Tampa Bay

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 29, 2015

Acetaminophen Labeling Error Leads to Mucinex Recall

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A reported 1.5 million bottles of liquid Mucinex Fast-Max are being recalled due to manufacturing problems, more specifically, the back labels may not indicate that the drug contains acetaminophen and other ingredients.

The Mucinex Fast-Max recall was announced on Tuesday by RB, after the company confirmed a retailer’s report that the back label information did not match the front.

Even though no illnesses or injuries have been linked to the recalled cold medications, this could cause problems for users taking other medications containing similar ingredients.

According to the company’s announcement, “This missing labeling could cause the consumer to be unaware of side effects and/or risks associated with the ingestion of certain product ingredients which include Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine and/or Diphenhydramine. The voluntary recall is being issued nationwide as a precautionary measure to ensure our consumers have all relevant facts and warnings for the active ingredients contained in the bottle.”

The recall involves 135 lots of Mucinex Fast-Max Night-time Cold & Flu Liquid, Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Sinus Liquid, Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid, Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu & Sore Throat Liquid, Mucinex Fast-Max Liquid Combination – Day Night Severe Cold and Night-Time Cold & Flu, and Mucinex Fast-Max Liquid combination packs – Daytime Severe Congestion & Cough Night-Time Cold & Flu.

Full details, expiration dates and lot numbers can be found in the recall notice here.

The recall is concerned with the side effects of acetaminophen, which can include liver damage and even liver failure when excessive doses are received.

Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic painkiller in the world. It is generally believed to be a safe medication. However, in recent years concerns have grown due to the side effects of taking this drug, including the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen overdoses, which can result in liver failure and the need for a liver transplant. It has also been tied to dangerous skin reactions, like Stephens-Johnson Syndrome.

The FDA has reported that Tylenol and other drugs containing acetaminophen may be responsible for more than 50,000 emergency room visits each year, including 25,000 hospitalizations and over 450 deaths yearly.

RB is urging consumers to safely dispose of the recalled Mucinex cold medications by mixing them with an unpalatable substance like kitty litter or used coffee grounds, placing the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or other container and throwing it away in the household trash.

Consumers with questions can contact the company directly by calling 1-888-943-4215 or by visiting the website at www.mucinexe.com/recall.

While no injuries or deaths have been associated with the Mucinex recall yet, if you believe you may have purchased a product included in this recall, you should visit the company’s website to learn more and make sure to dispose of these medications in a safe manner immediately.

March 27, 2015

AAA Study Shows Accidents Involving Distracted Teen Drivers on the Rise

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Most people recognize that using a cell phone while driving can prove deadly. However, a new AAA study shows that cell phone use is hardly the only activity that may cause you to become involved in a serious auto accident.

The most recent research carried out by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concludes that most teens involved in crashes are guilty of distracted driving but, not all of these cases involve distracted driving associated with cell phone use.

According to AAA, distracted driving is a factor that is present in 6 out of all 10 accidents that are moderate or severe. Distracted driving among teens has only been associated with 14 percent of all teen driver crashes by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so this new study may indicate that teens are much more likely to be involved in serious distracted driving crashes than we once thought.

According to the results of the study, the number one cause of distraction among teen drivers who are involved in crashes is talking to other passengers.

The study also found that out of the 1,700 videos of crashes involving teens recorded by in-vehicle event recorders, 58 percent of the crashes were caused by distraction. Here is the breakdown of the results: 89 percent of road-departure crashes were associated with distractions, while 76 percent of the rear-end collisions were caused by distractions.

While talking to passengers accounts for the highest number of crashes, cell phone use follows in second with 12 percent of all crashes involving teens. AAA also reports that 8 percent of the distracted driving crashes involving teens they researched were caused by personal grooming while driving and another 6 percent of collisions were caused by teens reaching for items inside the car.

This study is important because it highlights the dangers that teen drivers face on a daily basis. Creating awareness of these distractions could help safety advocates and lawmakers develop better solutions to the distracted driving problem.

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.

March 16, 2015

Woman Texting Walks into Path of Polk County Train

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 27-year-old central Florida woman escaped serious injury Monday afternoon when she walked into a train while texting.

Police claim the woman was texting as she walked around the crossing gates and into the path of a passing freight train in Lakeland.

Lakeland police Sgt. Gary Gross said the woman “wasn’t paying attention.”

She was hit by the train and tossed into the air. She suffered a compound fracture to her right arm and her right leg was also injured.

The train had two locomotives and was carrying consumer goods from Winter Haven to Jacksonville.

Texting while driving is a serious issue. In the United States, somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 people end up in Emergency Rooms every year due to injuries caused by texting and walking. A study conducted at Ohio State University found that distracted walking injuries more than doubled between the years 2005-2010. Another study, conducted by the University of Washington found that people who text while walking are four times more likely to put themselves at risk while crossing the street than their fellow pedestrian travellers. Distracted walkers looking at texts are likely to not look both ways or jaywalk.

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 9, 2015

St. Pete Toddler Struck and Killed by Car While Playing in Yard

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A toddler was hit by an SUV and killed while playing in a yard in St. Petersburg on Thursday evening.

According to reports, a 27-year-old man was exiting the yard when he failed to see the 2-year-old playing near his 1998 Ford SUV.

As the man backed out of the yard his vehicle collided the toddler, troopers said.

The child suffered serious injuries and was taken to Bayfront Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

The child’s father was in the front yard at the time of the incident. The driver of the SUV is a family friend.

Charges are pending.

Back over accidents happen when a car reverses and hits someone behind the vehicle. Sometimes these accidents take place when the victim is in the yard, walking through the driveway or even riding a bicycle. These accidents can occur in parking lots, streets, driveways and anywhere else a vehicle can back out of a parking space or move the vehicle in reverse.

Sadly, children are most vulnerable to these accidents, however anyone can be a victim of a back over accident. According to KidsAndCars.org, an estimated two children are fatally injured in backover accidents every week and another 50 are injured.

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.