Woman files injury lawsuit

August 16, 1998|By MARLO BARNHART

The driver of a van involved in an accident with a Washington County Commuter bus in January 1997 has filed a $250,000 lawsuit, claiming the bus driver's negligence caused her serious and permanent injuries.

Rhonda L. Myerly-Shafer, of 11022 Catholic Church Road, Big Pool, is seeking the damages from the Washington County Commissioners and the bus driver, Christine E. Taylor, of 53 Wayside Ave., Hagerstown.

In the lawsuit, filed Aug. 4 in Washington County Circuit Court, Myerly-Shafer alleges that she was heading east on West Washington Street near Elizabeth Street on Jan. 13, 1997, when the commuter bus ran into the rear of Myerly-Shafer's van.

As a result of the impact, Myerly-Shafer said she required medical treatment for head, neck and back injuries.

Records at Washington County Hospital indicate she was seen in the emergency room on Jan. 13 and released later that day.

"At the time of the accident, I was working for Anderson's Dry Cleaning as a driver," Myerly-Shafer said by telephone. "I was off the job for two days."

She said she went back to work but her pain worsened, Myerly-Shafer said. "Then I was fired in March 1997 and now I can't work or get unemployment."

Hagerstown Police Officer Wayne Hose investigated the accident and charged Taylor with failure to control speed to avoid a collision, according to police records.

Taylor is still a driver for the Washington County Commuter, according to Kevin Cerrone, superintendent. He said he wasn't aware of the lawsuit.

County Attorney Richard Douglas said he had not been served with a copy of the lawsuit yet and had no comment.

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