Sunil Joseph on January 16, 2023
Tammy Sytch was arrested last year for a DUI which resulted in Julian L. Lasseter being killed in the three-car accident. Following the accident, a civil lawsuit was filed against Tammy Sytch and her fiance James Pente.
After several months, there seems to be some movement in the civil lawsuit as Lasseter’s daughter Whitney Hill filed a motion on January 9th to include Ultimate Motors Cars, LLC as a defendant in the lawsuit.
The motion stated that through discovery, they realized that Ultimate Motors Cars, LLC may bear some liability in the Lasseter’s passing. The filing included the amended version of the lawsuit that will replace the current version if the court agrees to include Ultimate Motors Cars, LLC as a defendant.
PW Insider reports that the amended lawsuit alleges that Tammy Sytch purchased the 2012 Mercedes-Benz from Ultimate Motors Cars, LLC while having an expired license.
“On or about March 14, 2022, Defendant SYTCH and Defendant PENTE applied as co-applicants to purchase the 2012 Mercedes-Benz from Defendant ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS.
Attached to the Sales Agreement for the 2012 Mercedes Benz was a Vehicle Bailment Agreement that stated: “Pending credit approval of consumer[s] by lending institution and completion of sales contraction…delivery of said vehicle by dealer is herby [sic] made to consumer[s] as a convenience to consumer[s]. . .said vehicle shall remain the property of the dealer.” Please see the Bailment Agreement for Vehicle Delivery, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” (emphasis added). Both SYTCH and PENTE signed this Agreement.
On March 14, 2022, ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS permitted SYTCH to operate its vehicle while using a dealer tag. See §320.13 Florida Statutes.
ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS requested SYTCH’s driver’s license, and in response, SYTCH produced a government issued ID to ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS that was plainly marked “FOR IDENTIFICATION ONLY” with that ID having expired on January 22, 2022.
The identification card SYTCH produced to ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS not only was not a valid driver’s license but was a clear indication to ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS that SYTCH did not have a valid driver’s license. Despite this, ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS permitted SYTCH to operate its vehicle with a dealer tag when it had actual knowledge that SYTCH was not permitted to drive.
Eleven days later, on or about March 25, 2022, Defendant SYTCH was intoxicated and operating the 2012 Mercedes Benz owned by Defendant ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS traveling southbound on N. Yonge Street, at or near the intersection of W. Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida.
Defendant SYTCH operated the motor vehicle with the consent, either express or implied, of Defendant ULTIMATE MOTOR CARS. “
The Ormond Beach PD’s report states that Tammy Lynn Sytch was driving without a valid driver’s license southbound on U.S. 1 just north of Granada Boulevard and failed to stop at 8:28 PM EST.
According to the report, two different witnesses to the crash noted that Sytch’s car was travelling at a high speed before crashing into Lasseter’s stopped car. Lasseter then crashed into a third vehicle. While the passengers of the third vehicle were not hospitalized, Lasseter passed away after being rushed to the hospital. The initial lawsuit seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages.
“Upon information and belief, on or about March 25, 2022, Defendant SYTCH was intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle owned by Defendant PENTE southbound on N. Yonge Street, at or near the intersection of W. Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida.
Defendant SYTCH operated the motor vehicle with the consent, either express or implied, of Defendant PENTE.
On or about March 25, 2022, Julian L. Lasseter was also operating a motor vehicle southbound on N. Yonge Street, at or near the intersection of W. Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida.
At the time and place referenced in paragraphs 6 and 8 above, Defendant SYTCH negligently operated or maintained her motor vehicle so that it collided with the rear end of Julian L. Lasseter’s motor vehicle, causing severe and incapacitating injuries to Mr. Lasseter. These injuries resulted in his death on March 25, 2022.”
James Pente denied any negligence on his part and denied he was responsible for Tammy Sytch’s actions. Lasseter’s estate is planning to include Ultimate Motors Cars, LLC as a defendant, indicates that they are seeking to hold them responsible for Sytch having possession of the car despite not having a legal license.
There could be a lot more for the Tammy Lynn Sytch saga. Stay tuned to Ringside News as we keep you updated on this story.
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January 16, 2023 3:21 pm
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