PHILADELPHIA - A Bucks County couple are suing an Alabama-based business and its employee, alleging vehicular negligence in a collision that they said resulted in serious injuries to the husband.
Mitchel Sweigart and Patricia Ray of Yardley filed a lawsuit July 14 against Central Garden & Pet Supply Co. of Cullman, Ala., and Antonio Rios Jr. of Paterson, N.J., in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District for the Pennsylvania, alleging negligence in a 2014 roadway crash
According to the complaint, on Sept. 11, Central Garden were the owners a 2015 Freightliner truck driven by Rios who was unable to stop the truck in time to avoid a collision when traffic slowed on state Route 276. The truck swerved into the right lane, striking Sweigart’s automobile, the suit says.
The couple allege Rios failed to keep a proper lookout, control his vehicle, follow traffic regulations, slow and stop in time to avoid the impact, and pay attention. The lawsuit states Sweigert sustained mental and physical injuries including head, neck and back trauma, concussion, fractures, strain, abrasions, numbness, shock, stroke and post-traumatic stress symptoms of pain and anxiety.
The plaintiffs allege Sweigart also incurred great medical expenses as a result of Rios’ carelessness and that Ray has been deprived of her husband’s services, companionship and affection.
Sweigart and Ray seek monetary damages of more than $150,000 along with attorney fees and court costs. They are represented by attorney Clifford D. Bidlingmaier III of Kardos, Rickles, Hand & Bidlingmaier of Newtown.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:15-cv-03905-TJS