By Chris Foreman

Published: Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County is suing a Trafford woman who it says caused an estimated $6,200 in damage to an authority vehicle in a December crash in North Huntingdon.

The authority's solicitor, Ken Burkley, filed a complaint last week against Jennifer J. Long, 33.

According to the lawsuit, Long was driving east on Route 30 about 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 when her 2001 Dodge Durango crossed the center line and struck a dump truck driven west by an authority employee.

The authority claims Long was negligent in driving her sport-utility vehicle in a "high, dangerous and reckless rate of speed" and was inattentive.

Court records show that Long pleaded guilty to a citation for driving without insurance and paid a $443.50 fine.

Burkley said authority officials attempted to arrange for Long to pay for the damage, but she failed to do so. Palko Truck & Trailer Shop estimated the damage at $6,236.07.

"We just can't overlook it," Burkley said. "It's not fair to the ratepayers for someone to crash into one of our vehicles and then not pay for it."

A message left for Long was not returned Wednesday.

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