A severe motor vehicle accident has sparked a significant legal battle in Pinellas County, Florida. On June 18, 2024, Chantel Preston and her co-plaintiffs filed a complaint against Stephen Bunce and Kimberly Bunce in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The plaintiffs allege that Stephen Bunce's negligent operation of a vehicle caused substantial injuries to multiple passengers.
The incident in question occurred on May 28, 2023, when Stephen Bunce was driving a motor vehicle hauling a trailer southbound on the Turnpike in Pinellas County. According to the complaint, Bunce failed to maintain or operate his vehicle and trailer safely, resulting in a piece of the trailer detaching and striking the car driven by Chantel Preston. The plaintiffs include Chantel Preston herself, Jaimee Smith, Juiel Smith, Joiri Smith, and S.L., a minor represented by Preston as their legal guardian.
The plaintiffs assert that Stephen Bunce had "a duty to exercise a reasonable degree of care" while operating his vehicle but breached this duty through negligence. As stated in the complaint: "As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of STEPHEN BUNCE," each plaintiff sustained various injuries ranging from bodily harm to mental anguish. These injuries have led to significant medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other damages that are either permanent or continuing.
In addition to targeting Stephen Bunce for negligence, the plaintiffs also bring claims against Kimberly Bunce under Florida's dangerous instrumentality doctrine. They argue that as the legal owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, Kimberly is liable for its use on public roads. The complaint reads: "This motor vehicle constitutes a dangerous instrumentality under Florida law," thereby making Kimberly responsible for any harm caused by its operation.
The plaintiffs seek damages exceeding fifty thousand dollars along with costs and pre-judgment interest where applicable. They demand a jury trial for all issues triable as a matter of right.
Representing the plaintiffs is Alexander R. Hunt from The Injury Firm based in Fort Lauderdale. The case is being overseen by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 24-002712-CI.