HOUSTON – The mother of an 8-month-old girl killed in a traffic accident last month has filed a lawsuit against CenterPoint Energy and a construction company.
Alma Crus-Reyes' lawsuit said they're to blame for the crash because they didn't post warning signs after shutting off traffic signals at a busy intersection in northeast Harris County.
Abrego's baby daughter, Laura, and 3-year-old Valerie Mendoza died in the crash. Reyes was hospitalized with head injuries.
The two victims, 9 other children and five adults were in an SUV when it collided with a pickup near the Sam Houston Parkway and Garrett Road on May 29.
Both vehicles went through the intersection where the lights weren't working.
The law firm of Hilliard Muñoz Gonzales L.L.P. filed the lawsuit against CenterPoint Energy Inc. and Joslin Construction Inc., and states that while both companies were working in the area and shut off power at the intersection, neither put up temporary signage to alert motorists.
"This is a busy intersection. It’s mind boggling that these two companies would shut off the electricity for an extended amount of time and not bother to take five minutes to put up a few temporary stop signs to warn drivers," said family attorney Robert Hilliard of Hilliard Muñoz Gonzales L.L.P.
"This is an accident that was preventable. Mrs. Reyes suffered a tremendous loss. She and her family, as well as some friends, were headed for a fun day at the beach. Instead, that day ended tragically and an 8-month-old little girl was laid to rest on Monday. It’s heartbreaking," Hilliard said.
The young victims weren't restrained but a legal loophole prevents charges against the driver since there weren't enough seatbelts to go around.
CenterPoint officials had no comment on the lawsuit.
