Man sues Hurricane Volunteer Fire Department for car accident

WINFIELD - A man involved in a car accident due to alleged negligence by a Putnam County Emergency Ambulance is suing the Putnam County Commission EMS for his injuries.

Hurricane Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Jessie W. Shearer and Dakota L. Jones were also named as defendants in the suit.

On Aug. 16, 2011, Hollis B. Horton was operating his vehicle on W.Va. 34 in Hurricane near Jones, who was driving a Putnam County Emergency Ambulance responding to an emergency call, according to a complaint filed June 25 in Putnam Circuit Court.

Horton claims Shearer was following the emergency vehicle in a Hurricane Volunteer Fire Department vehicle.

While Shearer was in the process of executing an illegal passing maneuver, Horton encountered the emergency vehicles and was injured, according to the suit.

Horton claims Shearer struck the vehicle Horton was operating head-on in Horton's lane of travel.

Shearer owed and breached duties to the motoring public by failing to operate his motor vehicle in a manner consistent with the rules and regulations of the state of West Virginia, according to the suit.

Horton claims as a result of the defendant's actions, he suffered severe injuries to both his body and mind.

As a direct and proximate result of his injuries, Horton incurred substantial bills for medical care, life care and other special damages, including medical expenses; pain and suffering; physical limitations; a diminished capacity to enjoy life; annoyance and inconvenience; and other consequences and damages, according to the suit.

Horton is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Robert D. Cline Jr., Robert A. Campbell and Letisha R. Bika of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Joseph K. Reeder.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 13-C-209