Truck Accidents

November 27, 2015

Avoid Black Friday Shopping Hazards

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

After a day spent with family and friends feasting and watching football, many Americans will head out for a day filled with holiday shopping, better known these days as Black Friday. Stores throughout the Tampa Bay area have been advertising deals for weeks, and many shoppers will start lining up outside the stores after Thanksgiving dinner is finished. Some stores have special deals that start on Thanksgiving night.

Black Friday often results in an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Mall parking lots will be crowded with pedestrians, shopping carts, drivers searching for parking spots, and children of all ages and sizes. According to Progressive Insurance, parking lot related accidents increase 36.5 percent on Black Friday. Progressive also reports that rear-end collisions account for 12.57 percent of claims. Hitting a parked car or having your parked car hit by someone else accounts for 11.13 percent of claims. Backing into another car or having your car backed into accounts for 7.68 percent of claims.

When stores first open on Thanksgiving evening or Black Friday, there is the risk of overly enthusiastic shoppers to stampede to get to the special sale items. Be aware of your surroundings so that you can avoid any accidents. Slip and fall accidents can also happen inside stores quite easily. Wet floors, large crowds, pushing and shoving can all lead to slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. Head and other bodily injuries from falling merchandise or careless customers can be serious and ruin the holidays.

Shopping cart injuries are also becoming more common on Black Friday. Shoppers should be overly cautious to make sure their carts do not tip over and that small children are properly secured. According to reports, nearly 24,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for accidents related to shopping carts every year. While falls from the shopping cart are the most common injuries, injuries from running into or falling over the cart, cart tip-overs and entrapment of extremities in the cart are also common. Always pay attention to children when shopping, and pay special mind to the potential for accidents when it comes to shopping carts.

September 2, 2015

Stay Safe this Labor Day Weekend

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

For most, Labor Day weekend symbolizes the unofficial end of summer. As a three-day weekend, this gives many Americans the chance to celebrate with friends and family one more time before fall comes around and the weather gets cooler. Whether you plan on taking one last road trip for a weekend getaway or staying home and celebrating with family and friends, the Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want you and your loved ones to stay safe!

Labor Day Weekend has a high rate of preventable accidents, injuries, and deaths, both on the roadways and at homes across Tampa Bay and the rest of the country. To help you and your loved ones stay safe this holiday weekend, our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers have compiled a few helpful safety tips:

Roadway Safety – AAA anticipates that nearly 35 million Americans will travel this Labor Day weekend. With this many people on the road, it is very important to remember roadway safety, obey traffic laws and to always stay alert and avoid distractions when behind the wheel.
Vehicle Safety – Along with obeying the rules of the road, it is equally important to make sure your vehicle is safe for travel. Check your vehicle’s fluids, brakes and lights before going on a trip. It is recommended to take your vehicle in for a quick inspection before you head out of town. If you have an older vehicle, you may want to consider renting a car with up-to-date safety features for your road trip.
Water & Pool Safety – Because Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, pool parties and water activities are common. Make sure that all children are always supervised around and in the water.
BBQ Safety Tips – Labor Day weekend and barbecues go hand in hand. If you are planning on an outdoor grilling party, make sure that your grille is properly cleaned to avoid grease fires. Also, make sure to grill in a safe area away from structures, furniture and other flammable hazards. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a safety plan ready in place your barbecue goes awry.
Drink Responsibly – Holiday weekends, like Labor Day, see some of the highest rates of alcohol-related accidents and injuries than any other time of year, especially on roads and highways. If you plan on drinking, please do so responsibly and plan a safe ride home. Remember, police will be on high alert for motorists driving under the influence, so do not drink and drive.

August 6, 2015

Semi Crashes into Manatee River

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Slick roads are what caused a semi-truck to travel over a bridge in Manatee County and dive into the water.

Fortunately, a Good Samaritan saw the whole thing and came to the driver’s rescue.

After the crash, the truck was crushed, sinking and leaking diesel fluid.

The 29-year-old New Jersey driver survived the crash with minor injuries.

The Good Samaritan was on his boat during the mishap and managed to get the driver out of the truck right in time.

The truck’s cab is completely crushed and the entire vehicle remains submerged in the Manatee River.

Florida Highway Patrol does not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Millions of cars and trucks travel throughout Florida’s roadways and the rest of the country each year, resulting in thousands of accidents that cause serious injury or death. Many factors can contribute to auto accidents, and wet and slippery roads are a major contributor.

The following are a few easy steps drivers can take to avoid driving errors that lead to accidents and property damage.

Reduce Speed: Reducing your speed to below the speed limit can help prevent loss of traction from water, or even ice on the roadways. This is especially important to do on winding roads, inclines and declines.
Increase Braking Distance: When roads are slick or wet, braking distance must be increased. Hard braking can result in loss of traction as well as loss of control. This effect is heightened in larger, heavier vehicles, like tractor trailers and semis.
Stay Alert: Drivers must pay attention to road problems, traffic signals and signs, especially when facing poor road conditions. When there is inclement weather, it is important to avoid sudden steering or braking.

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.

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.

December 30, 2014

Celebrate New Year’s Safely & Avoid Accidents

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The start of 2015 is right around the corner, which means it is important to address that the New Year’s holiday is known for being one of the most dangerous times of the year, especially for accidents involving drunk drivers.

According to the National Safety Council, in 2014, the three-day period around New Year’s Day was the holiday period with the highest amount of drunk driving deaths. Partygoers who are out celebrating should factor safety precautions into their holiday planning to improve their chances of avoiding a holiday accident.

There are numerous dangers that drivers and passengers face when traveling on the roadways during the New Year’s holiday. Some of the most common holiday hazards include:

More Traffic: With gasoline prices low, more people have been travelling for the holidays. New Years Eve and New Years Day is no exception. With more vehicles on the roads, there is an increased risk for holiday travelers. Drivers can get easily frustrated or distracted when traffic is congested.
Bad Weather: Rain, hail, snow and ice only add to the hazards of New Year’s travel. Even the most skilled drivers are no match for poor road conditions caused by inclement weather.
Drunk Drivers: Holidays and alcohol go hand in hand. Many people use New Year’s celebrations as an excuse to get drunk. When drunk drivers choose to get behind the wheel, they pose a serious danger to themselves and others.

Whether you are hosting a New Year’s party or attending one yourself, remember that there are numerous things you can do to protect yourself from becoming a New Year’s statistic.

Know your limit when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
Designate a driver, take a cab, use Lyft or Uber, call AAA, use public transportation or ask a sober friend to come pick you up.
Report suspected drunk drivers.
If you are planning to attend a New Year’s party, arrange to stay at the party location, or stay at a hotel or motel that is within walking distance.
Celebrate the New Year without alcohol.

November 26, 2014

46.3 Million to Hit Roads Thanksgiving Weekend: Travel Smart, Stay Safe

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Gas prices across the country are at an average of $2.85 a gallon, which is the lowest cost for the entire year and down 43 cents from this time last year. According to AAA, travelers should anticipate more traffic on the roads as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

AAA estimates that nearly 46.3 million people will travel a distance of at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving weekend, Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30. This is a 4.2 percent increase from last year and the highest anticipated volume since 2007.

According to AAA, around 90 percent of those travelling for the Thanksgiving holiday will do so by automobile. In accordance with that, Thanksgiving air travel is also expected to be at the highest level since 2007, with 3.55 million people flying.

Those who are driving to get to their Thanksgiving destination should plan their time out properly. It is estimated that it will take at least 25 percent longer to get to your final stop. In fact, Wednesday pre-Thanksgiving rush hour is expected to begin about two hours earlier than on a typical Wednesday. The worst delays are expected to occur between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The National Safety Council expects 418 people will be killed during the Thanksgiving holiday and another 44,700 seriously injured. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself and those you love is to buckle up.

The following safety tips can help make sure your Thanksgiving holiday is safe and sound:

Check to see that your vehicle is in proper working order.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas, check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full.
Always wear a seatbelt and follow the speed limit.
Stay well-rested so that you can be alert behind the wheel.
Exercise caution in construction areas and work zones.
Avoid distractions – do not text and drive, refrain from calling or receiving phone calls and always pay attention to the road.
Take a break. Long trips may require you to stop frequently or even switch drivers.
Keep an emergency preparedness kit inside the vehicle with useful items, such as water, snacks, a flashlight, first aid kit, extra cash and blankets.

November 7, 2014

Survey: Despite Knowing the Risks, Motorists Still Driving Distracted

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

While numerous safety campaigns and drivers’ personal experiences have made motorists more aware of the dangers that distracted driving poses, a recent survey has found that many adults do not fully appreciate the fact that distracted driving can greatly increase the risk of automobile accidents. The survey concluded that many adults continue to use their cellphones while driving, even though they know the dangers of doing so.

The Harris Poll surveyed 2,045 adult drivers about their driving habits during May 2014. Of those adults surveyed, 94 percent said that sending texts while driving is either dangerous or very dangerous. Moreover, 91 percent of those surveyed said the same about reading text messages while driving. However, despite knowing the dangers of texting while driving, 45 percent of those surveyed said that they regularly read text messages while behind the wheel. Another 37 percent admitted to sending text messages.

The poll also found that 69 percent of those surveyed agreed that using a handheld cellphone while driving was dangerous, but 74 percent admitted to talking on the phone while driving and 21 percent confessed they did so frequently.

These results combined with the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that driver distraction killed 3,328 people across the nation in 2012 are especially alarming. The NHTSA also estimates that distracted driving injured 421,000 Americans in 2012.

In order to combat the havoc that distracted driving unleashes on roadways, many states, including Florida, have instituted laws limiting cell phone use while driving. In October, 2013, Florida enacted a limited ban on text messaging while driving. Florida drivers cannot type, send or read messages when behind the wheel. However, Florida’s law is a secondary law, meaning that a law enforcement officer can only pull a driver over and issue a ticket if the officer witnessed some other violation, such as running a red light while texting. A police officer cannot stop a driver for simply texting while driving. Violation of this law is punished as a nonmoving violation, but if a crash occurs because of a moving violation and texting the driver will be penalized six points.

October 17, 2014

Pregnant Woman Suffers Critical Injuries after Being Struck by Tow Truck in Downtown St. Pete

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Police are further investigating an accident that critically injured a 7 and a half month pregnant woman in downtown St. Petersburg Wednesday afternoon.

The 36-year-old mom-to-be was struck by a tow truck near the intersection of 3rd Street North and 1st Avenue North around 2:30 p.m.

According to police, the woman was crossing 1st Avenue North just west of the crosswalk when the truck attempted to turn left onto 1st Avenue North.

The woman was halfway across the center lane when she was hit and knocked down, striking her head on the pavement, according to police.

The light for the truck driver was yellow at the time, according to reports.

The woman was taken to Bayfront Hospital with critical injuries.

No further information regarding the woman’s injuries or the crash is available at this time.

Car crashes, no matter how minor, can present a number of unique risks to pregnant women. The most serious types of after-effects can include preterm labor, miscarriage, internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, birth defects, and the possibility of a high-risk pregnancy that did not exist before the collision. A high risk pregnancy can create a number of complications to both the mother and unborn child before, during and after the birth.

The less serious risks for a pregnant woman can include stress and emotional duress. Mental anguish can often result from the trauma of a car accident, child birth complications, or, in some cases, the loss of the child.

Studies have shown that an expectant mother’s immediate actions following an auto accident are crucial to ensure the best possible treatment and overall outcome for the mother and child.