Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog

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.

September 18, 2023

Tampa Motorcyclist Concerned About High Volume of Bikers Lane Splitting | Tampa Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Tampa or elsewhere in Florida. This means that no motorcyclist can maneuver between any two moving lanes of traffic at the same time. Regardless of what type of road you are on or how busy traffic is, it is always illegal to ride your motorcycle between other automobiles in Tampa and throughout the state.

Despite the laws, lane splitting and using emergency or bike lanes is a common occurrence witnessed by fellow motorcyclists in the Tampa Bay area. One theory as to why motorcyclists are engaging in these risky behaviors in Florida is because there may be some confusion about the laws governing the practice of lane splitting. Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want to clear up any misconceptions that bikers may have about lane splitting. Even though it is legal in some states, it is strictly prohibited in Florida.

What Is Lane Splitting?

September 15, 2023

News: Troopers on scene of hit-and-run crash in East Lake-Orient Park

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TAMPA, FL – Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run collision that happened in the East Lake-Orient Park neighborhood Friday night.

This collision was reported on the 6605 block of East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Officials have not revealed other details at this time.

Our newsroom will be sure to provide more information as it becomes available.

September 15, 2023

News: Injuries reported in crash near Arlington Park Sarasota

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

SARASOTA, FL – Sarasota Police were summoned to an injury crash near Arlington Park Sarasota before 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Officials have not disclosed the contributing factors of this collision, specified the severity of injuries sustained, or listed the number of people and vehicles involved.

Our newsroom will be sure to provide updates as they become available.

September 15, 2023

News: Crash in Thonotosassa injures at least one person

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

THONOTOSASSA, FL – Hillsborough County deputies were called to a collision at the Sunstone Boulevard and Williams Road junction that injured at least one person Friday.

Deputies arrived at the crash site at approximately 4:41 p.m.

No other information is available.

September 15, 2023

Traffic Jams on Sligh Avenue Frustrating Tampa Drivers – Driving Tips for Traffic Congestion | Tampa Auto Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Hillsborough County residents are growing more irritated with the increase in traffic on Sligh Avenue near I-275.

The main concern is the waiting through lights at intersections, specifically the intersection of Sligh and Nebraska avenues which can take three or four lights to get through for waiting drivers.

One issue is that there is a dedicated turn lane but no dedicated turn signal for drivers going left onto Nebraska Avenue. This can cause traffic congestion during peak hours.

A new apartment complex is being developed nearby, which residents believe will add to traffic.

Sligh Avenue from Armenia Avenue to Nebraska Avenue is now being studied by the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to examine how safety and traffic flow can be enhanced. They are also looking into Waters Avenue.

Tips for Navigating Traffic Jams in Tampa

According to AAA, American drivers spent an additional 26 hours in their cars due to traffic congestion in 2020. That is a decrease from 2019, but it is still more than a day. Being caught in traffic is unavoidable at times, so here is how to handle it safely.

Avoid aggressive driving and lane changing.
Maintain a safe space of at least three seconds between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. This will assist you in avoiding repeated braking and rear-end crashes.
Keep a close watch on the traffic ahead. When automobiles in front of you brake, take your foot off the pedal to gently slow down before braking. Take care not to brake suddenly.
Maintain your concentration. Avoid distractions such as eating or using your cell phone while driving.
When changing lanes or merging, use your blinkers.
Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the surroundings of your vehicle. Before changing lanes or merging, perform a head check to assess your blind zones.
To merge into traffic safely, use the length of the acceleration lane.
Plan and be responsible with technology. Check traffic applications on your phone or listen to radio news before you leave to avoid busy regions. If you are concerned about experiencing heavy traffic on your commute, plan an alternate route on your GPS before you leave.
Stay centered in your lane and avoid cutting corners when driving in narrow lanes.

If you live or work in Tampa, then Sligh Avenue may be unavoidable to your route. However, knowing that this area is more prone to traffic jams can help you be prepared and drive cautiously. Continue reading

September 14, 2023

News: Troopers investigate hit-and-run crash on U.S. 301

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – Florida Highway Patrol was dispatched to a hit-and-run collision that happened at the U.S. 301 and Causeway Boulevard intersection Thursday.

Troopers have not indicated what led up to the crash, listed the number of people and vehicles involved, and revealed the suspect and their vehicle.

Our newsroom will issue updates as they become publicly available.

September 14, 2023

News: Juvenile hurt in crash with Pinellas Co. car near Largo

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

LARGO, FL – A 15-year-old teenager was sent to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after getting hit by a Pinellas County vehicle near Largo Thursday.

This collision occurred in the area of 137th Street and Ridgeland Drive, ABC Action News reported.

It is unclear who had the right of way at the time of the collision.

September 14, 2023

News: Teen girl critically hurt in Tampa bicycle-police cruiser crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TAMPA, FL – A 13-year-old girl riding a bike was left in critical condition when she was struck by a Tampa Police cruiser before 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.

This collision occurred at the North 22nd Street and East Busch Blvd intersection, according to ABC Action News. When the girl was hit, she fell off her bike. The Tampa Police officer who struck her with her cruiser got out of the vehicle. The officer requested aid from other officers and fire crews. They then administered first aid to her, and medics took the girl to a local hospital for treatment of a broken leg and head injury.

September 13, 2023

News: Injury crash on I-275 in St. Petersburg blocks two lanes

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Two right lanes on I-275 South at mile marker 28 are blocked due to an injury collision that happened around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Florida Highway Patrol arrived at the scene before 5 p.m.

No other information has been released.

September 13, 2023

News: Sarasota Police summoned to crash on Oak St.

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

SARASOTA, FL – Sarasota Police were on the scene of a collision that happened at the S Osprey Avenue and Oak Street intersection Wednesday.

Police arrived at the crash site after 5:30 p.m. They have not said how many vehicles and people were involved, indicated if anyone was hurt, said what the contributing factors were, and other details.

Additional details will be posted should they become available.