Pinellas County Injury Attorneys

July 22, 2015

Woman Critically Injured in Tampa Jet Ski Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A woman suffered severe injuries Sunday evening in Tampa in a jet ski crash on the Hillsborough River.

The driver of the jet ski lost control after crossing into the wake of a passing boat near the North Boulevard Bridge Sunday evening, according to Tampa Police Department Marine Patrol. The jet ski struck a metal sign posted near the center channel.

Officials believe the woman, who was a passenger on the jet ski, smashed her head on the sign. She was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. Officials have not released any further information about the woman.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the crash.

Investigators do not believe at this time that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident.

In a study conducted by the University of Florida, researchers found that jet ski accidents actually produce far greater injuries than boating mishaps. The most common jet ski injuries include head and brain injuries and severe trauma to the chest and abdominal areas. Most of these injuries occur when a jet ski collides with a stationary object or other vessel causing the driver or passenger to be thrust into the object.

If you have been involved in a jet ski accident of any kind, you and your family may be entitled to financial recovery for:

Pain and Suffering
Lost wages
Permanent Impairments
Medical Bills
Future Medical Care
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of Consortium

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 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

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.

March 20, 2015

Tips to Stay Safe on a Spring Break Cruise

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Spring break is officially here, which means there are going to be lots of kids, teens, families and college students taking cruises to exotic places. While some will be cruising with their parents, others will be venturing off into the seas with friends. Due to the fact that there will be a higher number of young passengers on board cruise liners, our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton would like to point out some tips to keep yourself and those you are travelling with free from danger.

Cruise vacations should be fun, relaxing and enjoyable. However, the reality is that many cruises can bring out all kinds of hazards, such as injuries, illnesses and even rape and other crimes. Statistics show that sexual assault is the number one type of crime that is most likely to occur on cruise ships, which is why it is essential for spring breakers to always be on high alert. If you have planned on going on a cruise during spring break, please review the following safety tips:

Travel with a Group. It is much easier to become the victim of an assault or other type of crime when you are travelling solo. Always make sure you have a buddy with you, even though larger groups are preferable. Avoid exploring the ship by yourself at all times.
Be Aware of your Surroundings. You should feel free to socialize with other passengers, but keep all interactions well within the public eye. In the event that there is any trouble, as long as you are with others, you will not be alone or isolated. Keep your communications in common areas and in sections of the ship where there is a lot of traffic, like the Lido deck or dining room. Do not allow yourself to be alone with a stranger in their stateroom or in yours. You never want to be in a secluded area that is away from cameras, passengers or other crew members who can assist in the event of an emergency.
Keep a Close Watch on Your Beverages. Many cruise ship passengers become distracted when socializing and drinking, making it very easy to slip something in a potential victim’s drink, regardless of whether the drink is alcoholic or not. Since a drink can be drugged in just seconds, it is very important to always keep a close eye on your beverage. Should you walk away from your drink, always ask for a new refreshment when you return.

February 26, 2015

What You Need to Know About the Takata Air Bag Recall

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, Japanese auto parts maker Takata Corp. refuses to cooperate with the government’s investigation of its air bags.

The NHTSA announced on Friday that it will impose fines of $14,000 a day that will continue until key safety information is provided.

Here are the key points you need to know regarding the Takata airbag recall:

What The Problem Is. The inflators propelled by ammonium nitrate can explode with too much force, which can result in shrapnel ejecting onto drivers and passengers. At least six people have been killed and 64 injured worldwide due to the problem. Since 2008, 17 million vehicles have been recalled in the U.S. by 10 different automakers. Currently, only 2 million, or around 12 percent, have been fixed because of a lack of parts.

Recall Areas. Government investigators believe that too much exposure to moisture in the air can cause the inflator to build up excess pressure, which can shatter metal canisters meant to contain the explosion that inflates the bags. Driver’s side air bags have been recalled nationwide, however recalls of passenger side air bags have been limited to Florida, Puerto Rico, areas near the Gulf of Mexico including Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana, as well as Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii.

Takata’s Stance. Takata has challenged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s demand for a national recall of driver’s airbags. Despite that, automakers did it on their own. Takata claims that tests of 10,000 inflators does not show any reason for the recalls to be expanded.

What is Currently Being Done by the Government. The government has three different groups testing the air bags: Takata, an independent contractor hired by the company and a group of 10 automakers. In order to force Takata into a national recall, the government must be able to explain what is going wrong with the airbags and why.

What You Can Do to Make Sure Your Air Bags Are Safe. While the air bags are still being tested, you can always check to see if your car has been recalled and get the repairs done as soon as possible. To check, go to https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ and type in your 17-digit vehicle identification number, which is located on your dashboard near the driver’s side windshield. The site will tell you if there’s a recall, and if your car is affected, you should call your dealer right away.

February 6, 2015

Tampa Man Dies in Scooter Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Tampa man was killed Saturday night after he lost control of his scooter on Hillsborough Avenue and crashed into a power pole, authorities said.

The Florida Highway Patrol believes the 27-year-old was riding a Honda PCX150 west on Hillsborough east of Harney Road around 8 p.m. when he veered right and crossed two lanes of westbound traffic.

The scooter exited the roadway, turned into its side and struck a power pole and then a sign post. It came to rest at the entrance to Jasmine Plaza, 7031 Hillsborough Ave., according to troopers.

The man was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A person operating a scooter or a pedestrian struck by a scooter may sustain a wide range of injuries after becoming involved in an accident. Even minor injuries can have a serious impact on your life or the life of a loved one. Scooter accidents can result in various injuries, including:

Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Contusions
Lacerations and Road Rash
Disfigurement
Broken Bones and Fractures

February 2, 2015

St. Pete Boy Killed in Skateboarding Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two teenagers skateboarding fun turned tragic Sunday when one of them was killed.

According to police, one of the 15-year-old boys got into his mother’s 2003 Mercedes sedan and drove it down Atwood Avenue N while his other 15-year-old friend held onto the right rear corner and sped along on his skateboard.

This type of skateboarding trick is called “skitching.”

Police believe the teen driving accelerated with the other boy holding on to the rear. The pair traveled only a short distance before the boy let go of the car, became unstable and fell to the ground, striking his head.

Bystanders performed CPR, and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene. The teen was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where he was pronounced dead at 8:37 p.m., about 2 1/2 hours after the accident happened.

The risk of injury associated with skateboarding tricks like skitching far out-weigh the thrill than can be achieved. Skitching presents a high risk of serious injury and even death to those that partake in this activity. There are numerous things that can go wrong from these types of accidents, such as being pulled under the vehicle, being hit by another car on the road or as this case shows, even just losing control and hitting pavement.

Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Trauma
Broken Bones and Fractures
Nerve Damage
Facial Disfigurement
Death

When a child is injured due to his own negligence, there is usually no recourse or available compensation for injuries suffered. The Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton know how devastating serious injuries to children, or worse death, can be on families and parents.