Fatal I-10 Accident Prompts Lawsuits, Harsh Words Between Attorneys

A fatal collision on Interstate 10 in Jefferson County has led to a lawsuit and countersuit, and some harsh words between attorneys.

The parents of Meagan Watkins, 22, filed a lawsuit against Travis Blaise Darby and Independent Speciality Towing, claiming he was negligent on June 5 by not moving his wrecker when Watkins was traveling the wrong way on I-10 and struck his vehicle.

Her family is also suing the Dixie Dance Hall, alleging Watkins was served alcohol after she was clearly intoxicated.

Investigators say she had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit when she died.

State troopers say Watkins was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 10 when she hit Darby's wrecker near Smith Road at about 2 a.m. on June 5.

Darby's attorney has filed a counter-claim against the Dixie Dance Hall and Watkins' estate.

The attorney says the Texas Department of Public Safety stopped traffic on I-10 because Watkins was driving the wrong way.

He says his client had no choice but to stop, and he says Darby received serious injuries to his body, including his back, chest and knee.

The attorney is urging a court to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Watkins' family.

"This type of lawsuit is what gives lawyers a bad name, when there's a claim filed, that for whatever reason, it shouldn't have been filed," said attorney Mike Jacobellis.  "And this is just one of those that just never should have been filed."

Jacobellis claims it's a frivolous lawsuit.

"We consider something frivolous if it doesn't have a basis," Jacobellis told KFDM News. "I hate to use that term because it is misused so often, but this case, I think, does satisfy as a frivolous pleading and we filed a counter-claim saying that."

An employee of the wrecker company told us Darby had been on medical leave until this week. She said he's now on restricted duty because of his injuries.

Attorney John Morgan, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Watkins' family, responded to Jacobellis' assertions.

"We've given him, Mr. Jacobellis and Mr. Darby, every opportunity to cooperate with us and determine the culpable parties and they refuse all efforts," said Morgan.

"If he's an innocent victim, why won't he help us determine the truth?"

The lawsuit on behalf of Watkins' parents is seeking damages, including money for her pain and suffering before she died.

The lawsuit filed by Darby is seeking damages, including payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and physical impairment.