Back Injury Sustained in Car Accident Man Sues

New Haven, MIA $1 million lawsuit has been filed against New Haven President Brett Harris and New Haven Community Schools, Harris's employer, which claims Harris negligently crashed a school van into the pickup truck of Daniel Jackson, 52.

Jackson says that the accident resulted in him having herniated discs in which two surgeries have been required. According to his lawyer, Jackson will need more surgeries to rectify the issues in his lower back. He says that his quality of life has been severely compromised because he must wear a brace during the day and cannot sit for more than 20 minutes at a time.

As to why Jackson has waited so long to file the lawsuit because the accident occurred on February 28, 2007, it was said on April 23 that it is a custom to wait until the injuries mature. This is to confirm the true extent of the damages that have occurred to the plaintiff in the case.

Also named as a defendant in the case is State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. And the suit says that Harris was leaving the New Haven Middle School parking lot in the 2002 Ford Windstar when he made a wide turn in the school van at a speed of approximately 20 mph. Jackson was traveling straight on the same street when the Windstar collided with his GMC pickup truck.

Jackson's lawyer says that Jackson said Harris reached for breath mints and that when Harris spoke to Jackson, Jackson could smell alcohol on his breath. When police responded, Jackson was ordered to get into the tow truck and Harris was not cited for the accident. The superintendant also came to the conclusion that Harris was not at fault or intoxicated after he reviewed the police report. He says that Harris has worked for the district as a custodian for well over twenty years and says that there has been no incident since he has been employed with them. His demeanor and his overall physical appearance suggested that he was sober. However, no breathalyzer test was administered at the scene, but Jackson says that he requested Harris be administered the test and his request was declined.

Surprisingly, though, Harris is subject to a recall election at this time because he was arrested for his fifth drunk driving offense in November 2007.

As for Jackson's case that was filed on April 18, 2008, he is seeking more than $25,000 in damages.

By: Ginger Gillenwater