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 8, 2024

Largo PD Campaigning in the Community to Keep Pedestrians and Bikers Safe | Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

To keep pedestrians safe, the Largo Police Department is increasing its patrols to reduce collisions with bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Largo Police Department are collaborating on a high-visibility initiative aimed at enhancing pedestrian and bike safety within the city. The campaign runs through May.

With that said, Largo PD will be stopping those who are not following laws, like crosswalk violations, jaywalking, failure to yield, and bike light infractions.

Officers typically use these stops as teaching opportunities, passing out safety supplies like bike lights or pamphlets with information for pedestrians. Repeat violators can receive a ticket.

The goal of this initiative is pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

So far in 2024, preliminary data from FLHSMV has shown that Pinellas County saw 174 total bicycle crashes, resulting in 1 fatality and 105 pedestrian accidents, resulting in five deaths. Data from 2023 shows 8,394 bicycle accidents, resulting in 224 fatalities. Pedestrian crashes in Pinellas County for 2023 reached 10,278, resulting in 779 fatalities.

How Can I Steer Clear of a Pedestrian Accident in Pinellas County?

Even though you cannot control what other people do, there are a few things you can do to lessen the likelihood that you will be involved in a pedestrian collision.
As a pedestrian, you can prevent being struck by a car by taking the following precautions:

Use the crosswalks that are designed for that purpose.
Keep an eye out for moving vehicles, including ones that are turning left or right.
Only cross at stoplight intersections when a walk signal is shown.
When crossing the street, be defensive and assume that the motorist does not see you.
Try to make eye contact with the driver so you can be sure they see you.
Never cross midblock, especially on busy city streets or roadways with many lanes
When sidewalks are available, use them.
Remain alert – keep your eyes on what is happening in front of you, and not on your phone.
Use only one earbud at a time so that you can still hear what is going on around you.
Do not try to beat traffic. You are cutting it too close if you feel like you must jog to get yourself to safety.
At night, wear bright, fluorescent apparel.
Keep an eye out for vehicles backing up in parking lots or entering or exiting parking garages or driveways.

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What Are the Next Steps After a Pedestrian Accident in Pinellas County?

Knowing what to do after being hit by a car while on foot is critical for protecting your rights and legal options if you are seriously hurt.

Get police to the scene so that they can document everything and file a report.
Gather witness information on the spot.
Record and capture images of the accident scene.
Gather as much of your own information as you can, such as names, police records, and other documents.
Get medical help right away. Even if you think you are fine, have a doctor check out your injuries.
Speak with our Pinellas County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton. It is best to consult with us first before you speak with an insurance provider.

For clients and families dealing with the tragedy of a major or deadly accident, our Pinellas County pedestrian accident lawyers have a demonstrated history of success in pursuing personal injury and wrongful death cases. Continue reading

April 5, 2024

News: 2 adults, 2-year-old boy hurt in St. Pete crash with ejection

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A man and woman sustained minor wounds, and a 2-year-old boy was ejected from a car, suffering serious wounds after a collision Friday.

ABC Action News said the toddler’s driver, a 40-year-old St. Petersburg woman, had proceeded through a stop sign on 41st Avenue North, which led her to collide with a Chevy Silverado pickup truck.

Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the toddler was not wearing his seatbelt properly, resulting in the ejection.

April 4, 2024

News: 2 hospitalized after plane crashes into Brandon backyard

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

BRANDON, FL – An ambulance took two airplane passengers to a local hospital for treatment of minor wounds after their plane crashed into a backyard Thursday.

This collision occurred before 3:30 p.m. along South Parsons Avenue and West Empire Drive, according to ABC Action News.

Prior to the collision, a parachute did pop up as the plane descended, and when it did crash, it overturned and landed on its roof.

April 3, 2024

News: HCSO deputy, sedan driver hurt in 2-auto collision in Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TAMPA, FL – A Hillsborough County deputy driving a patrol truck and a driver of a sedan both suffered injuries in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday.

This crash happened around 1 a.m. on Adamo Drive near I-75, according to Fox 13 News. The events leading up to this wreck are unclear, but footage indicated that both vehicles sustained some significant front-end damage.

Emergency responders took the deputy to a hospital for treatment of minor wounds. First responders said the other driver was injured but did not confirm if they were sent to a hospital nor provided an update on their current condition.

April 2, 2024

News: At least 1 hurt in crash at Brandon junction

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

BRANDON, FL – Hillsborough County deputies are on the scene of a crash at Bryan Road and East Brandon Boulevard that injured at least one person.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office report indicates deputies arrived at the collision site before 6:30 p.m. They have not mentioned the exact cause of this incident or specified the severity of the wounds that were sustained.

April 1, 2024

News: Hit-and-run in Pinellas Park claims life of 36-year-old man

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PINELLAS PARK, FL – Local police declared a 36-year-old man dead at the scene after he was hit by a driver who fled the scene near the Lakeside Terrace Apartments Sunday.

ABC Action News said Pinellas Police responded to the scene — the 4200th block of 62nd Avenue North — after 9 a.m. Department investigators believe the suspect was operating a gray Hyundai Accent (the model year being between 2018 and 2022), which is said to be without a passenger side mirror and has major damage on the passenger side door.

The victim was later identified as Michael Vilaysack from St. Petersburg.

April 1, 2024

Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges Coming to Pinellas County | Pinellas County Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

In Pinellas County, more choices for bikers and pedestrians are in the works.
Several initiatives are being worked on by Forward Pinellas and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to improve safety and bicycle recreation.

Several recently constructed pedestrian bridges on US 19 are part of these changes.

One was just opened by FDOT in Clearwater on Harn Boulevard. In Palm Harbor, another one is being constructed close to Curlew Road.

Work on a new crossing across the Pinellas County side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2024. According to Forward Pinellas officials, this bridge will have bigger ramps than the previous one at Harn, making it easier for bicycles to access the neighboring trails.

In addition, a multi-use trail that allows bikers to cross the bay is part of the plans for the new Howard Frankland Bridge.

These bridges are being built by FDOT to increase safety for Pinellas County cyclists and pedestrians, who are nonetheless frequently in danger when riding on busy roadways.

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How Common Are Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents in Pinellas County?

According to the FLHSMV, so far into 2024, Pinellas County has had 93 pedestrian accidents resulting in 4 deaths, and 157 bicycle crashes resulting in 1 fatality. Pinellas County had a reported 487 pedestrian crashes in 2023, resulting in 42 pedestrian deaths. The county also saw 652 bicycle crashes in 2023, resulting in 12 bicycle fatalities.

What Are The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries?

Broken arms and legs are the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. If the rider is not wearing a helmet, head injuries are also prevalent and can range from minor concussions to serious trauma. Friction from the road surface often results in road rash, which is another common consequence. More serious injuries, such as internal bleeding, and spinal injuries, are frequently suffered in crashes involving cars.

After a Bicycle Accident, Should I See a Doctor Even if I Feel OK?
Yes. Bike accident victims should contact a doctor as soon as possible after a crash because some injuries may not exhibit symptoms right away and waiting too long to get treatment could be fatal.

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Make sure you get examined by a qualified medical practitioner even if you do not feel hurt. Never jeopardize your health. Get checked out right away by a physician, EMT, or another medical specialist.

Do I Need to Notify Police?
Yes. If you have been hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Pinellas County, call the police immediately, regardless of whether you think it was a minor collision. The police will investigate the collision and write a report that could be useful to you in the future when filing a personal injury lawsuit.

After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident, What Should I Do if the Vehicle Leaves the Scene?
Try to recall as much information as you can about the driver that caused your pedestrian accident. What color was the vehicle? What model and make is it? What was the number on the license plate? Which gender was the driver? Old or young? Every detail is important! Provide the authorities with as much information as you can regarding the driver and the car. If the driver is found, you may be able to seek compensation from their insurance company. If the driver is not located, you may be able to submit a claim with your own insurance provider.

When Should I Call an Attorney? Continue reading

March 29, 2024

News: Fiery crash with semi kills 35-year-old man in Palmetto

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PALMETTO, FL – A driver whose semi-truck was parked managed to not sustain any injuries, while a 35-year-old man died following a fiery collision Friday.

WFLA said the crash happened before 2:30 a.m. at U.S. 41 and Piney Point Road when the 35-year-old man, driving a car, had struck the semi-truck, leading the vehicles to catch fire. As a result, the man died at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol only identified the 35-year-old man as a Ruskin resident and the semi-driver as a 45-year-old man from Georgia.

March 28, 2024

News: At least 1 hurt in Palm River-Clair Mel hit-and-run

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TAMPA, FL – At least one person suffered unspecified injuries in a hit-and-run crash that happened before 7:15 p.m. in the Palm River-Clair Mel district.

Florida Highway Patrol was dispatched to the scene at 7:09 p.m. and arrived around 7:27 p.m. They have not provided a description of the suspect or their vehicle or shared other details surrounding this crash, including the severity of wounds suffered.

Updates will be posted when more details surface.

March 27, 2024

Male motorcyclist, 25, fatally hit by pickup truck in Tampa

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TAMPA, FL – A 25-year-old man from Little Falls, New Jersey, who operated a Suzuki motorcycle lost his life after he was struck by a pickup truck driver Wednesday.

According to FOX 13 News, the events of this collision unfolded when the pickup truck driver, a 59-year-old man, tried to make a turn from northbound Dale Mabry Highway into a Walmart parking lot. He did not make it, as he collided with the motorcyclist traveling south.

The 59-year-old man and the passenger with him, a 52-year-old woman, also from Tampa, were uninjured. Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcyclist succumbed to fatal wounds at the scene.