had to receive medical treatment.

The defendant is accused of failing to maintain proper distance between the two vehicles, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing keep the vehicle under proper control, operating he vehicle in a careless manner, failing to see what should have been seen, failing to exercise due caution, failing to exercise reasonable vigilance, failing to obey the rules of the road, failing to slow, failing to avoid the accident and failing to maintain proper working condition.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress.

Thomas is represented by attorney Jerry L. Settle of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge E. Adrian Adams.

Case no. 748-678.