Pinellas County Wrongful Death Attorneys

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.

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.

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.

October 26, 2016

Rotary Club Of The Gulf Beaches Kicks Off Pedestrian Safety Campaign

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

If you are out strolling along Gulf Boulevard along the beaches anytime soon, you will see some new signs touting pedestrian safety.

There’s more walking along the main beach thoroughfare than anywhere else in Pinellas County, so local agencies want to make sure both drivers and pedestrians remain aware of each other.

As part of the plan to keep safety a priority for walkers and bikers, the local rotary club has produced signs and fliers saying: “SAFETY, a shared responsibility.”

According to the Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches, there are two pedestrian related deaths each year and at least a dozen injuries. That’s in addition to the numerous pedestrian-related car crashes.

Fall is officially upon us, and while Florida temperatures may only drop slightly, the days are getting shorter, so it is important to take a few extra precautions.

Here are a few pedestrian safety tips to keep in mind:

Stay Visible: It is getting darker earlier, so make sure drivers can see you walking – especially at night. Try to only walk in well-lit areas.
Stay Alert: Stay on high alert when walking. Put your phone away and make sure that you are keeping your eye on your surroundings. You should always make sure that you can hear what is going on around you. Avoid wearing headphones when you’re walking so that you can hear cars around you.
Walk In Designated, Safe Locations: Always use crosswalks when they are available and make sure that you cross at a safe time. Stay away from busy roads that put you at a higher risk of suffering an injury.
Avoid Drunk Walking: We all know to avoid drinking and driving, but drinking and walking can be dangerous, too. Alcohol reduces your inhibitions, reflexes and awareness of your surroundings. You want to be fully alert when walking to prevent any unnecessary accidents and/or injuries.

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.

August 29, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed In Lakeland Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 53-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash with a truck early Monday morning.

It happened around 7 a.m. on Walt Williams Road and Walt William Loop.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 2014 Ford F-150 was traveling south on Walt Williams Road.

At the same time, the 53-year-old biker was traveling north on Walt Williams Road on a 2014 Harley-Davidson FXDB.

Troopers believe that as the Ford turned left into a business parking lot, it traveled into the path of the motorcyclist.

Troopers believe the motorcyclist applied the brakes and began to skid in an effort to avoid the collision, but the truck and motorcycle collided.

The biker was transported to Lakeland Regional where he later died from his injuries.

Regardless of how safe a motorcyclist is on the road or how much safety gear they are wearing, many motorcycle accidents result in death. These sudden, unexpected tragedies leave family members and other loved ones feeling lost, sad, confused and even angry.

August 26, 2016

Attention Tampa! Labor Day Weekend Is Next Week: Avoid Water-Related Accidents

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Can you believe that Labor Day weekend is next week? Sadly, that means that summer is coming to an end. If you are like most Americans, you will have a three-day weekend to celebrate all your hard work this year. While you may be planning a trip to the beach or hanging back to relax at the pool with friends and family, just know that with all gatherings, the risk for injuries increases over holiday weekends.

If you are injured or someone you love is killed in a boating or swimming pool accident, you should discuss your legal options with our Tampa Bay Watercraft & Boating Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible following the accident.

We know that many Floridians favorite pastime over Labor weekend is to head out and enjoy the water on one of the last summer weekends. The waterways and public pools can be crowded this LDW, and crowds can increase the hazards, including drowning or near-drowning accidents.

If you are heading out with friends and family to spend the weekend on beaches, lakes and rivers, put safety first. Boats, jet skis, tubes, and other water sports equipment are fun, but they can be dangerous. Most people tend to listen to music and drink when on the water, which can cause everyone to get distracted and ignore safety measures. Another thing to remember is that drunk, distracted, or inexperienced boat drivers can often be involved in boat crashes that can injure passengers.

Keep in mind, anytime water is involved, there is always the risk of serious drowning incidents or other catastrophic injuries.

July 27, 2016

St. Pete Tree Trimmer Survives Electric Shock

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A St. Petersburg tree trimmer is lucky to be alive after he was shocked by 7,200 volts of electricity.

In June, the man was working at a home on 25th Avenue North when his pole hit a power line.

The man was knocked unconscious and when he woke up he was still being shocked. He could not move his arms or legs so he used his mouth to get down to safety.

Firefighters airlifted the man to Tampa General Hospital.

The man spent a month in the hospital. He has had multiple surgeries and the shock has left him almost blind in one eye and unable to feel some of his fingers and his left leg.

Doctors say it’s a miracle he survived.

The man said he has emptied his savings to pay his medical bills and has more surgeries ahead of him. He is his family’s sole provider and will not be able to work again for at least another nine months.

A gofundme account has been set up to help with expenses.

Electrical injuries are particularly frightening because they are unexpected. These accidents happen when there is contact between any part of the human body with a high enough level of electrical current to penetrate through skin and hair. This can be caused by faulty wiring anywhere, such as your house, construction and industrial work sites, landscaping, public buildings and tree trimming sites. Electrical injuries, as this case highlights, can cause burns, central nervous system damage, brain damage, and even death.

July 20, 2016

July Is Wrong Way Driving Awareness Month: Stay Right At Night

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

There were more than 1,400 wrong way crashes in FL in 2015, resulting in 1,454 injuries & 96 fatalities, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Wrong way driving collisions occur when a vehicle has failed to observe a posted traffic sign or pavement marking and proceeds in a lane travelling in the wrong direction.

Motorists are encouraged to stay in the right lane to avoid a crash with a wrong way driver, especially at night and during transitional light times such as dawn and dusk. In most wrong way wrecks, vehicles are hit head-on, resulting in 81 percent of all wrong way fatalities. Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous crashes, and sadly, result in the most fatalities.

The FLHSMV offers the following safety tips for drivers to avoid a wrong way driving crash:

Stay Right at Night to avoid crashes with wrong way drivers.
Call 911 right away to report wrong way drivers. If you see a wrong way driver approaching, you should reduce your speed right away and pull off the roadway.
Stay alert. Do not drive distracted and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Learn and obey all traffic signs. If you drive past a wrong way sign, turn around immediately. When you see a posted red sign, think about what red traffic sign colors are for: “Stop.” “Do Not Enter.” “Wrong Way.” Orange is used for construction and maintenance warnings. Yellow is for a general warning and advisory of unexpected roadways conditions. Fluorescent Yellow Green is for added emphasis warnings of school, pedestrian and bicycling activities. White/Black are regulatory signs, such as “Left Lane Must Turn Left.” Green signs are for guide or directional information. Blue signs are for motorist services guidance and to identify parking spaces or disabled drivers. Brown signs are reserved for areas of public recreation, cultural and historical significance.

June 30, 2016

HBD America! Party Safely This Fourth Of July Weekend

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Fourth of July is the perfect time to enjoy food, fun, and maybe a few drinks with family and friends. Whether you’re attending a fireworks show or hitting the bars, Tampa is the perfect place to celebrate America’s Birthday.

The sad truth is that Independance Day is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year. Fireworks, hot grills, traffic, and other hazards can cause serious injuries or even death. Drunk driving rates spike over the July Fourth weekend.

The best way to prevent injuries and deaths this holiday weekend is to follow the below safety tips:

Do Not Drink And Drive

The best way to avoid a DUI collision is to stay sober if you will be getting behind the wheel of a car. Too many people believe they can operate a vehicle safely after a few drinks, but the truth is that driving under the influence puts your life, your passengers’ lives, and the lives of others sharing the road at risk, so do not chance it.

Look Out For Possible Drunk Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, police use more than 100 visual cues to identify drunk drivers. Knowing the signs can help you to avoid a DUI crash. Some of the cues include:

Swerving
Almost hitting an object in the road
Stopping well before or after a stop line
Not using headlights at night
Using the wrong turn signal
Parking too far from a curb
Abnormal accelerating and braking patterns

Use Lyft Or Uber

Both Uber and Lyft operate in the Tampa Bay area. If you intend to drink or if your DD gets drunk, use a taxi or rideshare service to get to your destination. You can even split the fare with your friends. Even if you are riding alone, the cost of a ride home safe is much cheaper than a DUI.