Mother claims woman's reckless driving killed her son

CHARLESTON -- A Huntington woman is suing another woman she claims was driving recklessly and caused her son's death.

Five unknown and unnamed individuals were also named as defendants in the suit.

On May 6, 2011, Jordan C. White was operating a 1996 Saturn vehicle and was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 when his vehicle became disabled and came to rest facing the median concrete barrier on the interstate in the center and right lanes near the Institute exit, according to a complaint filed March 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Polly Groves claims Jennifer L. McCorkle was traveling immediately behind White and was traveling at such a rate of speed that she could not keep a proper lookout and negligently and violently crashed into White's vehicle, causing his death.

McCorkle is liable for White's death as she failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to maintain control of her vehicle and failed to operate her vehicle at a speed reasonable under the circumstances, according to the suit.

Groves claims the wrongful death beneficiaries of White have suffered sorrow, mental anguish, loss of society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices and advice.

Groves is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by R. Edison Hill and Douglas A. Spencer.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-511