Car Accidents

August 11, 2014

Man Struck by Truck and Killed in Tampa Intersection

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A man was killed early Monday after he walked into the path of an oncoming pickup truck in Tampa, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The man was struck along 50th Street just north of Palm River Road at 4:27 a.m.

Troopers believe a 54-year-old Ruskin man was driving his Ford F-150 pickup northbound on 50th Street when the man attempted to cross the street.

The man died at the scene. The driver of the F-150 was not harmed.

Parts of Palm River Road and 50th Street were closed Monday morning while authorities investigated the crash site.

Intersections can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists. Even though there are guidelines that detail how to proceed at intersections as well as who has the right of way, it is common for these rules to be ignored. In many cases, negligent driving practices such as speeding, drunk driving or distracted driving create life-threatening situations when cars and pedestrians enter an intersection at the same time.

The most common intersection accidents entail:

– Running a stop sign or a red light

– Making a right or left turn without checking to make sure the intersection is clear of other vehicles or pedestrians

– Failing to adhere to stop signs or traffic lights

When pedestrians are involved in intersection collisions, the potential for serious injury is increased due to the fact that they lack the protection that a vehicle provides for drivers and passengers. Unfortunately, many drivers do not always keep an eye out for pedestrians in the roadway that are entering an intersection with them, and they often fail to yield the right of way. Intersection car accident claims are usually highly complex. Insurance companies often use this to their advantage and will try and reduce your financial compensation.

August 4, 2014

Adult, Baby Killed in I-4 Minivan Crash in Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An adult and an infant were killed and two children were critically injured after a minivan travelling on Interstate 4 exited the roadway and crashed.

A 2008 Hyundai Entourage was heading west on the highway, west of County Road 579, around 1:10 a.m. when it left the road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The van crossed a concrete culvert, rode up a grass embankment and crashed through a chain link fence. The Florida Highway Patrol claims the vehicle flipped several times before stopping on its left side in the parking lot of Camping World of Tampa.

The driver, a 29-year-old Wesley Chapel man, suffered only minor injuries. However, the right-front passenger, a 30-year-old adult from Tampa, was ejected from the van and died at the scene. A 5-month-old infant was taken to a hospital and died a short time later.

Two children, ages 7 and 9, were taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.

Another female passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash. Witnesses to the accident are asked to contact the FHP at 813-631-4020.

Losing someone you love unexpectedly in a car accident is devastating. The grieving process can be an extremely difficult time period, and on top of that, you must deal with securing the financial future of your family. It is critical to speak to an auto accident attorney who can take care of all matters related to your loss, so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family’s wellbeing. A Tampa Bay Auto Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages that your loved one would have earned, pain and suffering and all other damages related to the collision.

June 23, 2014

Polk County Pedestrian Injury Lawyer :: Auburndale Man Hit, Killed by Polk Sheriff’s Patrol Car

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 56-year-old man was killed early Friday morning in Auburndale after he was struck by a Polk County Sheriff’s patrol car, deputies said.

The crash occurred at 6 a.m. at the intersection of 42nd Street and Havendale Boulevard.

According to investigators, a 21-year-old deputy had just completed his shift and was driving home in the eastbound lanes of Havendale Boulevard in his patrol car. As he approached the intersection of 42nd Street, the 56-year-old man apparently stepped into the path of his patrol car.

The man died at the scene from his injuries.

Investigators claim that the preliminary information shows that the traffic light was green and that the deputy had the right of way.

Officials believe the deceased had a history of routinely wandering into parking lots and onto Havendale Boulevard to ask drivers for money. Earlier this month, deputies said they received two separate reports of the man walking into traffic at Havendale and 42nd Street, once at 11 a.m. and another at 5 p.m.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit will conduct the initial investigation into the crash. Following this, their findings will be reviewed by the PCSO Administrative Investigation’s Section. The State Attorney’s Office will also review any reports.

The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The intersection was closed briefly while deputies investigated the scene. The intersection reopened just after 11 a.m.

No additional details have been released.

Government officials, just like all other people, are very capable of making mistakes. With that said, the law does in fact recognize that government officials can sometimes be liable for accidents, and allows the accident victim to recover just the same as if the accident involved a private citizen. For this case, the fact that the driver was a police officer should not decrease the accident victim family’s chances of obtaining a full recovery for the death of their loved one should the accident have been caused by the officer’s negligence or carelessness.

When an accident is caused by a government employee, the accident victim or the accident victim’s family may be able to hold the city, state, or local government office responsible for their injuries or loss. For the most part, government officials have immunity from personal injury or wrongful death suits. But, if it is found that the official acted negligently or recklessly and harmed another human being, that immunity is waived.

June 9, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Injury Attorney :: Brother and Sister Struck by Car Crossing Bearss Avenue After School

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A brother and sister were struck by a car while leaving middle school on the last day of the school year on Friday leaving them hospitalized.

According to friends and witnesses, the girl was hit while she was trying to pull her brother out of the way of the car.

The brother and sister, both students at Buchanan Middle School, were struck by a Honda Civic heading east on Bearss Avenue. The siblings were attempting to cross the busy four-lane road at about 1:30 p.m. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, both were in stable condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The girl, 15, who finished eighth grade at Buchanan, suffered a broken ankle, and the boy, 12, endured a head injury.

Five students, including the brother and sister, were following a group of about 25 students who were heading to a nearby park to celebrate the end of the school year. The first group made it successfully across Bearss Avenue at Monet Drive, which does not have a crosswalk.

When the brother and sister and their three friends crossed, they stopped at the median, but the 12-year-old boy kept walking. His sister reached out and grabbed his shirt to keep him from getting hit, but as a result, they were both struck by the vehicle.

The sheriff’s office said the boy is a special needs child.

When it comes to pedestrian safety, there are steps that both motorists and pedestrians can take to decrease dangers. Drivers approaching intersections or crosswalks should not let distractions affect their awareness of pedestrians in the area. Additionally, motorists should signal turns and know right-of-way rules. Pedestrians should only cross roadways in specified areas. Most drivers are alert in these areas as they expect to see pedestrians in these locations and can be prepared to stop. It is also important for pedestrians to try and make eye contact with drivers when they can, so that they can be alerted that the pedestrian is going to cross the street.

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries that usually result in a long recovery period. Most victims of pedestrian accidents require extensive treatment for their injuries, and then must undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy to get back to living a normal life. This can result in exceptionally pricey medical bills.

June 5, 2014

Sarasota County Injury Lawyer :: Dancer with the Sarasota Ballet Killed in Bicycling Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 20-year-old dancer with the Sarasota Ballet died in a bicycling accident on Wednesday after he collided with a delivery truck, according to reports.

The dancer, from Brazil, was transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton where he died from his injuries Wednesday evening.

The accident occurred in the 5400 block of North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota around 2 p.m.

According to Sarasota Police, the delivery truck, driven by a 58-year-old Tampa man, was making a right turn onto a service entrance road leading into the Ringling Museum.

Police believe the delivery truck pulled in front of the dancer as he was approaching the road. Reports indicate that the driver may have failed to see the man or the bicycle.

The man’s bicycle hit the side of the delivery truck, causing significant injuries.

The driver of the delivery truck has been charged with violation of right-of-way to a bicyclist.

The accident is currently still under investigation.

Bicycle riders suffer an astounding number of serious injuries and fatalities every year in accidents involving motor vehicles. Many of these accidents are the fault of the motor vehicle drivers. In 2012 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that 49,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic accidents in the United States and another 726 were killed.

As many bicyclists are aware, drivers of cars, trucks and SUVs can easily fail to notice cyclists, and many choose to ignore their rights. When motorists do not pay attention to their surroundings, they can make moves that threaten the lives of bicycle riders and others sharing the roadways. Bike riders can suffer severe injuries or even death when motorists fail to check their blind spot before changing lanes, execute right turns directly in front of bikers, sideswipe cyclists travelling on the shoulder, drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, open car doors in front of them, fail to stop at stop signs or even back out from driveways without looking. Even worse, many motor vehicle drivers do not respect the fact that Florida laws protect bicyclists and award them the same rights to use the streets as motorists.

May 29, 2014

Tampa Bay Auto Accident Attorney :: Tampa Bay Area Ranks Second in New Study On America’s Deadliest Cities for Pedestrians

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A recent study shows that the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. In fact, Tampa took second place in the top 10 deadliest metro areas for walkers.

The new report from the National Complete Streets Coalition, Dangerous By Design 2014, used a Pedestrian Danger Index to rank the deadliest places to walk in America. Florida is home to the top four cities.

Top 10 Deadliest Cities for Pedestrians:

Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida
Memphis, Tennessee-Arkansas-Mississippi
Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, North Carolina-South Carolina

And here are the 10 safest metros for pedestrians:

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Massachussetts-New Hampshire
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, New York-New Jersey, Pennsylvania
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, California
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minnesota-Wisconsin
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Oregon-Washington
Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Illinois-Indiana-Wisconsin
Rochester, New York
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio

You can view the full list here.

The study looked at people who walk to work as well as respective cities’ fatality numbers. Through this research it was found that 47,025 pedestrians died as a result of car crashes between 2003 and 2012. Another 676,000 were injured in pedestrian-related accidents.

Pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur in the following settings:

Urban Areas
Nighttime
Clear Weather
Non-intersections

If you are going to be travelling on foot in Tampa or anywhere else in Florida or across the U.S., please follow the below tips:

Always use crosswalks and sidewalks when they are available for use.
Watch out for things going on around you. Just because you are on a sidewalk does not mean you are in the clear. Pedestrians are often overlooked by passing cars, so keep your eyes open and stay alert.
Never assume that a driver can see you.
Do not walk near freeways, restricted-access highways or other dangerous roadways where signs indicate that pedestrians are prohibited.
Avoid distractions while you are walking, such as texting, playing video games, talking on the phone and other disruptions.
Do not walk near traffic while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

April 30, 2014

Manatee County Car Accident Injury Lawyer :: Two Injured after Truck Crashes into Bradenton Home

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two people were injured after a driver attempting to park in a driveway smashed into a Bradenton home’s kitchen Monday night.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 46-year-old woman was critically injured as a result of the crash, and was taken to Blake Medical Center for treatment where she was listed in stable condition. Another woman, 46, suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old woman, was not injured in the accident, according to reports.

The crash took place just before 5 p.m. as the driver tried to park a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck at a home in the 2600 block of Fifth Street East. According to troopers, she accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal as she pulled in.

The truck rolled forward and slammed into the home, entering the kitchen and injuring the two women.

An FHP press release indicates the driver of the truck faces a charge of careless driving.

Accidents caused by a careless or reckless driver can result in serious and permanent injuries, including head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, back injuries and damage to arms and legs. After a serious car accident, your injuries may require extensive medical treatment and physical therapy, which is why the careless driver should be responsible for any accident-related damages you have suffered. If you have been harmed by a careless or negligent driver in Manatee County, you have a legal right to financial recovery.

In order to recover damages for your injury, you must take the first step and contact a Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton. We have helped numerous personal injury victims move forward from catastrophic injuries suffered in all types of auto accidents. We know exactly what goes into investigating and preparing negligent driver injury claims, so let us help you.

April 21, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyer :: School Board Starts Shuttle for Students along Hillsborough Avenue to Minimize Pedestrian Accidents

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A new shuttle service made its debut Monday to haul students to and from school near a busy stretch of Hillsborough Avenue that has had deadly pedestrian accidents.

The shuttle was started to protect students, and runs from the Meridian Pointe Apartments to nearby Middleton High School. Officials with the Hillsborough County School system believe the shuttle provides students with a great alternative from crossing the busy street mid-block.

There is a crossing several blocks away at 22nd Street.

On March 17, two sisters, 14 and 15, were hit while trying to cross east Hillsborough Avenue near 25th Street to get to school. The 15-year-old sister died from her injuries on March 22. The 14-year-old is recovering from a broken arm.

The 15-year-old girl was the second student killed in the location since 2011.

The Florida Department of Transportation has also been examining this busy stretch of the roadway. There are plans to add 125 new lights along Hillsborough Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 50th Street.

Until this project is completed, the shuttle will continue to pick up students every morning starting at 6:45 a.m. for the rest of the school year.

While these new projects and services may work to minimize the number of accidents in the Tampa Bay area, there are many steps that both motorists and pedestrians can take to help improve safety. Drivers approaching intersections or crosswalks should always keep an eye out for pedestrians in the area. Motorists should always be aware of right-of-way rules and abide by them as well as use their turn signals properly. Pedestrians should be alert when in the roadways and only cross in designated areas. Most motorists are prepared to see pedestrians in these locations and can be prepared to stop. It can be a good idea for pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers so that they know the pedestrian is planning to cross the street.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries that take a long time to heal from, or worse, death. Victims who do recover from these accidents must often spend a significant amount of time receiving treatment for their injuries, and then must endure rehabilitation in order to resume their normal life. This can bring about costly medical bills both now and in the future.

April 14, 2014

Clearwater Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident Lawyer :: Fatal Clearwater Motorcycle Crash Leads to DUI Manslaughter Charges

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Clearwater woman is facing DUI manslaughter charges following a crash that killed a motorcyclist Sunday night.

The 47-year-old woman was arrested after the accident, which occurred around 9:40 p.m. at Missouri Avenue and Belleair Road.

As of Monday morning, she was being held in the Pinellas County Jail without bail.

Clearwater police believe the woman was driving a 2001 Buick Century south on Missouri when she turned left at Belleair and crossed into the path of a 24-year-old motorcyclist traveling north on Missouri on a 2007 Kawasaki.

According to reports, the woman showed signs of impairment at the scene and admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash happened.

The intersection was shut down while traffic homicide teams investigated.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every two minutes across the United States, someone is injured in an alcohol-related traffic accident, and someone is killed every 45 minutes. In fact, more than 40 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involve drunk drivers. Even more shocking is the reality that drunk motorists, on average, drive intoxicated 87 times before they are stopped by police and arrested.

If someone you care for has been killed in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, please know that you are well within your rights to seek damages against the at-fault driver. A Clearwater Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton understands that various challenges can present themselves to family members following a tragic accident and can provide you with the legal experience and resources needed so that any negligent parties can be held liable for their recklessness.

Pursuing a wrongful death claim from an intoxicated motorist is not always just about getting even. Rather, it is about taking care of you and your family’s future, personal well-being and quality of life. Obtaining financial compensation for any medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other accident-related damages is a way to overcome any long-lasting financial hardships that usually accompany a serious accident. Pursuing legal action can help you achieve a sense of justice as well as make sure you and those close to you are taken care of both now and in the future.

April 10, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney :: Student Struck by Car Remains in Critical Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An 18-year-old man hit by a car while walking home from school on Wednesday remains in critical condition.

According to Tampa police, the student and his friend were running northbound on 40th Street trying to cross Hillsborough Avenue against the light when he was struck.

The man was hit by a woman driving a Toyota Camry. She apparently stopped immediately once she realized she had hit the man.

Police claim the woman probably won’t face charges as it appears the crash was a tragic accident. The woman was not harmed.

This unfortunate collision comes about three weeks after two other students were struck trying to cross a busy stretch of Hillsborough Avenue.

The students and sisters, 14 and 15, were hit by a vehicle on Hillsborough Avenue near 25th Street on March 18 while walking to school.

The 15-year-old died four days after the crash.

Tampa police, along with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Hillsborough County Schools, are working to launch a PSA campaign to educate students about traffic safety.

If you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian while jaywalking or not in a crosswalk, you may be lead to believe that you have no right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit because the accident was ultimately “your fault.” However, whether or not you were in a crosswalk, you were jaywalking or whether a traffic light was red, yellow or green, you should be sure to speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Regardless of fault, you could possibly have a strong case against the driver of the vehicle that struck you while you were on foot.

Following a serious injury in the Tampa Bay area, it can take weeks, months or years for a victim to recover both physically and emotionally form the accident. In some cases, injuries can be permanent. Financial troubles following a pedestrian accident only make matters worse. It is critical to act fast following a pedestrian accident so that you can take the necessary steps towards recovering just compensation. A Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can make a great difference in your personal injury case.