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.

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.

April 6, 2014

St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney :: Gender Affects the Behavior of Teen Drivers

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Atlantic is reporting that teen drivers are eight times more likely to crash or have a near-miss when dialing a phone; seven times more likely to crash when reaching for a phone or another object; almost four times more likely when texting; and three times more likely when eating.

That’s according to a 2012 study on the causes of teen car crashes, where surprising differences emerged between the behaviors of male and female drivers.

Female teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents if there is a boy in the car.

Female teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents if there is a male passenger in the car.

April 4, 2014

Polk County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer :: Biker Dies in Collision with Truck in Auburndale

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Winter Haven motorcyclist was killed Thursday morning after a box truck smashed into him, according to investigators.

The crash occurred at the intersection of State Road 559 and County Road 559A in Auburndale shortly after 11 a.m.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the driver of a 2003 white Chevrolet box truck was travelling north on State Road 559 when he pulled into the right hand turn lane. However, the driver apparently realized he was turning the wrong way and attempted to make a left turn onto County Road 559 A from the right turn lane.

The 68-year-old motorcyclist was riding a 2009 Harley Davidson on the same road when he saw the truck slow in the turn lane but kept heading north on State Road 559.

The driver of the truck ran into the motorcyclists’ path when he cut across the lanes to make a left turn. The biker attempted to stop, but ultimately smashed into the right rear end of the truck.

Emergency crews tried arrived at the scene and determined the man was killed on impact. According to investigators, the man was wearing his helmet at the time of the incident.

County Road 559A and State Road 559 were closed at the intersection for nearly three hours before it reopened.

The investigation is ongoing.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation for your losses. The law allows injury victims and surviving family members of those killed in these types of accidents to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. A personal injury or wrongful death claim can successfully get you the proper compensation needed to move on from such a tragic accident.

When a motorcycle is hit by a semi, garbage truck, delivery truck or another large commercial vehicle, the injuries are often very serious, if not fatal. Motorcycles leave riders completely vulnerable in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, the trucking company’s insurance carrier will likely try to deny responsibility for the accident and refuse your claim for financial compensation. A Polk County Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton can fight for you.

March 31, 2014

St. Petersburg Drowning Accident Attorney :: 1-Year-Old Girl Nearly Drowns in Backyard Pool Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 1-year-old girl survived a near-drowning accident in a backyard pool Saturday morning, according to officials.

The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. at a home at 5401 Westchester Blvd. in unincorporated Pinellas County near St. Petersburg.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reports that the child’s caregiver was preparing her home for a family get-together while the child was outside in the fenced-in backyard with a family friend. The caregiver ventured outside and realized the girl was not with the friend and located her in the in-ground pool.

The girl was taken out of the pool and transported to a local hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.

According to deputies, the near-drowning appeared to be accidental and no charges are pending at this time.

Nearly ten people die in drowning accidents every day throughout the United States. Another 5,000 more are hospitalized each year with near-drowning injuries. Sadly, a large number of drowning and near-drowning victims are children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four. Likewise, drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14.

March 28, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney :: Number of Pedestrian Accidents Increase in 2011

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

While we all use various modes of transportation to get from place to place, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging everyone to remember one key road user fact – we are all pedestrians. The sad reality is that pedestrians were one of a few groups of road users to see an increase in fatalities across the United States in 2011, reaching a whopping 4,432 deaths. This number represents a 3 percent increase from the number of reported deaths in 2010.

Another 69,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in traffic crashes in 2011. According to 2011 traffic safety facts, on average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic collisions.

While the 4,432 deaths were an increase from the number reported in 2010, this number represents a decrease of 7 percent from 2002. Pedestrian deaths made up 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2011, and accounted for 3 percent of all people injured in traffic accidents.

Negligent, reckless or distracted drivers disobeying traffic laws cause serious injuries and deaths to innocent pedestrians every day in the Tampa Bay area. Accidents, by their very nature, are unplanned, so when you are the victim of a traffic fatality you may find yourself suffering painful injuries and financial losses that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It can be nearly impossible to determine which step to take first, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact a Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton so that we can help you formulate a plan to obtain financial compensation for your losses.

March 20, 2014

Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorney :: Two Sisters Struck by Car while Walking to High School, One in Critical Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two sisters walking to Middleton High School in East Tampa early yesterday were struck by a car, leaving one of the sisters critically injured.

According to Tampa police, the sisters, 14 and 15, were hit while crossing Hillsborough Avenue near 25th Street.

Both girls were taken to an area hospital. The 15-year-old, a sophomore, is in critical condition. The 14-year-old, a freshman, is stable.

The crash occurred shortly after 7 a.m. as the sisters tried to cross Hillsborough outside of the crosswalks.

The driver, a 17-year-old Hillsborough High School student will not face charges, according to police.

Middleton High School is located just south of Hillsborough Avenue at 4801 N 22nd St., a short distance from the crash site.

This is not the first incident where a student has been hit crossing this busy street. Another Middleton High student was killed in 2011 when she failed to use a crosswalk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every year nearly 5,000 pedestrians are killed in motor vehicle-related accidents, and more than 78,000 pedestrians are severely injured in automobile accidents.

When it comes to the laws of the road, both pedestrians and drivers are responsible for following various safety rules. A driver of a car, truck, SUV or any other motor vehicle must exercise reasonable care when behind the wheel. Failing to exercise reasonable car can include such actions as:

Distracted Driving
Failing to Observe and Follow Speed Limits
Failing to Observe the Right of Way of Pedestrians at Designated Crosswalks
Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Failing to Account for Poor Weather Conditions

Just like drivers, pedestrians must also follow safety laws and avoid negligent and reckless actions, such as:

Failing to Use Designated Crosswalks
Attempting to Disrupt the Flow of Traffic
Entering Traffic in Front of a Vehicle with no Warning

As a pedestrian, avoiding the above dangerous activities will not only lessen your chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident, but can ensure that you are not viewed as negligent in a personal injury or death matter.

February 24, 2014

Tampa Bay Injury Attorney :: St. Pete Man Struck and Killed by 3 Cars

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A St. Petersburg man died Sunday evening after he was struck by three cars while standing in Gandy Boulevard.

According to troopers, the 50-year-old man was standing between the inside and outside lanes of eastbound Gandy Boulevard at Snug Harbor Road Northeast shortly after 7 p.m. when he was hit by a Cadillac driven by a 54-year-old St. Petersburg man. The man told police that he failed to see the pedestrian until moments before the impact, and could not avoid hitting the man despite his attempts to swerve his vehicle away from the man’s body.

The deceased fell into the inside lane and was hit twice more, first by a Volvo and then by a Toyota.

February 20, 2014

Brandon motorcyclist killed; driver of other car still at large

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that a Brandon motorcyclist was killed Sunday when he lost control of his bike after another car turned in front of him.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 46-year-old man was traveling westbound on Interstate-4 onto the northbound entrance ramp to I-75 when a driver changed lanes, driving into the motorcyclist’s path.

While he tried to avoid a collision, he lost control of his motorcycle, crossed the center grass median, flipping his bike. He was not wearing a helmet, but his passenger was wearing one.

February 17, 2014

Tampa Bay Wrongful Death Attorney :: Scooter Rider Struck and Killed by Minivan in Sarasota

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A scooter rider was killed Saturday night in Sarasota after the unidentified male rider turned into the path of a minivan and was struck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The rider was headed west on Clark Road around 8:40 p.m. Troopers claim that he turned left on a red light into the path of a Dodge Caravan at the intersection with Honore Avenue.

The rider was thrown from the scooter and pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the mini-van, a 41-year-old Thonotosassa woman, was not harmed. None of the three passengers riding in the van suffered injuries either.

Scooter sand mopeds have become increasingly popular within the last few years due to the rise in gas prices. While these vehicles can be quite useful in urban settings, their small size and slow speeds, which allows for high gas mileage, makes their riders even more vulnerable than motorcycle riders in the event of a collision. Scooter and moped accidents are frequently caused by other drivers. Sadly, the injuries sustained in these types of accidents can be long-lasting and often result in death.

A scooter rider struck by another motor vehicle can suffer a wide array of injuries. Even minor injuries can take a significant toll on your well-being. A Tampa Bay Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you fight for the rightful compensation you deserve if you have suffered from any of the following injuries in a scooter or moped accident:

Spinal Cord Trauma
Head or Neck Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Broken Bones or Fractures
Bruises or Contusions
Lacerations and Scrapes
Road Rash
Wrongful Death

February 10, 2014

Tampa Bay Watercraft Accident Attorney :: Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents in Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Tampa Bay area is well known for its beautiful rivers, lakes, bays and access to the Gulf of Mexico. Because areas like Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island have so many various waterways, jet skiing is quite popular among tourists and residents alike. However, jet skiing is an inherently risky activity, with the U.S. Coast Guard broadcasting more than 700 fatalities involving jet skis and more than 3,000 injuries nationwide.

A moment of negligence or recklessness on a jet ski can result in severe personal injuries and even wrongful death. The good news is that most jet ski accidents can be prevented by understanding the common causes of these accidents and how to identify risky behaviors that can easily lead to an unfortunate mishap. Moreover, it is vital that jet ski riders know how to operate a jet ski in a safe fashion before heading out on the waterways.

Were you injured on the waterways of Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island or the surrounding areas? Call Whittel & Melton today at 727-823-0000 or dial us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.

SPEEDING

Nearly 15 percent of all accidents involving personal watercrafts, such as jet skis, were caused by speeding drivers, according to the US Coast Guard. Driving a jet ski can undoubtedly be an exhilarating experience. As a jet ski driver, it is important to not get carried away when operating these vehicles as the amount of horsepower these vessels have can be intense. When excessive speeds are used, serious accidents can occur.

INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS

Many people hop on jet skis and take off into the water without fully realizing how dangerous these vehicles can be. It is important to get the proper training and experience before darting off in these vehicles. The National Transportation Safety Board estimates that nearly a third of drivers involved in a jet ski or other personal watercraft accident had operated the vehicle ten times or less prior to their accident.

INATTENTIVE DRIVERS

As water sports like jet skiing become more and popular, waterways become more crowded, increasing the number of distractions for drivers. Unnecessary collisions on personal watercrafts are often caused by drivers who fail to pay attention to their surroundings. By staying focused while on a jet ski, you can prevent a catastrophe from occurring.

RECKLESS DRIVING

One of the leading causes of jet ski accidents is reckless driving. Often referred to as the motorcycle of the waterways, jet skis can be quite dangerous when operated in a reckless manner. Following the rules of the waterways is crucial when operating a jet ski, and failure to do so can result in broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma and even death.