Motorcycle Accidents

June 12, 2017

25-Year-Old Woman Killed in St. Pete Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 25-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a motorcycle collision Thursday night in St. Petersburg.

The crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. at 6th Avenue South and 28th Street South.

Police said a Ford Focus, driven by a 52-year-old woman was traveling northbound on 28th Street S. and made a left westbound turn at 6th Ave. S. and traveled into the path of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle struck the passenger side of the Ford and the woman was thrown from the bike, according to officials.

The woman was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Hospital where she died from her injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton know that being involved in a motorcycle accident can be an extremely traumatic experience. Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating traffic accidents because they usually result in very serious injuries and even wrongful death. Motorcycle accidents often lead to enormous medical expenses, loss of employment or future earning power, and severe pain and suffering for those involved. Victims of motorcycle crashes and any surviving family members have the right to make a claim for compensation for the negligent actions of unsafe drivers on the road.

April 17, 2017

Tampa Man Critically Injured in Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 27-year-old is in critical condition after a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in Hillsborough.

Troopers believe that a 49-year-old man was stopped on Riga Boulevard at the intersection of SR 574 when he turned east onto SR 574 and changed lanes into the path of a motorcycle.

The motorcycle, driven by the 27-year-old man collided into the back of the vehicle, causing the bike to overturn.

The man was ejected from the motorcycle. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.

According to the report, the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.

The driver of the vehicle did not receive any injuries and charges are pending, according to the report.

Motorcyclists are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to sharing the roads with drivers of larger vehicles. Drivers of all vehicles must pay attention to their surroundings and keep an eye out for motorcycles. Due to the fact that motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, they are oftentimes overlooked by other drivers. Drivers turning into the paths of motorcycles are a leading cause of accidents and deaths across the United States.

Motorcycles weigh a lot less than cars, trucks, or SUV’s, so when a vehicle and a motorcycle collide, the motorcyclist almost always gets the worst of it.

Turning into the path of a motorcyclist can result in instant death. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are ready to help you file a claim. While we cannot reverse your injuries or bring a loved one back, a financial settlement from an injury or wrongful death claim can help protect the future of you and/or your family.

March 7, 2017

Tampa Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-And-Run Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed late Sunday in a hit-and-run crash in Tampa.

According to police, the driver of a pickup truck struck the motorcyclist at 11:30 p.m. at West Waters Avenue and North Boulevard and then fled the scene of the crash, leaving the vehicle behind.

The motorcyclist was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he later died.

A search is ongoing for the pickup truck driver.

According to police, that person will face charges of leaving the scene of a deadly accident. Other charges may be pending.

Numerous people are injured or killed every year in hit and run crashes in the Tampa Bay area. While sad, a good amount of these crashes involve drivers who hit motorcyclists and know they are at-fault, but flee the scene to avoid the repercussions of causing an accident. Our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help if you or someone you love has been the victim of a hit and run accident.

Hit and run accidents can be quite complex, especially if the at-fault driver is never located. If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, or if you have lost a family member in a hit and run accident, let us help you file an injury or wrongful death claim. We can walk you through all the necessary steps and make sure you know what to expect.

February 1, 2017

Man In Critical Condition After Motorcycle Crash In Hillsborough County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 21-year-old motorcyclist is in critical condition after a collision Monday night in Hillsborough County.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at Busch Boulevard and Twin Lake Boulevard.

A 29-year-old driver of a Ford Focus was traveling westbound on Busch Blvd. and turned left at the intersection of Twin Lake Blvd.

FHP believes the driver of the Ford Focus traveled into the path of a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Busch Blvd.

The motorcycle collided with the passenger side of the Ford Focus.

The 21-year-old biker was ejected from the bike, according to FHP.

He was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the Ford Focus did not suffer any injuries in the crash.

According to the report, the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating, and oftentimes fatal. If you or somebody you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a driver’s negligent or reckless behavior behind the wheel, you need the help of a Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away.

December 23, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed in Pinellas County Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Deputies are currently investigating a fatal crash that involved a motorcyclist.

The accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on 150th Avenue in Seminole.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office believes the 40-year-old man was traveling eastbound in the median lane of Bay Pines Boulevard when he lost control of his motorcycle.

The man hit a guardrail, was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

Motorcycle accidents can occur because of many different factors and can be caused by numerous different parties. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Drunk Driving
Motorcycle Defects
Road Defects
Reckless Driving

When a motorcycle accident occurs, the responsible party could be liable for damages related to injuries, wrongful death and pain and suffering.

The holidays are a time of increased travel and because of Florida’s pretty much year round temperate climate, there are still many motorcycles traversing the Tampa Bay roadways. Keep in mind that any time there are more drivers on the roads, there is an increased risk in becoming involved in a serious crash. Our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton urge you to exercise caution during the holidays and every other day of the year.

December 5, 2016

1 Killed In Thonotosassa Motorcycle-SUV Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Hillsborough deputies are currently investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle rider colliding with an SUV in Thonotosassa Friday.

Deputies believe the motorcycle and the SUV were both traveling south on Tom Folsom Road Friday around 4:31 p.m. As the SUV slowed to make a left turn onto Reylinda Avenue, the motorcyclist attempted to pass in the northbound lane.

The motorcycle then hit the SUV on the driver’s front side. The 30-year-old driver was ejected from the bike on impact.

The man and the bike slid into the grass off the southeast corner of the intersection. He was transported to Florida Hospital on Fletcher Avenue, where he died from his injuries.

The driver of the SUV, a 38-year-old woman, was not injured.

Alcohol is not thought to be a factor in the crash at this time.

Several car and motorcycle accidents are reported every day on Tampa Bay area roads and highways. Some are the direct result of speeding or disobeying traffic laws, and others are due to careless driving and even drunk driving. It is always important to exercise caution when driving any vehicle, including a motorcycle. You must pay attention any time you are in the driver’s seat to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

November 30, 2016

Man Killed In Fatal Motorcycle Crash In Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 31-year-old Land O’ Lakes man was killed Wednesday morning in Tampa in a crash involving a motorcycle.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened at 56th Street and Hillsborough Avenue just before 7 a.m.

Troopers believe the motorcyclist ran the red light at the intersection while traveling west on Hillsborough Ave. He collided with a southbound Toyota pickup truck and was ejected from his motorcycle.

He died at the scene.

The 47-year-old driver of the pickup truck suffered minor injuries.

There can be many reasons a motorcyclist may run a red light. The driver might be in a new area, distracted by surroundings, or the traffic light could have malfunctioned, just to name a few. Running a red light is a top cause of auto accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red light accidents are 47 percent more likely to result in injury or death.

November 17, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed In I-275 Accident In Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 38-year-old motorcyclist was killed early Thursday on Interstate 275 in downtown Tampa.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man was killed when he lost control of his 2001 Suzuki motorcycle, was thrown from the bike and then run over accidentally by a sheriff deputy’s cruiser.

Troopers believe that when the man lost control, he crashed into a concrete barrier. He then was thrown over a wall onto the northbound lanes of the highway.

He was then struck by an oncoming Pinellas County deputy’s cruiser. The 26-year-old deputy was not injured.

The motorcyclist died at the scene.

Losing a loved one unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident is devastating. When a motorcycle accident occurs, the injuries to the motorcyclist are often serious, and could result in death. The families of motorcyclists who are killed in accidents not only have to deal with the emotional loss, but they could face financial strain as a result of the loss.

If a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party that caused or contributed to the crash. Contact our Tampa Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton who can help you understand your rights and how to recover the financial compensation you are entitled to.

September 22, 2016

Pinellas Park Motorcyclist In Critical Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist is in critical condition after a crash in Pinellas County ejected him from his bike.

According to the Pinellas Park Police Department, the 41-year-old was driving his motorcycle near the western entrance of the Home Depot on 73rd Avenue North when a car pulled out in front of him.

The man was launched from his 2000 Honda motorcycle.

He was not wearing a helmet. After the crash, he was taken to Bayfront. The other driver and his passenger did not suffer any injuries.

The motorcyclist suffered severe injuries. He remains in critical condition. There are no criminal charges associated with this investigation, but officers said traffic citations are pending.

This article sheds some light on why it is so important to wear the proper safety gear on motorcycles. Even the most skilled riders cannot control the reckless and negligent actions of other drivers sharing the roadway.

The subject of whether a person should wear a motorcycle helmet comes up all the time. Some riders believe that they should have the freedom to ride without the constraints of wearing a helmet. Other riders recognize the dangers of riding without a helmet. Numerous studies have shown that a helmet can save a life. It can prevent a motorcyclist from brain damage and some severe neck injuries.

In the state of Florida, the law regarding motorcycle helmets is this:

A person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing a helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

September 12, 2016

Excessive Speed Appears To Be Factor In Polk County Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A fatal crash occurred Friday evening in Lakeland involving a motorcyclist colliding with a pickup truck.

Officials believe that at approximately 3:20 p.m., a 37-year-old man was traveling southbound on Combee Road. He was riding a 2006 Honda 1000RR motorcycle.

Around the same time, a 70-year-old woman driving a 2002 Ford F 150 was pulling out into Combee Road from the parking lot of the Babcock store near the intersection of Combee and Tanglewood Street.

Deputies believe the woman crossed westbound across Combee Road toward Tanglewood Street, where the bike collided with the truck’s passenger side. The impact from the collision was enough to spin the woman’s truck clockwise, so it came to rest facing north.

The man was thrown from his motorcycle by the collision and sustained critical injuries. He later died while being transported by first responders to Lakeland Regional Hospital.

The woman in the truck was not injured in the crash.

At this time, investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in the crash. It was noted that excessive speeds appear to be a factor.

The man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Motorcycle riders are more exposed when it comes to the road, which only increases their chances of suffering a serious injury in the event of a motor vehicle accident. What might not cause any damage to a car, could deliver devastating injuries to a motorcycle rider. Broken bones, burns, paralysis, and amputations are common injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents, especially when the accident involved high speeds.

Motorcycle accidents commonly occur due to the following:

Driver distractions
Failure to obey traffic signals
Failure to yield
Unexpected lane changes
Speeding