A severe car accident has led to a legal battle in Pinellas County, Florida. On June 7, 2024, Taylor Marks and Kevin Marks filed a complaint against Curtis T. Neel and Curtis J. Neel in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, seeking damages exceeding $50,000.
The incident in question occurred on July 11, 2023. According to the complaint, Taylor and Kevin Marks were driving eastbound on Gulf to Bay Blvd. when their vehicle was struck from behind by a 2018 Chevy Silverado C1500 driven by Curtis T. Neel. The plaintiffs allege that Curtis T. Neel was negligent in his operation of the vehicle, which was owned by Curtis J. Neel and operated with his express permission.
The complaint details several allegations against Curtis T. Neel, including claims that he drove carelessly, became distracted while driving, failed to pay due attention to traffic conditions, did not keep a proper lookout, and drove at an excessive speed for the roadway conditions. As a result of this alleged negligence, both Taylor and Kevin Marks claim to have sustained significant injuries to their necks and backs.
Taylor Marks' specific claims include bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses for hospitalization and treatment, loss of earnings, diminished earning capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Similarly detailed are Kevin Marks' claims which mirror those of Taylor's but are filed as separate counts within the same lawsuit.
In addition to holding Curtis T. Neel directly responsible for the accident through multiple counts of negligence, the plaintiffs also seek to hold Curtis J. Neel vicariously liable under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine. This legal principle asserts that owners who permit others to operate their vehicles can be held responsible for any resulting damages caused by negligent operation.
The plaintiffs are demanding judgment for damages exceeding $50,000 each from both defendants separately along with trial by jury for all counts presented in their complaint.
Representing Taylor and Kevin Marks is attorney Jelena Miokovic from The Nurse Lawyer P.A., based in Palm Harbor, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number: 24-002552-CI with Ken Burke serving as Clerk of the Circuit Court for Pinellas County.