WHEELING – A Triadelphia family is filing a suit against UPS and one of its drivers after a vehicle accident that allegedly led to injuries.
Crystal Hoffmaster, formally known as Crystal Harris, Kevin Hoffmaster, her husband, and Kaiden Hoffmaster, their son, filed a lawsuit on Feb. 5 in Ohio Circuit Court against United Parcel Service Inc. and Verne E. Smith over alleged negligence and carelessness.
The plaintiffs allege that on Feb. 19, 2014, defendant Smith, operating 2014 Volvo tractor-trailer, was driving down Interstate 70 and rear-ended a 2010 KIA Optima operated by Crystal Hoffmaster. The plaintiffs' infant son was allegedly in a car seat in the car with her.
The plaintiffs claim that Smith was following too closely to the Optima, failed to exercise due care, failed to brake on time, operated vehicle at excessive speeds, failed to observe the laws of traffic, and violated Federal Motor Carrier rules and regulations. As a result of said alleged negligence, Crystal and Kaiden Hoffmaster suffered permanent and disabling bodily damages across their bodies, head, neck, muscles and tissues. Plaintiff Kevin Hoffmaster also alleges that he has been deprived of the consortium and services of his wife. The plaintiffs claim to have suffered loss of enjoyment of life, emotional stress, damages to their vehicle and medical expenses.
They are suing for compensatory damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs and any further relief deemed just by the court. They are represented by Ronald W. Zavolta and Jordan M. Laird from the Zavolta Law Office in Wheeling. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David J. Sims.
Ohio Circuit Court Case number 16-C-37-DJJ