Hillsborough County Injury Attorney

June 9, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Injury Attorney :: Brother and Sister Struck by Car Crossing Bearss Avenue After School

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A brother and sister were struck by a car while leaving middle school on the last day of the school year on Friday leaving them hospitalized.

According to friends and witnesses, the girl was hit while she was trying to pull her brother out of the way of the car.

The brother and sister, both students at Buchanan Middle School, were struck by a Honda Civic heading east on Bearss Avenue. The siblings were attempting to cross the busy four-lane road at about 1:30 p.m. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, both were in stable condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The girl, 15, who finished eighth grade at Buchanan, suffered a broken ankle, and the boy, 12, endured a head injury.

Five students, including the brother and sister, were following a group of about 25 students who were heading to a nearby park to celebrate the end of the school year. The first group made it successfully across Bearss Avenue at Monet Drive, which does not have a crosswalk.

When the brother and sister and their three friends crossed, they stopped at the median, but the 12-year-old boy kept walking. His sister reached out and grabbed his shirt to keep him from getting hit, but as a result, they were both struck by the vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said the boy is a special needs child.

When it comes to pedestrian safety, there are steps that both motorists and pedestrians can take to decrease dangers. Drivers approaching intersections or crosswalks should not let distractions affect their awareness of pedestrians in the area. Additionally, motorists should signal turns and know right-of-way rules. Pedestrians should only cross roadways in specified areas. Most drivers are alert in these areas as they expect to see pedestrians in these locations and can be prepared to stop. It is also important for pedestrians to try and make eye contact with drivers when they can, so that they can be alerted that the pedestrian is going to cross the street.

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries that usually result in a long recovery period. Most victims of pedestrian accidents require extensive treatment for their injuries, and then must undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy to get back to living a normal life. This can result in exceptionally pricey medical bills.

May 29, 2014

Tampa Bay Auto Accident Attorney :: Tampa Bay Area Ranks Second in New Study On America’s Deadliest Cities for Pedestrians

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A recent study shows that the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. In fact, Tampa took second place in the top 10 deadliest metro areas for walkers.

The new report from the National Complete Streets Coalition, Dangerous By Design 2014, used a Pedestrian Danger Index to rank the deadliest places to walk in America. Florida is home to the top four cities.

Top 10 Deadliest Cities for Pedestrians:

Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida
Memphis, Tennessee-Arkansas-Mississippi
Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, North Carolina-South Carolina

And here are the 10 safest metros for pedestrians:

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Massachussetts-New Hampshire
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, New York-New Jersey, Pennsylvania
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, California
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota-Wisconsin
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Oregon-Washington
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin
Rochester, New York
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio

You can view the full list here.

The study looked at people who walk to work as well as respective cities’ fatality numbers. Through this research it was found that 47,025 pedestrians died as a result of car crashes between 2003 and 2012. Another 676,000 were injured in pedestrian-related accidents.

Pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur in the following settings:

Urban Areas
Nighttime
Clear Weather
Non-intersections

If you are going to be travelling on foot in Tampa or anywhere else in Florida or across the U.S., please follow the below tips:

Always use crosswalks and sidewalks when they are available for use.
Watch out for things going on around you. Just because you are on a sidewalk does not mean you are in the clear. Pedestrians are often overlooked by passing cars, so keep your eyes open and stay alert.
Never assume that a driver can see you.
Do not walk near freeways, restricted-access highways or other dangerous roadways where signs indicate that pedestrians are prohibited.
Avoid distractions while you are walking, such as texting, playing video games, talking on the phone and other disruptions.
Do not walk near traffic while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

May 19, 2014

Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyer :: Motorcyclist Killed in Collision Saturday in Polk County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 52-year-old woman was killed Saturday after she failed to maneuver a turn on the southbound off-ramp from U.S. Hwy 27 to U.S. Hwy 192 in Haines City on her motorcycle.

The woman tried to correct and was ejected from her motorcycle. The motorcycle landed on top of her.

According to reports, other motorcyclists were riding along with her and stopped to help. The woman was taken to Heart of Florida Hospital, where she later died.

Motorcycles can be an efficient mode of transportation as well as a relaxing hobby for many people throughout the Tampa Bay area. While there are many benefits to owning a motorcycle, these vehicles are inherently dangerous, placing riders at a greater risk of collisions and injuries. When it comes to miles traveled, it is estimated that motorcycle accidents are 35 times more likely to result in a fatality than a car accident.

Motorcycle riders are more likely to be involved in serious accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries and death because of the following factors:

Minimal Protection. Motorists travelling in cars and trucks have a great deal of protection if involved in a collision, as passengers are basically encased inside of metal boxes. Motorcycles do not offer very much protection as they lack safety features such as seatbelts and airbags and leave riders exposed to the elements. While riders can wear helmets and other protective gear help keep themselves safe, they are still quite vulnerable to serious harm when a collision occurs.

Visibility Issues. Motorcycles are often less visible to other motorists sharing the roadway as they are smaller and can be hidden by objects in the roadway making them more difficult to spot by other drivers, especially at intersections.

Less Stable than Cars. Motorcycles only have two wheels, making them less stable for riders when they have to brake suddenly or swerve. Because they are less stable than vehicles with four wheels, motorcyclists can be easily thrown from their bikes or wipe out.

Hazardous Road Conditions. While certain road conditions, like debris, small objects, uneven surfaces or wet pavement have little to no effect on passenger vehicles, they place motorcyclists at serious risk of becoming involved in a crash.

May 16, 2014

Tamp Bay Trucking Accident Attorney :: One Killed, One Injured in Dump Truck Collision in Plant City

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One person was killed and another remains in critical condition following a serious collision in Hillsborough County Tuesday night.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, a 53-year-old man was killed when his car struck a disabled dump truck along Bruton Road in Plant City.

Deputies believe the driver of the GMC dump truck was putting gasoline in the truck, which was broken down on the north side of Bruton Road facing west. The rear of the truck was still in the road when the deceased man’s 1996 Nissan collided with it at about 45 miles per hour.

According to authorities, the deceased man failed to see the edge of the truck and ran into it.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger was transported to Tampa General Hospital via helicopter and remains in critical condition with severe trauma to the neck.

The dump truck driver was not harmed.

Charges are pending.

A fully loaded dump truck can be very heavy, weighing as much as 65,000 pounds. Unfortunately, an accident between a large truck and a passenger vehicle can result in serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and amputation to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma and even death.

Like all commercial vehicle operators, dump truck drivers are held to a higher standard than non-commercial drivers. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a dump truck or any other commercial vehicle, you need to discuss the facts of your case with an injury lawyer who has a firm understanding of state and federal laws. While every case is unique, there are many truck accident cases that involve drivers violating regulations or laws that you may not have been aware of.

May 12, 2014

Pinellas County Watercraft Accident Attorney :: Two Injured in Watercraft Accident Near Bunce’s Pass

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two people were injured recently after a personal watercraft collided with another watercraft near Bunce’s Pass near Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a 47-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both of Kissimmee, were riding on the watercraft around 5:30 p.m. when the accident happened.

Both were taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with non-life-threatening injuries.

The other watercraft involved in the collision was driven by a 44-year-old man.

Nor further information is available regarding the incident at this time. The accident is currently under investigation.

According to the United State Coast Guard, more than one million personal watercrafts are registered in the United States. While personal watercraft’s only account for around 8 percent of all watercrafts, they generate nearly 26 percent of all boating injuries. There were 779 personal watercraft accidents reported in 2012, including 58 fatalities. Moreover, the United States Coast Guard ranks personal watercrafts as the second most dangerous type of watercraft on the water, and classifies these vessels as the most dangerous when accounting for percentage of operator injuries.

Boating accidents are quite different than automobile crashes in that there is not usually an accident scene to investigate. These incidents rely heavily on witness testimony as well as physical evidence in and on the boat. Watercraft accidents can be complex, which is why it is necessary to have a maritime lawyer working in your corner in order to achieve successful results.

May 6, 2014

Tampa Bay Swimming Pool Accident Attorney :: Baby in Critical Condition after Near Drowning Incident in Brandon Pool

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A baby remains in critical condition after a near drowning accident in Brandon on Saturday, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Reports indicate that a 1-year-old baby was pulled from a backyard pool around 7:45 p.m. on Highview Circle, just north of Windhorst Road.

The infant was taken to Brandon Regional Hospital.

No further information is available regarding the baby’s condition or how the accident happened.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study that determined for every child that drowns, another four require emergency medical care for injuries suffered in near-drowning accidents. Near-drowning accidents can vary in severity, depending on a number of factors including the length of time the child is submerged, the temperature of the water, the type of water, the amount of water aspirated and the child’s medical condition before the accident occurred. Nearly one third of survivors will withstand moderate to severe brain injuries involving memory problems, learning disabilities and permanent loss of basic functioning.

Our Tampa Bay Swimming Pool and Drowning Accident Lawyers know that drowning accidents usually happen very quickly, often without warning. After being under water for two minutes, most children tend to lose consciousness, and brain injury usually occurs after a child has been submerged between four and six minutes. Children that survive near-drowning incidents with no neurological damage are usually found within two minutes of being underwater. Most drowning fatalities happen after a child has been submerged for more than 10 minutes.

Depending upon how severe the injuries are from a near-drowning accident, your loved one may require around the clock medical care, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, occupational therapy and other medical attention. The monetary costs associated with this level of medical treatment can be overwhelming to a family that is dealing with the emotional trauma that comes along with a near-drowning accident.

April 21, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyer :: School Board Starts Shuttle for Students along Hillsborough Avenue to Minimize Pedestrian Accidents

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A new shuttle service made its debut Monday to haul students to and from school near a busy stretch of Hillsborough Avenue that has had deadly pedestrian accidents.

The shuttle was started to protect students, and runs from the Meridian Pointe Apartments to nearby Middleton High School. Officials with the Hillsborough County School system believe the shuttle provides students with a great alternative from crossing the busy street mid-block.

There is a crossing several blocks away at 22nd Street.

On March 17, two sisters, 14 and 15, were hit while trying to cross east Hillsborough Avenue near 25th Street to get to school. The 15-year-old sister died from her injuries on March 22. The 14-year-old is recovering from a broken arm.

The 15-year-old girl was the second student killed in the location since 2011.

The Florida Department of Transportation has also been examining this busy stretch of the roadway. There are plans to add 125 new lights along Hillsborough Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 50th Street.

Until this project is completed, the shuttle will continue to pick up students every morning starting at 6:45 a.m. for the rest of the school year.

While these new projects and services may work to minimize the number of accidents in the Tampa Bay area, there are many steps that both motorists and pedestrians can take to help improve safety. Drivers approaching intersections or crosswalks should always keep an eye out for pedestrians in the area. Motorists should always be aware of right-of-way rules and abide by them as well as use their turn signals properly. Pedestrians should be alert when in the roadways and only cross in designated areas. Most motorists are prepared to see pedestrians in these locations and can be prepared to stop. It can be a good idea for pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers so that they know the pedestrian is planning to cross the street.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries that take a long time to heal from, or worse, death. Victims who do recover from these accidents must often spend a significant amount of time receiving treatment for their injuries, and then must endure rehabilitation in order to resume their normal life. This can bring about costly medical bills both now and in the future.

April 10, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney :: Student Struck by Car Remains in Critical Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An 18-year-old man hit by a car while walking home from school on Wednesday remains in critical condition.

According to Tampa police, the student and his friend were running northbound on 40th Street trying to cross Hillsborough Avenue against the light when he was struck.

The man was hit by a woman driving a Toyota Camry. She apparently stopped immediately once she realized she had hit the man.

Police claim the woman probably won’t face charges as it appears the crash was a tragic accident. The woman was not harmed.

This unfortunate collision comes about three weeks after two other students were struck trying to cross a busy stretch of Hillsborough Avenue.

The students and sisters, 14 and 15, were hit by a vehicle on Hillsborough Avenue near 25th Street on March 18 while walking to school.

The 15-year-old died four days after the crash.

Tampa police, along with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Hillsborough County Schools, are working to launch a PSA campaign to educate students about traffic safety.

If you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian while jaywalking or not in a crosswalk, you may be lead to believe that you have no right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit because the accident was ultimately “your fault.” However, whether or not you were in a crosswalk, you were jaywalking or whether a traffic light was red, yellow or green, you should be sure to speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Regardless of fault, you could possibly have a strong case against the driver of the vehicle that struck you while you were on foot.

Following a serious injury in the Tampa Bay area, it can take weeks, months or years for a victim to recover both physically and emotionally form the accident. In some cases, injuries can be permanent. Financial troubles following a pedestrian accident only make matters worse. It is critical to act fast following a pedestrian accident so that you can take the necessary steps towards recovering just compensation. A Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can make a great difference in your personal injury case.

March 31, 2014

St. Petersburg Drowning Accident Attorney :: 1-Year-Old Girl Nearly Drowns in Backyard Pool Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 1-year-old girl survived a near-drowning accident in a backyard pool Saturday morning, according to officials.

The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. at a home at 5401 Westchester Blvd. in unincorporated Pinellas County near St. Petersburg.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reports that the child’s caregiver was preparing her home for a family get-together while the child was outside in the fenced-in backyard with a family friend. The caregiver ventured outside and realized the girl was not with the friend and located her in the in-ground pool.

The girl was taken out of the pool and transported to a local hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.

According to deputies, the near-drowning appeared to be accidental and no charges are pending at this time.

Nearly ten people die in drowning accidents every day throughout the United States. Another 5,000 more are hospitalized each year with near-drowning injuries. Sadly, a large number of drowning and near-drowning victims are children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four. Likewise, drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14.

March 28, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney :: Number of Pedestrian Accidents Increase in 2011

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

While we all use various modes of transportation to get from place to place, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging everyone to remember one key road user fact – we are all pedestrians. The sad reality is that pedestrians were one of a few groups of road users to see an increase in fatalities across the United States in 2011, reaching a whopping 4,432 deaths. This number represents a 3 percent increase from the number of reported deaths in 2010.

Another 69,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in traffic crashes in 2011. According to 2011 traffic safety facts, on average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic collisions.

While the 4,432 deaths were an increase from the number reported in 2010, this number represents a decrease of 7 percent from 2002. Pedestrian deaths made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2011, and accounted for 3 percent of all people injured in traffic accidents.

Negligent, reckless or distracted drivers disobeying traffic laws cause serious injuries and deaths to innocent pedestrians every day in the Tampa Bay area. Accidents, by their very nature, are unplanned, so when you are the victim of a traffic fatality you may find yourself suffering painful injuries and financial losses that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It can be nearly impossible to determine which step to take first, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact a Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton so that we can help you formulate a plan to obtain financial compensation for your losses.