CHARLESTON — A passenger is suing a vehicle owner and driver, alleging their negligence led to the plaintiff's injuries in a crash.
Brittany Hancock filed a lawsuit Nov. 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Walker-Barnett Inc. and Charles Walker, alleging they breached their duty to exercise reasonable care.
According to the complaint, on April 4, 2013, Hancock she was a passenger in her Dodge Caravan being driven by her mother, Deborah Hancock-Philbin, traveling east on state Route 60 in Belle. The suit says a Dodge van owned by Walker-Barnett and operated by Walker, crossed the center line and caused a head-on collision with the plaintiff's vehicle.
The lawsuit states Hancock sustained serious and permanent injuries, disfigurement, mental anguish and other damages. The plaintiff alleges Walker improperly crossed the center line, entered the plaintiff's lane of travel and failed to maintain proper lookout.
Hancock seeks trial by jury, compensatory and general damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs, attorney fees and all other applicable relief. She is represented by attorneys Phillip Estep, Todd S. Bailess and Rodney A. Smith of Bailess Smith PLLC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16-c-1752