Car Accidents

August 6, 2015

Semi Crashes into Manatee River

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Slick roads are what caused a semi-truck to travel over a bridge in Manatee County and dive into the water.

Fortunately, a Good Samaritan saw the whole thing and came to the driver’s rescue.

After the crash, the truck was crushed, sinking and leaking diesel fluid.

The 29-year-old New Jersey driver survived the crash with minor injuries.

The Good Samaritan was on his boat during the mishap and managed to get the driver out of the truck right in time.

The truck’s cab is completely crushed and the entire vehicle remains submerged in the Manatee River.

Florida Highway Patrol does not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Millions of cars and trucks travel throughout Florida’s roadways and the rest of the country each year, resulting in thousands of accidents that cause serious injury or death. Many factors can contribute to auto accidents, and wet and slippery roads are a major contributor.

The following are a few easy steps drivers can take to avoid driving errors that lead to accidents and property damage.

Reduce Speed: Reducing your speed to below the speed limit can help prevent loss of traction from water, or even ice on the roadways. This is especially important to do on winding roads, inclines and declines.
Increase Braking Distance: When roads are slick or wet, braking distance must be increased. Hard braking can result in loss of traction as well as loss of control. This effect is heightened in larger, heavier vehicles, like tractor trailers and semis.
Stay Alert: Drivers must pay attention to road problems, traffic signals and signs, especially when facing poor road conditions. When there is inclement weather, it is important to avoid sudden steering or braking.

July 18, 2015

Two Suffer Minor Injuries in Semi Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two lanes of northbound I-75 were blocked off this morning just south of Riverview after there was an accident involving a semi.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 37-year-old Tampa man was driving a 2013 semi north on I-75 at 5:39 a.m. when he lost control of the truck.

The semi exited the roadway and collided with a 2014 Volkswagen Passat driven by a 42-year-old woman, according to troopers. The semi and the car both hit the outside guardrail, then slid down the shoulder embankment.

Both individuals were taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Traffic was backed up for several miles while crews pulled the vehicles up from the embankment..

The truck driver was ticketed for failure to use due care.

Troopers also believe heavy rains and wet conditions played a role in the crash as well.

The results can be devastating when a semi driver loses control of the vehicle or the tractor detaches from its trailer and spins out of control. These accidents are usually severe and cause significant property damage, injury or even death to the truck driver or other drivers and passengers involved in the accident.

Numerous things can cause a semi truck driver to lose control, from driver error to equipment malfunction. These cases can be quite complex, so it is best to consult with an injury lawyer as soon as possible. A Tampa Bay Truck Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can investigate your case to determine what caused the crash and who is liable. The at-fault party may not be just one person, in fact it can include a number of different parties from the truck driver to the trucking company or other parties.

July 10, 2015

Two Pedestrians Injured in Clearwater Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two pedestrians were injured in Clearwater Thursday morning after they were struck by a vehicle.

According to Clearwater police, a man and woman were struck by a Mitsubishi Outlander SUV while walking on Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Meadow Lark Lane just after 5:30 a.m.

Officers said the pair was trying to cross Gulf to Bay when they were hit by the car. According to officials, the man was trying to get the woman out of the way when they were hit.

The woman was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The man was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.

The driver of the SUV, a 67-year-old Clearwater man, was not injured.

The crash is still currently under investigation.

Drivers must exercise reasonable care when behind the wheel of a vehicle. Failure to do so is considered negligence. The most common factors contributing to driver negligence include:

Distracted Driving
Speeding
Failing to Yield the Right of Way to Pedestrians at Crosswalks
Disobeying Traffic Signs or Signals
Failing to Signal while Turning
Disregarding Weather or Traffic conditions
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Just like drivers, a pedestrian must also exercise reasonable care for his or her own safety. Contributory negligence can be a factor in accidents if it can be found that a pedestrian failed to exercise such care and contributed to the cause of their own injuries.

The most common factors contributing to pedestrian negligence are:

Ignoring the “Walk” Signal at an Intersection
Disrupting the Flow of Traffic
Failing to Use Marked Crosswalks
Darting in Front of a Vehicle

July 2, 2015

Fourth of July Safety Tips

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton would like to wish everyone throughout Tampa and the state of Florida a very happy Fourth of July! During this summer holiday period, many of us celebrate the time with friends and family. As with many other holidays, risks of accidents and injuries can increase during the Fourth of July weekend.

To help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe this weekend, we have compiled some helpful safety tips:

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving accidents, injuries and deaths always peak during Fourth of July weekend. If you plan on celebrating Independence Day with a few drinks, make sure to drink responsibly and plan for a ride. Make arrangements with friends or family, or call a cab or transportation service like Uber or Lyft. Remember, law enforcement officers will be out in full force this weekend looking to catch intoxicated motorists.

Fireworks Safety

If you plan to light off a few Sparklers or fireworks yourself, please remember these important tips:

Always follow instructions and supervise children. Never provide fireworks to small children.
Use fireworks in a safe area where they cannot harm others or damage property. This may be a given, but never throw or point fireworks toward people, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.
Do not light multiple fireworks at once and never attempt to relight a “dud” firework that failed to go off the first time.

Water Safety

Many Tampa Bay residents celebrate the Fourth at the beach, lake or by enjoying the water at backyard pool parties. When having fun near the water, make sure that safety is a top priority. Supervise children, use safety vests when on the water, drink responsibly and have a safety procedure set in place in the event of an emergency.

Grilling Safety

Use caution when barbecuing! Many people suffer injuries when cooking on charcoal and gas grills. Never grill indoors, supervise the grill when it is on, follow all instructions and never add lighter fluid when charcoal has already been ignited.

July 1, 2015

Pinellas County Deputy Injured in Weather-Related Crash on I-275

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy was involved in a weather-related collision on Sunday morning, according to reports.

The single-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate-275 just before the exit to 38th Avenue North at around 10 a.m. on Sunday.

According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was traveling southbound on Interstate 275 in heavy rain.

Reports indicate that due to the inclement weather, the deputy’s cruiser may have hydroplaned causing the vehicle to fishtail and strike the median guardrail barrier.

After hitting the median barrier the vehicle spun around before coming to a final rest on the guardrail.

The deputy was transported by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

Every year in the United States, weather is found to be a factor in more than 1,300,000 accidents. According to the U.S Department of Transportation, 23 percent of all accidents each year are weather-related. The following conditions contribute to weather-related accidents:

Wet Pavement – 17 percent of crashes, 16 percent of injuries, 13 percent of fatalities
Rain – 11 percent of crashes, 10 percent of injuries, 8 percent of fatalities
Snow & Sleet – 4 percent of crashes, 3 percent of injuries, 2 percent fatalities
Ice – 3 percent of crashes, 2 percent of injuries, 2 percent fatalities
Snow & Slush – 3 percent of crashes, 2 percent of injuries, 2 percent fatalities
Fog – 1 percent of crashes, 1 percent of injuries, 2 percent fatalities

June 25, 2015

Motorcyclist Killed in Tampa Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed in the early morning hours on Thursday in a traffic crash in Tampa.

The 38-year-old man was riding his motorcycle near N. Nebraska and E. Louisiana aves. when he was involved in a crash with another vehicle, according to police.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to officials, the driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene and was cooperative with police.

Officials have not yet said whether charges will be filed.

The investigation is ongoing.

About 75 percent of motorcycle accidents involve a crash with another motor vehicle, usually passenger cars. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, within the past decade, more than 70,000 people have suffered from serious injuries and more than 3,000 more have died from motorcycle accidents. In the vast majority of these cases, the biker is not the one found to be at fault for the accident.

A motorcycle accident can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and abrasions to serious head and brain injuries and even death. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries occur to the head and neck and can leave the victim paralyzed or in a permanent vegetative state. Due to these serious injuries and possible wrongful deaths, victims and their families may face extensive medical bills, loss of wages and emotional distress. A motorcycle accident victim, as well as surviving family members, may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

Compensation for Medical Care
Funeral or Burial Costs
Motorcycle Repair or Replacement
Lost Wages
Recovery for Mental Anguish and Pain and Suffering

June 15, 2015

Biker Injured in Causeway Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was injured in a crash on the Courtney Campbell Causeway Sunday.

A motorcycle collided with a vehicle while traveling eastbound east of the boat ramp, according to Tampa Police.

The motorcycle operator was taken to the hospital. Before being transported, he was speaking to officers at the scene.

The eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway were closed for a few hours while the investigation was conducted.

Motorcycles can be a wonderful way to travel to and from work, commute long distances, or enjoy a recreational thrill. The state of Florida has various laws in place to protect motorcyclists, but that does not change the fact that serious accidents still occur. When an accident occurs, even bikers wearing proper head, eye and body protection are no match for the impact of another vehicle.

Motorcycles lack the same safety features as cars, so riders can easily suffer severe injuries. Motorcycles are built to be small and light, so a collision with a passenger vehicle or stationary object can quickly lead to tragedy for a biker. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, or know someone who has, it is important that you work with a Tampa Bay Motorcycle Injury Lawyer right away.

May 26, 2015

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging motorists and roadway users to “Share the Road.”

Motorcyclist fatalities did actually increase in 2012. While bikers can protect themselves by wearing safety gear and practicing safe riding habits, ultimately, the other drivers sharing the roadway with them must also drive safely. Motorcyclists lack certain protections that cars have such as seat belts, steel cages and airbags, so they are truly at the mercy of other motorists.

Motorcycle Safety Facts

April 14, 2015

Chef Killed By Speeding Drunk Driver in Downtown St. Pete

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A speeding drunk driver collided with two people who were crossing 2nd Street N in downtown St. Petersburg early Saturday, killing one of them and critically injuring the other, according to police.

Shortly after 2 a.m., a 25-year-old St. Petersburg man was speeding on 2nd Street N in a rented Dodge Charger. The car ran a red light at Central Avenue and hit a 31-year-old Largo chef and a 28-year-old St. Petersburg man.

The chef died at the scene. The other man, who was sideswiped and spun onto the pavement, was taken to a Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with life-threatening injuries. He has since been stabilized, according to reports.

The drunk driver fled the scene and was arrested at the nearby Push Ultra Lounge a short time later. The driver has been charged with DUI manslaughter, aggravated fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and DUI with serious bodily injury.

The man tried to escape while in custody in the breath testing center at police headquarters, but was quickly apprehended, police said.

The deceased was a chef at The Kitchen, a restaurant just west of 2nd Street on 1st Avenue N. His wife was nine months pregnant with the family’s second child, according to reports.

Police reported that the Dodge was seen speeding on 4th Avenue N after exiting I-175. DUI patrol officers spotted the car and tried to stop it as it slowed to turn south on to 2nd Street, but the car accelerated “at a very high rate,” indicating it was not going to stop.

The Dodge kept speeding southbound and ran a red light at 3rd Avenue N and then at Central, where the two men were crossing Central Avenue with a green light and a crossing signal, police said.

After hitting the pedestrians, the Dodge drove off the southwest corner of the intersection and struck two concrete light pillars, ripping off the car’s right front wheel. The car continued travelling along until coming to rest just before 1st Avenue S.

Drunk drivers cause more than 30 percent of fatal car accidents each and every year in the United States. When a drunk driver causes a loved one’s unnecessary death or injuries, a Tampa Bay Wrongful Death Lawyer at Whittel & Melton is needed to obtain compensatory and punitive damages for your losses.

Our Tampa Bay Wrongful Death Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton work on a contingency basis for grieving families in order to help them cope with the legal and financial strains associated with a drunk driving death.

April 7, 2015

New Study Reveals Time of Day Child Pedestrians Most Likely to Be Struck By Car

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Researchers from New York City’s Jacobi Medical Center recently released a study that shows the time of day and months of the year that child pedestrians are most likely to be struck by a car. By taking a peek at the medical records of 100 school aged children who were hit by a car in 2012, the researchers were able to pinpoint the two most likely times of the day for a child to be hit: 1. the evening 2. shortly after leaving school.

The study also determined that children were more likely to be hit by a car in the spring months. The most common injuries suffered in these accidents were thigh bruises and ankle and shin fractures.

How to Prevent Children from Being Hit By Cars

Most accidents that involve children being hit by a vehicle are 100% preventable. Motorists on the road must practice safe driving and children must exercise safe walking habits in order to avoid pedestrian crashes.

Driver Distractions the Most Common Cause

The most common cause of a child pedestrian vs. car accident is a distraction of some kind. This applies to the driver of the car as well as the child. Distracted driving is unfortunately a widespread problem throughout the United States. Drivers texting, entering an address into GPS, applying makeup, eating or even just changing the radio station can result in a tragic accident because partaking in these activities causes their attention to be off of the road.

Child pedestrians can be guilty of distractions, too. Many children these days have smart phones that allow them to play games, search the Internet, take pictures and watch videos. Children must know to put the phone down while they are walking to avoid an unnecessary accident.

Liability for Pedestrian Auto Accidents