Tennis: Battlelines drawn in Venus Williams wrongful death lawsuit

Venus Williams of the United States returns to Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Photo/AP Photos

Tennis star Venus Williams is reportedly denying all allegations that she caused a car accident in Florida last month that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man.

Jerome Barson was killed and wife Linda suffered a cracked sternum, shattered right arm, and broken wrist, hand and fingers, when their Hyundai Accent, driven by Mrs Barson, collided with Williams' car at Palm Beach Gardens on June 9.

Linda Barson is suing for wrongful death, demanding damage for loss of companionship, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and medical and funeral expenses.

But court documents, obtained by the Daily Mail, show Williams is blaming the fatality and injuries on the Barsons' own negligence for not wearing their seat belts.

Williams, 37, who lost the Wimbledon singles final last week, also insists that the Barsons did not adequately maintain or repair their vehicle, and challenges the claim that the plaintiff suffered permanent injury in the accident.

Both sides are now engaged in a war of claim and counter-claim, according to the Daily Mail. Barson attorneys have tried to gain access to the "black box" in Williams' Toyota Sequoia and also her mobile phone records, claiming she was using the phone and accelerated late into the intersection, trying to beat a red light.

A police report said Williams was at fault, because she turned left into the Barsons' path and they had right of way when they collided with her.

Williams claims the traffic light was green when she entered the intersection and her exit was blocked by traffic.

Linda Barson's lawyers also want the title and registration of Williams's SUV, personal videos or photos taken at the crash site, and her driving record for the past seven years.

"If Venus isn't guilty, and she was driving with all due care and attention, then why wouldn't she hand over those records?' a source with knowledge of the suit told the Daily Mail.

"If she was distracted by her phone at the time of the accident, then negligence becomes an issue and suddenly things could get a whole lot worse for her."

In response, Williams has now requested copies of autopsy reports, death and marriage certificates, tax returns, and life and health insurance policies, as well as Jerome Barson's medical records for the past five years, degrees and diplomas, and a list of tissue, blood and fluid samples from the autopsy.

The accident is still under police investigation and Williams has not been charged. Police have said there was no evidence she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or that she was distracted by the phone.

But Williams' lawyers are challenging police claims that she was at fault for blocking the Barsons' vehicle.