Actor Freeman 'denies negligence'

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A lawyer for Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman has filed court papers denying allegations of negligence following a car crash in Mississippi last August.

Demaris Meyer, who was travelling with Mr Freeman at the time of the accident, is suing the 71-year-old star, claiming the crash had "changed her life".

Both Mr Freeman and Ms Meyer sustained serious injuries when the car ran off the road and flipped over.

In court documents, Mr Freeman denies almost all the allegations.

Referring to unspecified allegations, Mr Freeman's lawyer Jack H Hayes said the actor didn't know enough about them to form an opinion.

The accident occurred when Mr Freeman offered to drive Ms Meyer to his home, near Charleston, following a party last August.

Ms Meyer took legal action in January, alleging she was still suffering both "physically and emotionally" and was unable to return to work.

I sustained numerous injuries. I was unconscious following the accident. I could not take care of myself for several months Demaris Meyer

The case claims Mr Freeman was not paying attention on the night of the accident and had failed to keep the vehicle under control.

"I sustained numerous injuries. I was unconscious following the accident. I could not take care of myself for several months," Ms Meyer said.

She is suing for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent disability and property damage.

Responding to allegations in court papers this week, Mr Freeman has admitted driving the car, and that it left the road and "sustained significant damages".

However the four-page court document stated the actor "would show [Ms Meyer] is comparatively negligent".

His lawyer, Mr Hayes, would not elaborate further when contacted by the Associated Press news agency on Friday.

"It's just a car wreck case and that's it," he said.

Mr Freeman, who won an Oscar for his performance in 2004's Million Dollar Baby, co-starred in last year's The Dark Knight.