In the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, a lawsuit was filed on February 29, 2024, by plaintiff Pyx Smit against defendants Susan Sloyen, Karen Upchurch, and Pinellas County School Transportation Department. The case number is 24-000962-ClI and it pertains to an action for damages exceeding $30,000 due to a vehicular accident involving a school bus.
The plaintiff's counsel states that the incident occurred on July 23, 2023, when defendant Susan Sloyen, an employee of the Pinellas County School Transportation Department at the time of the accident, operated a motor vehicle owned by her employer without due caution. The complaint alleges that Ms. Sloyen collided with Mr. Smit's car while exiting a parking lot at the department's premises in Clearwater, FL.
Following the accident, defendant Karen Upchurch allegedly advised Mr. Smit to continue working despite his injuries. The plaintiff's vehicle was deemed totaled after the accident and he had to rely on alternative transportation methods which incurred additional expenses.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against all defendants for their negligence leading to his bodily injuries, disability, mental anguish, diminished quality of life and significant medical expenses resulting from the accident. He also claims that his ability to work and maintain financial stability has been greatly compromised.