Woman sues Gateway Distribution for car accident

HUNTINGTON -- A woman is suing Gateway Distribution Inc. after she was injured in a car accident with one of its drivers.

Aerold Souder, an employee of Gateway, was also named as a defendant in the suit.

On Sept. 20, 2010, Lynnette Eplin was operating her 2007 Toyota Sienna minivan traveling south and entering the intersection of 16th Street and 6th Avenue in Huntington when Souder, who was operating a 2007 Volvo Tractor Truck owned by Gateway, collided with her vehicle, according to a complaint filed Sept. 18 in Cabell Circuit Court.

Eplin claims Souder was operating the vehicle without due caution or circumspection and in utter disregard of the safety of others.

Souder failed to yield the right of way and was negligent in driving the Gateway vehicle, according to the suit.

Eplin claims Gateway is liable for Souder's actions because he was acting as an employee of Gateway in his operation of the vehicle, according to the suit.

Eplin claims she suffered serious, permanent bodily injuries; extreme physical and mental pain and suffering; incurred medical expenses; and will continue to be restricted from her normal activities.

As a result of her injuries, Eplin has suffered a loss of her ability to function as a whole person and is suffering a loss of her ability to enjoy life, according to the suit.

Eplin is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Michael A. Woelfel.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David M. Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 12-C-620