Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota Counties Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.

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WIMAUMA, FL – An 18-year-old man operating a Chrysler PT Cruiser lost his life after his car overturned on U.S. 301 Friday. 

Florida Highway Patrol told FOX 13 News that the man, for reasons unclear, crossed U.S. 301 South and went into the opposite lanes, leading it to roll over and him getting thrown from his vehicle. 

The unidentified man succumbed to fatal wounds at the scene, while the passenger with him, a 42-year-old woman, was hospitalized for serious wounds. 

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ST. PETE, FL – A 10-year-old child drove a relative’s Nissan Altima without their permission and then sideswiped a Ford vehicle on I-275 Thursday, injuring themself in the process. 

This collision happened after 6 p.m. in the northbound center lane, according to WFLA. The 10-year-old had crashed into a bridge rail as well. 

The three passengers from the struck car were unharmed. 

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Tampa’s version of Mardi Gras, but with pirates is back! This swashbuckling shindig is slated to start on Jan. 20 with the Children’s Gasparilla Parade from 12-7:30 p.m. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest happens on Jan. 27.

You can view information on parking here as well as parade routes.

What Roads Will Be Closed for Children’s Gasparilla?

Friday, January 19 starting at 10 p.m. through Saturday January 20 until 12 a.m.

  • Bayshore Boulevard between West Gandy Boulevard and West Platt Street
  • Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Bayshore Boulevard

Saturday, January 20 ALL DAY

  • West Bay to Bay Boulevard between South Ysabella Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard

Saturday, January 20 3 p.m.-midnight

  • Eastbound lanes on West Bay to Bay Boulevard at South MacDill Avenue

Pirate Dog by Kasra Keighobady from Getty ImagesWhat Roads Will Be Closed for Gasparilla Pirate Fest?

Friday, January 26 starting at 10 p.m. through Saturday January 27 until 12 a.m.

  • Bayshore Boulevard between West Gandy Boulevard and West Platt Street
  • West Bay to Bay Boulevard between Bayshore Boulevard and South Ysabella Avenue
  • Davis Islands Bridge off-ramp onto Bayshore Boulevard

Saturday, January 27 (3 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • Bayshore Boulevard between West Brorein Street and West Platt Street
  • West Platt Street/Channelside Drive from South Plant Avenue to South Franklin Street

Saturday, January 27 (5:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • Crosstown – Eastbound South Willow Avenue Exit Ramp (Exit 4)

Saturday, January 27 (7 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • South Ashley Drive between Jackson Street and Brorein Street
  • Brorein Street from South Jefferson Avenue to South Parker Street
  • South Franklin Street between Channelside Drive and Harbour Island Bridge
  • Water Street between South Franklin Street and South Florida Avenue
  • East Washington Street between South Ashley Drive and South Tampa Street
  • East Whiting Street between South Ashley Drive and South Tampa Street

Saturday, January 27 (9 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • East Kennedy Boulevard between North Florida Avenue and South Plant Avenue
  • North Ashley Drive between East Cass Street and East Jackson Street
  • East Jackson Street from North Ashley Drive to North Tampa Street
  • East Madison Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
  • East Twiggs Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
  • East Zack Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue
  • East Polk Street between North Ashley Drive and North Florida Avenue

Saturday, January 27 (11 a.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • West Cass Street between North Willow Avenue and West Tyler Street
  • West North A Street from North Willow Avenue to North Newport Avenue
  • West North B Street from North Willow Avenue to North Newport Avenue
  • West Fig Street between North Willow Avenue and North Gilchrist Avenue
  • West Carmen Street between North Willow Avenue and North Delaware Avenue
  • North Newport Avenue between West Cass Street and West North A Street
  • North Gilchrist Avenue between West Cass Street and West Fig Street
  • North Boulevard between West Cass Street and West Main Street

Saturday, January 27 (1:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • Cass Street between West Tyler Street and North Tampa Street
  • West Tyler Street between North Tampa Street and West Cass Street

Saturday, January 27 (2 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • North Boulevard between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Cass Street

Saturday, January 27 (3 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • West Bay to Bay Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) between South MacDill Avenue and South Ysabella Avenue
  • West Platt Street at South Howard Avenue
  • West Platt Street at South Willow Avenue
  • West Platt Street at South Boulevard
  • South Willow Avenue between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Platt Street
  • South Boulevard between West Kennedy Boulevard and West Platt Street
  • East Whiting Street between Tampa Street and Franklin Street

Saturday, January 27 (4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.)

  • West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Himes Avenue
  • West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South MacDill Avenue
  • West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Howard Avenue
  • West Kennedy Boulevard (Eastbound closure only) at South Boulevard

Who Can I Call For Help During the 2024 Gasparilla Pirate Fest?

https://www.tampabayinjuryattorneyblog.com/files/2024/01/TEXT-SAFETAMPA-and-your-tip-to-847411-TIP411-and-you-will-receive-a-response.-PHONE-Call-833-872-4636-TPA-INFO-Saturday-January-20th-from-Noon-8pm-Saturday-January-27th-from-9am-8pm-IF-YOU-H-200x300.png

Other Safety Tips

  • Establish a Meeting Spot: Limited mobile service may be available during the event due to big crowds. It is important to set up a meeting location ahead of time in case some of your group gets lost.
  • Take a Picture of Your child in Their Costume: Notify the closest officer right away if your child disappears. Police will be stationed throughout the entire parade route. A picture of what they are wearing will prove helpful in locating them faster.
  • Drinking: It is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol at the Children’s Gasparilla events. “Wet Zones” will be set up by the parade routes in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park where you can consume alcohol. It is not permitted to consume alcohol on public property outside of specified wet zones. Underage alcohol consumption and disruptive behavior are not tolerated at all.
    • Absolutely no alcohol consumption by minors.
    • No drinking or opening alcohol-containing containers outside of approved wet zones.
    • No kegs, coolers, glassware, Styrofoam cups, weapons, umbrellas, grills, tents, and fencing.
    • All bags and backpacks are subject to searches.

Can I Bring My Pet to Gasparilla?

Except for service animals, pets are not permitted at the event.

Are Bicycles Allowed?

Bicycles are permitted for transportation to the event location; however, riders must walk their bikes throughout the street closure. Always keep your bicycle under your supervision, and never lock it on city or private property.

What About E-bikes, E-scooters, and Golf Carts?

For shared e-scooters and e-bikes, a No-Ride Zone has been set up for the Children’s Gasparilla and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. At both events, personal scooters are not permitted.

At both events, personal golf carts are not permitted. Golf carts operated by approved festival personnel and vendors are the only ones that are allowed.

Can I Dock My Boat?

There is an extreme lack of docking space during Gasparilla in and around downtown Tampa. It is strictly forbidden for boaters to attempt to “come ashore” along Bayshore Boulevard or any other property without a permit.

On January 27, from 10 a.m. to noon, Ballast Point Park’s boat ramp will be closed.

It is forbidden to toss beads and other waste into the bay. In addition to being extremely detrimental to the environment, beads and other non-biodegradable objects pose a major threat to marine life.

Contact Us If You Are Injured at Gasparilla Continue reading

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SARASOTA, FL – Sarasota Police were on the scene of a crash in the 2050 block of Oak Street along Payne Park Thursday that led at least one person to sustain wounds. 

Police arrived at the scene after 9:40 a.m. Police have not indicated the events that led up to this collision nor mentioned the kind of people and vehicles involved. 

Updates will be provided should they become available. 

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TAMPA, FL – The Hillsborough County deputies said at least one person sustained injuries in a collision reported before 2:15 p.m. Thursday in the Palm River-Clair Mel district. 

This crash happened at the East Adamo Drive and U.S. 301 junction. Officials have not yet specified the events leading up to this collision or revealed the type of occupants and vehicles involved. 

Our newsroom will post more information as more details come to light. 

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PINELLAS COUNTY, FL – Officials shut down three lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge due to a crash that involved at least two vehicles Wednesday. 

According to WFLA, the collision, which happened at mile marker 33, involved a black car and a red vehicle. The red automobile sustained some significant rear-end damage. It is not immediately clear if anyone was injured. 

Our newsroom will issue updates as more information comes to light. 

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The Gulf Islands Ferry, which links Bradenton Riverwalk to Anna Maria City Pier, has officially set sail as of Sunday.

Passengers will be transported by ferry to Anna Maria City Pier from the day dock near the River Dance apartments on the Bradenton Riverwalk. According to a spokesperson for the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the service will also make a stop at the Bridge Street pier in Bradenton Beach in the coming weeks.

Local businesses on the island are hoping that they will be able to recruit new employees who live off the island as the ferry could be a way for staff to commute to work.

The ferry could also relieve some of the traffic on the island.

Currently, the ferry allows large luggage and coolers, but no bicycles.

This new ferry has been in the works for about 15 years, so it is an exciting mode of transportation for Manatee County. Our Tampa Bay Area Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want everyone to stay safe when travelling by ferry, so here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Before You Board

  • Check that your car is locked and that valuables are hidden.
  • Make sure you have enough time to board before your departure.
  • Avoid climbing over railings or other obstacles.
  • Do not get on the ferry while using a skateboard or rollerblades.
  • Avoid touching, moving, or modifying ramps or walkways.
  • Stay in well-lit places and within sight of arriving vessels at night.
  • Children should not play on the dock.

While on the Ferry

  • Keep bags out of the way and request assistance with storing bulky items.
  • Take note of the locations of the exits and lifejackets.
  • Do not hang your head out the window.
  • Avoid standing on top of seats.
  • Children should not be seated on your shoulders or railings.
  • Never sit on the bow or on the edge of the ferry as you do not want to accidentally fall in the water.
  • Maintain your seat, as ferries are prone to unexpected fluctuations in the water.
  • Follow the instructions of your crew.

Injured on a Ferry? We Can Help Continue reading

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LARGO, FL – Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a collision at the Ulmerton Road and 66th Street North junction that injured at least one person. 

Troopers were summoned to the scene at approximately 2:59 p.m. Wednesday and arrived at the crash site at precisely 3:13 p.m. Officials have not specified the kind of wounds sustained, indicated the type of people and vehicles involved, or revealed the events leading up to the crash. 

Our newsroom will issue updates when they become available. 

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NOKOMIS, FL – A 65-year-old man riding a bicycle was sent to a hospital for critical, life-threatening injuries after he was hit by a vehicle on Monday. 

This crash happened on U.S. 41 at Laurel Road East, according to My SunCoast. Officials said the cyclist attempted to cross amid oncoming traffic and was hit by a sedan traveling in the left lane. 

There has been no official word on any charges or citations. 

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SUN CITY CENTER, FL – The Hillsborough County deputies are on the scene of a crash at an intersection in Sun City Center that led at least one person to sustain injuries. 

This collision took place at the Cypress Village Boulevard and Sun City Center Boulevard junction Wednesday afternoon. Deputies are investigating the events that led to this crash and have not provided additional details at this time. 

Our newsroom will add more details as they become available. 

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