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.
SARASOTA, FL – The Bee Ridge Road and Lalani Boulevard junction shut down after a collision Sunday morning, My SunCoast revealed.
The area was shut down for several hours and has reopened since. The exact cause of this collision, including the number of people and vehicles and whether anyone sustained injuries, has not been made available.
This news blog will be updated accordingly as new details emerge.
GIBSONTON, FL – At least one person sustained injuries in a collision south of the Doyle E. Carlton Bridge, reported Tuesday evening.
Hillsborough County deputies were summoned to the scene — the southbound U.S. Highway 41 and Lula Street junction — just before 7:30 p.m.
The exact details leading up to this crash are under wraps. Officials have also not described the kind of occupants and vehicles involved.
GIBSONTON, FL – A tractor-trailer driver lost control of their truck, leading it to jackknife and them to crash into a barrier wall on I-75 North after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
WTSP said the force of the collision caused fuel to spill from the truck, resulting in crews shutting down the northbound lanes to contain the spill. The motorist sustained minor injuries, and officials did not reveal whether they were sent to a hospital for treatment or as a precaution.
If you have ever been stuck sitting in Tampa Bay traffic, sometimes these interruptions are caused by car fires. While that may sound unbelievable, officials have confirmed that FHP Troop C, which covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties, responded to 475 car fires with the past two years. When a single car catches fire, an entire highway or bridge may be forced to shutdown as first responders work to put out the blaze.
You may be wondering how a car fire starts, and there are several reasons.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) lists smoking, overheated engines, leaks, and electrical problems as common causes of fires.
Another concern is whether the rise in electric vehicles on the road is contributing to the number of fires.
Currently, no national organization in the United States is monitoring the kinds of automobiles that are catching fire. Official statistics regarding the distinction between gas and electric fires are nonexistent.
According to MotorTrend, the country of Sweden does. Their data indicates that gas-powered engines have a higher fire risk than those of electric and hybrid cars.
Since most cars function on burning gasoline, there is always a risk of fire. Electric cars have big batteries that are packed with combustible materials even though they are not fueled by gas. A car fire can easily be started by a crash or intense heat. If you have been harmed in a car fire, we can help.
The Main Culprits of Car Fires Explained
The engine of your car may overheat, causing coolants or oils to turn dangerously hot. They may ignite if they get into your car’s engine or exhaust system, placing drivers and passengers in grave danger. Interestingly, statistics from the US Fire Administration show that the engine, running gear, or wheel area of the car are the source of 62% of highway vehicle fires and 36% of highway vehicle fatalities.
Defects in the design and positioning of fuel tanks may result in a rupture and subsequent leakage during or after an accident. A tiny spark may ignite this leak and turn it into a raging blaze. The best place for a fuel tank is generally agreed to be between the axles of the car, yet some vehicles have their fuel tanks positioned behind the rear axle, which leaves them open to rear collisions. There are other equally unsafe places. Fuel tanks that are positioned “sidesaddle” on some pickup trucks are outside the frame, making them very susceptible to side-impact collisions.
Electrical and mechanical malfunctions account for two thirds of automobile fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). This can involve problems with heating systems, car batteries, heated seats, or even aftermarket items that are poorly made. According to statistics from the US Fire Administration, 29% of highway car fires are caused by inadequate insulation surrounding wiring. A single frayed, errant wire has the potential to start a catastrophic fire.
Defects in a car’s fuel lines/pump can also result in post-collision flames. When fuel is pumped through vehicle systems at high pressure, a fuel line can easily rupture resulting in a significant leak. Inadequate placement, routing, or use of the incorrect materials can cause lines to burst.
Electric fuel pumps are commonly found in most cars with fuel-injected engines. A fuel pump can continue to circulate gasoline via the fuel lines and fuel system if it does not switch off properly after a collision, increasing the risk of a fire.
Tamp Bay Car Fires – Our Legal Team Can Help with Your Injury Claim Continue reading
TAMPA, FL – Hillsborough County deputies are investigating a crash in the Quail Run neighborhood that resulted in at least one suffering injuries Monday.
Deputies responded to the scene — the 3400 block of West Bearss Avenue — before 7 p.m.
The circumstances leading up to this collision have not been disclosed.
TAMPA, FL – A driver of a Kia Forte was said to have been impaired when he crashed his Kia Forte into the back of a FHP patrol car, injuring himself, his passenger, and the trooper.
This collision happened before 4:45 a.m. Saturday on I-275 North, Click Orlando reported. Before the rear-end crash, the trooper — a 28-year-old adult — was inside their cruiser (and had emergency lights) and was assisting with the left lane closures amid a construction zone.
Prior to the crash, the Kia Forte — a 24-year-old man from Lakeland — had hit traffic cones and an arrow board before he rear-ended the FHP vehicle.
TAMPA, FL – A woman lost her life following a crash west of Al Lopez Park on Saturday, Tampa Police revealed.
Police responded to the area of West Hillsborough Avenue and North Church Street before 8:30 a.m. They advised drivers to seek alternative routes as they shut down the site.
First responders conducted CPR measures on the woman. However, despite the life-saving procedures, she succumbed to fatal wounds.
RIVERVIEW, FL – Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that at least one person sustained unspecified injuries in a crash at U.S. 301 and Gibsonton Drive Friday.
Troopers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:32 p.m. and arrived at the scene around 4:40 p.m.
This collision is under review by the Florida Highway Patrol, and no other information was provided at this time.
TAMPA, FL – A collision at the East Hanna Avenue and North 56th Street junction in the Del Rio neighborhood led at least one person to suffer injuries Friday.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is now just arriving at the scene and has not disclosed information regarding what led to this crash, specified the kind of vehicles involved, or confirmed whether the wounds were minor or major.
Our newsroom will post updates as we come to learn more.
BRANDON, FL – Two Hillsborough County deputies were sent to the hospital after they were intentionally struck by a driver Thursday.
FOX 13 News said the officials were run over while responding to a mental health crisis call. Footage showed Deputy Manuel Santos and Corporal Carlos Brito attempting to get out of the way. Their attempt was unsuccessful, and both were pinned inside or under the vehicle.
Other first responders left the crash site (which was unspecified) and transported the deputies to Tampa General Hospital. Brito may have to get his leg amputated, and Santos will have to have surgery for a serious leg injury.
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