Trucker on Cell Phone Caused Fatal Accident, Suit Alleges

A trucker distracted by talking on his cell phone negligently caused the death of a Texas woman, according to a lawsuit filed in state court.

Barbara Williams was crushed Aug. 4, 2008, when a truck driven by William Ryan Ellis slammed into the stalled vehicle she was sitting in, her daughters say in their Tarrant County District Court suit.

Ellis, an employee of industrial drill bit manufacturer Varel International, was driving the truck in the course and scope of his employment, the plaintiffs say.

The accident occurred when a car driven by Williams' daughter Lori Adamo stalled at a stoplight. Williams and John Adamo were passengers in the back seat.

Lori activated the hazard lights while John opened the hood. Moments later, according to the complaint, Ellis rammed into the car.

The impact killed Williams and seriously injured the Adamos, the suit says.

Ellis was speeding and talking on his cell phone immediately before the crash, according to the complaint.

The suit, filed by Lori Adamo, sister Renee Canright and John Adamo, charges Varel with negligent training, supervision and hiring and charges Ellis with negligence.

It seeks actual and punitive damages from the defendants.

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The plaintiffs are represented by Scott B. Frenkel of Frenkel & Frenkel in Dallas.