Accidents caused by other people's negligence are by their very nature, unplanned. It's for this reason that when an accident happens, victims may find themselves bridled with injury, pain and financial losses, not knowing which way to turn.
Being involved in an accident can be one of the most unsettling and devastating times in a person's life. During this time, having a seasoned attorney on your side, looking out for your best interest, can be the difference between becoming whole or struggling with pain and financial loss for years to come. If you are a victim of an accident, who you select as your attorney is the most important decision you need to make.
We are here to help.The Tampa Bay Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton guarantee that our clients receive the personalized attention they deserve. Our first priority is doing everything in our power to fight for full and fair compensation for your injury and loss.
Our Pinellas and Hillsborough County personal injury practice involves every type of injury case-- from serious car or motorcycle accidents to slip and falls to premises liability. The first step we take with our prospective clients is to schedule a free consultation to discuss the facts of the case. Our St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyers then will offer advice about options to seek financial recovery following a serious accident, catastrophic injury or the wrongful death of a loved one. We represent clients on injury claims arising from of a wide range of incidents and accidents. Click any area to the left to learn more about the scope of our practice.
If you have been in an accident, we don't think that you should have to suffer unnecessarily just because you were involved in an accident and are awaiting resolution to your case. While we cannot take the pain away, many times, we are able to refer you to Doctors who will treat and manage your pain, even if you don't have health insurance.
We Stand with You.Most importantly, at Whittel & Melton, you can be confident that we will stand behind you and your case. Once we commit to representing you, we will never put you or your claim on the back burner, and we are available by phone 24 hours a day.
We promise to aggressively pursue the parties and insurance companies involved in your case to obtain justice for you and your loved ones. Through financial settlement or trial, we will prepare your case to achieve maximum compensation. You will never be responsible for any attorney's fees unless and until there is a successful financial recovery for your damages. Simply put, we will not be satisfied until you are.
We are proud to help accident victims throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota Counties – including Tampa, Brandon, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida.
Please call us at anytime. We are available 24 hours a day. (813) 221-3200, (727) 823-0000, (866) 608-5529.
LITHIA, FL – At least one person sustained injuries in a collision reported at the Lithia Pinecrest Road and Fishhawk Boulevard junction Monday.
The Hillsborough County deputies arrived at the scene before 4 p.m. They are investigating the events that led to this crash and have not provided additional insight, including the kind of people and vehicles involved and the type of wounds sustained.
This news blog will be updated accordingly should more information become available.
TAMPA, FL – Many passengers sustained injuries, and one lost their life in a multi-vehicle collision reported east of the Tampa International Airport Monday.
This crash happened near the West Hillsborough Avenue and North Lois Avenue intersection, according to Fox 13 News.
Police closed the eastbound lanes to accommodate the scene clearance and investigation process.
A second tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service because of Tuesday’s powerful storms, which also resulted in power outages and warnings.
An EF-1 tornado with 90 mph peak speeds and a 0.61-mile path made landfall in the Eagles community in northwest Hillsborough County, just east of Pinellas County, at approximately 4 p.m., according to the NWS.
The tornado was not linked to any reported injuries.
A confirmed EF-0 tornado had already occurred close to St. Petersburg’s downtown.
Waves crashed up onto picnic spots on Hudson Beach, causing coastal flooding in several parts of Pasco County. The Florida Panhandle was also affected by the storms, seeing at least three confirmed tornadoes as of Tuesday morning, according to reports.
The storms have rolled across the surrounding areas, toppling houses, and squashing recreational vehicles.
Alongside possibly dangerous gusts, coastal floods, the possibility of tornadoes, and heavy rains, the storms are linked to a strong low and cold front.
Fortunately, insurance should cover the damage for owners who have lost property due to a tornado. In contrast to other natural disasters like sinkholes, earthquakes, and floods, tornadoes are generally covered by a standard homeowners or business policy. Despite this, insurance companies continue to underpay and deny tornado claims. And, while a denial may include a lengthy, technical explanation that makes it appear valid, it may not be.
What Scale is Used to Classify Tornadoes?
The enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which ranks tornadoes from EF-0 (low damage; winds 40-72 mph) to EF-5 (extremely significant damage; 261-318 mph winds), is used to determine the severity of a tornado based on the damage it causes to buildings. Although the storms that hit Hillsborough and Pinellas counties were classified as Category EF-0 and EF-1, even these weaker tornadoes can cause serious damage to single-family home with winds as high as 200 mph.
What is Covered in a Typical Home Owner’s Insurance Policy for Tornado Damage?
Tornado damage to your property and the belongings within should be covered by a typical homeowners’ or business property insurance policy. This covers damage from hail, rain, and lightning, in addition to wind. All these events can occur in the wake of a tornado. Insurance should also pay for temporary housing if your home is so destroyed that you are unable to reside there.
It is crucial that the insured is aware that, regardless of age, most plans require the insurance company to cover the whole cost of replacing the damaged building or roof. Age usually carries little depreciation.
In addition, you may be eligible for insurance coverage for building repairs and roof replacement even if your dwelling or structure did not suffer catastrophic damage. Damage from tornadoes can often be modest yet substantial. For instance, sealant strips, brick ties, joints, clips, and nails are among the fastening materials that are frequently harmed by tornado winds, which are all things that can keep your roof together. Strong gusts of wind can easily break these materials, and you might not even be aware of it.
Because of this, you should have a comprehensive inspection done on your property after a storm. Future expensive maintenance may arise from failing to identify tornado damage that is less evident. Continue reading
TAMPA, FL – A hit-and-run collision was reported Friday afternoon in the Mango neighborhood.
Florida Highway Patrol indicated this crash took place at the East Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard and Williams Road junction. Troopers have not revealed the events leading up to this crash or provided a description of the suspect and their vehicle.
Troopers will provide more information as it becomes available.
SARASOTA, FL – Sarasota Police were on the scene of a collision east of San Remo Park Friday afternoon.
Before 3:30 p.m., police were called to the South Osprey Avenue and Siesta Drive intersection.
It is not immediately clear what led to this crash if anyone was injured, or what kinds of people and vehicles were involved.
RIVERVIEW, FL – The Hillsborough County Deputies were summoned to a collision with sustained injuries in the Lockhart area Friday afternoon.
Deputies arrived at the collision site — the Blue Pacific Drive and Lake Lucaya Drive junction — after 2:30 p.m.
Officials still have not specified the events leading up to the crash or indicated the kind of people and vehicles involved. More details will be provided as it becomes available.
SARASOTA, FL – Police are investigating a collision near Sarasota Jungle Gardens that injured at least one person Thursday.
Before 4 p.m., Police were summoned to the North Tamiami Trail and Myrtle Street junction. They have not indicated the events that led to this crash or specified the kind of people and vehicles involved.
Updates will be provided when more details come to light.
BRANDON, FL – At least one person suffered unspecified wounds in a crash at the Brandon Main Street and South Lakewood Drive junction Thursday.
Hillsborough County deputies received this call moments ago and have not been able to provide additional details at this time.
Updates will be posted as new information surfaces.
EAST TAMPA, FL – A woman was walking with a shopping cart when she was struck by a pickup truck driver who then fled the scene and left her fatally injured Monday.
This collision happened after 9 p.m. at the northbound Lucy Avenue and Maydell Drive intersection, according to WTSP.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office believes the suspect was driving a charcoal gray Dodge Ram of a model year ranging from 2002 to 2005.
RIVERVIEW, FL – No one sustained injuries in a collision reported at the Symmes Road and Eagle Hill Drive junction Wednesday afternoon.
The Hillsborough County deputies arrived at the scene after 5 p.m. They have not released information regarding the cause of this crash or specified the kind of people and vehicles involved.
Updates will be posted should they become available.
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