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 28, 2015

Mother Killed, 2 Children Injured in Plant City Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A young mother was killed and her two young children were injured Sunday morning when the woman crashed her minivan into a utility pole off Wilder Road.

The 25-year-old died at the scene. A 4-year-old and 1-year-old was ejected from the van and taken to Tampa General Hospital with minor injuries.

None of them were wearing seat belts, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies believe the woman was driving north on Wilder Road near Knights Griffin Road around 7 a.m. when her 2005 Buick Terrazo drifted off the road. Deputies believe she overcorrected into the oncoming lane, then swerved back to the right and lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle spun into a ditch and hit a TECO utility pole, causing power lines to fall from the insulators and lean against the pole.

No other vehicles were involved and alcohol is not suspected, deputies said.

The crash remains under investigation.

A wrongful death lawsuit in Florida is able to be filed on behalf of a deceased victim’s immediate family members, including a spouse, child, parents or grandparents. The lawsuit may seek financial compensation for several different kinds of damages, both economical and noneconomical, for expenses like hospital bills and related medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering of the victim and their family, loss of companionship, lost wages and other benefits, loss of consortium and more.

The amount of damages that are able to be obtained in a wrongful death lawsuit can vary and depends on several factors, however, this is why it is necessary to have a lawyer working on your behalf after you have lost a loved one in an auto accident to ensure you and your family receives any monetary compensation you are owed.

September 22, 2015

Driver Smashes into Clearwater Bakery, No One Injured

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

There were no injuries Saturday morning after a car crashed into Manos Bakery at 1975 Drew Street in Clearwater.

According to police, a westbound Honda Civic on Drew Street ran a red light and collided with another car, resulting in the Honda crashing through the front of the bakery.

The Honda came to rest inside the bakery.

The bakery owner and one employee were inside, but neither they nor the drivers were injured.

The 34-year-old driver of the Honda was cited for running a red light and not having a valid driver’s license, according to police.

The technical rescue team from Clearwater Fire & Rescue examined the structural integrity of the building and boarded up windows that had been smashed out by the impact, police said.

Thousands of people in the U.S. are injured or killed because someone ran a red light. In fact, it is the one of the leading causes of urban accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

More than 1/2 of all American’s admit red-light running.
More than 60 percent of American’s will see someone run a red light at least once each week.
It is the leading cause of urban crashes.
Almost all drivers fear being hit by a red-light runner.
1 in 3 Americans know someone that has been killed or injured by someone running a red light.

Traffic lights and signals are in place to protect drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. When these signals are ignored, the results can be catastrophic.

September 2, 2015

Stay Safe this Labor Day Weekend

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

For most, Labor Day weekend symbolizes the unofficial end of summer. As a three-day weekend, this gives many Americans the chance to celebrate with friends and family one more time before fall comes around and the weather gets cooler. Whether you plan on taking one last road trip for a weekend getaway or staying home and celebrating with family and friends, the Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want you and your loved ones to stay safe!

Labor Day Weekend has a high rate of preventable accidents, injuries, and deaths, both on the roadways and at homes across Tampa Bay and the rest of the country. To help you and your loved ones stay safe this holiday weekend, our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers have compiled a few helpful safety tips:

Roadway Safety – AAA anticipates that nearly 35 million Americans will travel this Labor Day weekend. With this many people on the road, it is very important to remember roadway safety, obey traffic laws and to always stay alert and avoid distractions when behind the wheel.
Vehicle Safety – Along with obeying the rules of the road, it is equally important to make sure your vehicle is safe for travel. Check your vehicle’s fluids, brakes and lights before going on a trip. It is recommended to take your vehicle in for a quick inspection before you head out of town. If you have an older vehicle, you may want to consider renting a car with up-to-date safety features for your road trip.
Water & Pool Safety – Because Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, pool parties and water activities are common. Make sure that all children are always supervised around and in the water.
BBQ Safety Tips – Labor Day weekend and barbecues go hand in hand. If you are planning on an outdoor grilling party, make sure that your grille is properly cleaned to avoid grease fires. Also, make sure to grill in a safe area away from structures, furniture and other flammable hazards. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a safety plan ready in place your barbecue goes awry.
Drink Responsibly – Holiday weekends, like Labor Day, see some of the highest rates of alcohol-related accidents and injuries than any other time of year, especially on roads and highways. If you plan on drinking, please do so responsibly and plan a safe ride home. Remember, police will be on high alert for motorists driving under the influence, so do not drink and drive.

August 20, 2015

Motorcyclist Killed in Brandon Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 33-year-old Plant City motorcyclist was killed in a crash near Brandon early Tuesday.

The motorcyclist lost control of his Yamaha around 3:15 a.m. while making a right turn from E Adamo Drive onto northbound U.S. 301, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The motorcycle hit the raised center median, overturned and came to rest in the path of a northbound Toyota Camry.

August 6, 2015

Semi Crashes into Manatee River

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Slick roads are what caused a semi-truck to travel over a bridge in Manatee County and dive into the water.

Fortunately, a Good Samaritan saw the whole thing and came to the driver’s rescue.

After the crash, the truck was crushed, sinking and leaking diesel fluid.

The 29-year-old New Jersey driver survived the crash with minor injuries.

The Good Samaritan was on his boat during the mishap and managed to get the driver out of the truck right in time.

The truck’s cab is completely crushed and the entire vehicle remains submerged in the Manatee River.

Florida Highway Patrol does not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Millions of cars and trucks travel throughout Florida’s roadways and the rest of the country each year, resulting in thousands of accidents that cause serious injury or death. Many factors can contribute to auto accidents, and wet and slippery roads are a major contributor.

The following are a few easy steps drivers can take to avoid driving errors that lead to accidents and property damage.

Reduce Speed: Reducing your speed to below the speed limit can help prevent loss of traction from water, or even ice on the roadways. This is especially important to do on winding roads, inclines and declines.
Increase Braking Distance: When roads are slick or wet, braking distance must be increased. Hard braking can result in loss of traction as well as loss of control. This effect is heightened in larger, heavier vehicles, like tractor trailers and semis.
Stay Alert: Drivers must pay attention to road problems, traffic signals and signs, especially when facing poor road conditions. When there is inclement weather, it is important to avoid sudden steering or braking.

August 3, 2015

4 Men Saved After Boat Capsized Near Sunshine Skyway Bridge

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Four men were rescued on Friday after their boat capsized near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

A water rescue call came in around 12:52 p.m. for a small boat that had capsized at the bridge, according to St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue.

Officials were able to find all of the men – one was clinging to the capsized boat, and three others were found less than a mile off shore floating west of the bridge.

All four men that were on the boat had their life vests on.

None of the boaters were harmed.

Boat accidents can refer to a vast number of incidences and usually occur due to the following reasons:

Inexperienced Operation: Many people operating a watercraft on Florida’s waterways lack the proper training or adequate experience to operate their vessels safely.
Operator Inattention: A day out on the water is a fun way to relax and relieve stress, however, countless distractions mean some vehicle operators may not be paying attention to various safety concerns, including other vehicles and channel markers.
Boating while Intoxicated: Drugs, alcohol and other substances can impair operator’s judgement and reaction times, leading to dangerous scenarios where accidents are likely to occur.

July 23, 2015

Woman, Boy Drown in Separate Swimming Pool Accidents in Tampa Bay

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 49-year-old woman has drowned in a family swimming pool in Clearwater, according to authorities.

The woman’s mother found her floating in the backyard pool around 5:30 p.m. Monday, according to reports.

Police believe the mother unsuccessfully tried to pull her daughter from the pool. She called 911 and paramedics administered CPR upon their arrival. The woman was declared dead a short time later.

Also on Monday evening, police reported that a 7-year-old boy drowned in a backyard pool in nearby Pinellas Park. The child was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

No additional information on either case is available at this time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ten people drown every day across the United States. Moreover, of the top causes of unintentional death in the country, drowning takes the number five spot. Children under the age of 14 are most likely to fall victim to drowning accidents. In fact, approximately one in five people who drown are children under the age of 14 and many more suffer serious, life-altering injuries after being submerged.

Most children who die from drowning accidents were killed in a residential swimming pool. Those that survive near-drowning accidents are often left to face brain injuries, learning disabilities and memory problems, just to name a few. An important fact to note is that when a residential swimming pool has a fence surrounding it, the chance of a drowning decreases by 90 percent.

July 22, 2015

Woman Critically Injured in Tampa Jet Ski Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A woman suffered severe injuries Sunday evening in Tampa in a jet ski crash on the Hillsborough River.

The driver of the jet ski lost control after crossing into the wake of a passing boat near the North Boulevard Bridge Sunday evening, according to Tampa Police Department Marine Patrol. The jet ski struck a metal sign posted near the center channel.

Officials believe the woman, who was a passenger on the jet ski, smashed her head on the sign. She was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. Officials have not released any further information about the woman.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the crash.

Investigators do not believe at this time that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident.

In a study conducted by the University of Florida, researchers found that jet ski accidents actually produce far greater injuries than boating mishaps. The most common jet ski injuries include head and brain injuries and severe trauma to the chest and abdominal areas. Most of these injuries occur when a jet ski collides with a stationary object or other vessel causing the driver or passenger to be thrust into the object.

If you have been involved in a jet ski accident of any kind, you and your family may be entitled to financial recovery for:

Pain and Suffering
Lost wages
Permanent Impairments
Medical Bills
Future Medical Care
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of Consortium

July 18, 2015

Two Suffer Minor Injuries in Semi Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two lanes of northbound I-75 were blocked off this morning just south of Riverview after there was an accident involving a semi.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 37-year-old Tampa man was driving a 2013 semi north on I-75 at 5:39 a.m. when he lost control of the truck.

The semi exited the roadway and collided with a 2014 Volkswagen Passat driven by a 42-year-old woman, according to troopers. The semi and the car both hit the outside guardrail, then slid down the shoulder embankment.

Both individuals were taken to Tampa General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Traffic was backed up for several miles while crews pulled the vehicles up from the embankment..

The truck driver was ticketed for failure to use due care.

Troopers also believe heavy rains and wet conditions played a role in the crash as well.

The results can be devastating when a semi driver loses control of the vehicle or the tractor detaches from its trailer and spins out of control. These accidents are usually severe and cause significant property damage, injury or even death to the truck driver or other drivers and passengers involved in the accident.

Numerous things can cause a semi truck driver to lose control, from driver error to equipment malfunction. These cases can be quite complex, so it is best to consult with an injury lawyer as soon as possible. A Tampa Bay Truck Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can investigate your case to determine what caused the crash and who is liable. The at-fault party may not be just one person, in fact it can include a number of different parties from the truck driver to the trucking company or other parties.

July 10, 2015

Two Pedestrians Injured in Clearwater Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two pedestrians were injured in Clearwater Thursday morning after they were struck by a vehicle.

According to Clearwater police, a man and woman were struck by a Mitsubishi Outlander SUV while walking on Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Meadow Lark Lane just after 5:30 a.m.

Officers said the pair was trying to cross Gulf to Bay when they were hit by the car. According to officials, the man was trying to get the woman out of the way when they were hit.

The woman was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The man was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.

The driver of the SUV, a 67-year-old Clearwater man, was not injured.

The crash is still currently under investigation.

Drivers must exercise reasonable care when behind the wheel of a vehicle. Failure to do so is considered negligence. The most common factors contributing to driver negligence include:

Distracted Driving
Speeding
Failing to Yield the Right of Way to Pedestrians at Crosswalks
Disobeying Traffic Signs or Signals
Failing to Signal while Turning
Disregarding Weather or Traffic conditions
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Just like drivers, a pedestrian must also exercise reasonable care for his or her own safety. Contributory negligence can be a factor in accidents if it can be found that a pedestrian failed to exercise such care and contributed to the cause of their own injuries.

The most common factors contributing to pedestrian negligence are:

Ignoring the “Walk” Signal at an Intersection
Disrupting the Flow of Traffic
Failing to Use Marked Crosswalks
Darting in Front of a Vehicle