Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

April 26, 2024

News: 2 dead, 3 injured in minivan accident on Interstate 75

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – A crash involving a truck and a minivan in Marion County left two people dead and three others injured, according to the Ocala StarBanner.

The vehicles collided Wednesday morning in the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 near the exit for County Road 318.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a minivan traveling in the center lane clipped the left front tire of a semi in the right outside lane. The minivan went off the roadway, onto a grass shoulder, hit two trees and caught fire. The driver, a 49-year-old woman, and a passenger, a 15-year-old boy, died at the scene. Both were from Miami. Another passenger, a 23-year-old woman from Miami, was seriously injured while two children, ages 2 and 1, sustained minor injuries. The injured were taken to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

April 25, 2024

7-Year-Old Boy Killed in Crash at Florida ATV Park | Florida ATV Accident Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Officials say that a 7-year-old child who died in a mishap at a Florida ATV park this week was not wearing a helmet at the time.
The child was seated behind a 32-year-old man driving an ATV when the vehicle overturned on Sunday, April 21, at the Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort in Palatka, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The ATV made a sharp turn and overturned onto the boy as he collided into a tree stump.

The 32-year-old suffered minor injuries, while the boy died at a nearby hospital.

With this incident, the park has now seen four fatalities since 2019.

The FHP claims that the victims were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Florida law states that Operators of off-highway vehicles and riders under the age of 16 are required to wear safety helmets and eye protection certified by the USDOT. Riders of all ages are highly recommended to use eye protection and helmets.

Both adults and children are apparently required to sign two waivers before entering the park, according to reports. Signers of the waiver agree to assume certain risks, including the loss of all rights to compensation and legal action for any kind of personal injury, including death.

All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, provide an exciting way for riders to experience the great outdoors and explore tough terrain. Wearing a helmet is an important component of ATV safety that is sometimes disregarded, but our Florida ATV Accident Lawyers cannot stress enough how important it is to wear a helmet, especially considering the possible risks connected to ATV collisions.

In the event of an ATV crash, wearing a helmet greatly lowers the chance of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A helmet reduces the risk of serious brain damage by serving as a protective barrier that absorbs and distributes impact force. It is essentially a vital barrier that protects the rider’s head from harsh surfaces like rocks, tree branches or stumps, or the ground itself in the event of an accident.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The most recent report from the CPSC indicates that 2,211 fatalities in the US between 2016 and 2018 were related to off-highway vehicles (OHVs), which include utility-terrain vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and recreational off-highway vehicles. Almost 75% of the fatalities were caused by ATVs. Children under the age of 16 accounted for over 300 of the deaths.
According to CPSC estimates, 112,300 injuries related to OHVs were attended to in hospital emergency rooms across the United States in 2020. ATVs accounted for 96% of all OHV injuries over a five-year period.
Florida has been named a top state for ATV deaths. In fact, 931 deaths, or more than 42% of all off-highway vehicle deaths, occurred in these 10 states between 2016 and 2018: Texas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, California, Florida, North Carolina, New York, Alabama, and Michigan. Continue reading

April 25, 2024

News: Bicycle rider, 75, struck and killed by car in Tarpon Springs

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TARPON SPRINGS, FL – State troopers were called to the scene of a fatal car vs. bicycle accident in Tarpon Springs on Tuesday evening, reports WTVT.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 75-year-old woman was riding a bicycle west on Bryan Lane ahead of a Jaguar SUV near Cypress Lakes Boulevard.

The investigation indicated that as the Jaguar approached, the bicycle rider abruptly turned left into the path of the vehicle and the bicyclist was struck. The victim, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

April 24, 2024

Do You Really Need a Lawyer for a Parking Lot Accident? | Florida Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Parking lots, those seemingly harmless locations that we all pass through on a regular basis, can occasionally become the setting for unexpected drama. Accidents can and do occur amid the chaos of moving automobiles, people crossing the street, and pushing grocery carts. Accidents that occur in parking lots are sometimes written off as minor annoyances, but they can have serious financial and emotional consequences.

Parking lot collisions are frequently distinguished by their minimal injuries and seeming low speeds. However, even at low speeds, collisions can cause injuries to both pedestrians and drivers, and property damage can quickly escalate. These accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to more major pedestrian-related occurrences, can have long-term consequences.

There are several factors that lead to parking lot accidents:

Congestion: A high number of vehicles and a limited amount of space make accidents more likely.
Reckless behavior: Common culprits include speeding, neglecting to yield the right-of-way, and ignoring traffic signs.
Distracted driving: Due to the widespread use of cellphones, distracted driving is now a major problem. Checking texts or browsing through playlists or social media while driving through a parking lot can lead to disastrous results.
Visibility problems: Insufficient lighting or blind spots in parking lots may conceal people and other vehicles, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Minor Accidents Do Not Mean Minor Injuries

Parking lot fender benders are easy to write off as insignificant. These are, after all, mostly low-speed collisions that might only leave small dents or scratches behind. The human body, on the other hand, is significantly more delicate than paint and metal, something that many people overlook.

Understanding The Potential Injuries

Whiplash: Even at moderate speeds, whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries from rear-end accidents. The head and neck may snap forward and backward because of the abrupt collision, causing severe pain and soft tissue damage.
Soft tissue injuries: A minor accident’s abrupt jerking motion can also result in a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as contusions, sprains, and strains. These injuries can cause discomfort and impede mobility, even though they may not be noticeable right away. They can pop up hours or days after the collision.
Concussions and head injuries: Head trauma can arise from even mild events, even though we typically associate head trauma with high-speed crashes. The force of a car door or airbag release can cause the brain to strike the skull, resulting in concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory loss.

April 24, 2024

News: Truck overturns on I-75 in Pasco County, injuring 2 and snarling traffic

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PASCO COUNTY, FL – A semi-truck accident in Pasco County on Monday morning left two people injured and caused major traffic delays, WFTS reported.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the incident took place on State Road 56 at about 11:15 a.m. An investigation indicated that an SUV hit a gravel truck as both vehicles were changing lanes near I-75 and Cypress Ridge Boulevard.

The truck overturned, and both drivers were injured. No details were released on the severity of their injuries.

April 23, 2024

News: 2 dead after fleeing driver crashes into utility pole in Waldo

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

WALDO, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver trying to elude law enforcement authorities was involved in a fatal crash in Alachua County early Saturday morning.

The Gainesville Sun reports the incident began when the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office requested the FHP’s help in pursuing a Honda CRV recently stolen from Alachua County.

State troopers said some of the vehicle’s occupants appeared to be wearing ski masks, and that the Honda exited U.S. 301 onto State Road 24 in the Waldo area.

April 22, 2024

News: Man, woman on motorcycle killed in collision with SUV in Marion County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – A crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle left two people dead on Friday night, WKMG reported.

The vehicles collided in the area of State Road 25 and SE 104th Trail at about 1o p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The FHP said the driver of the SUV was turning left at the intersection but did not check for traffic and crashed into a motorcycle heading east on SR-25. A 25-year-old man and 22-year-old woman on the motorcycle were ejected from the bike, and both died at the scene.

April 22, 2024

Tips for Overcoming Distractions On The Road | Florida Car Accident Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The open road provides an exciting sense of adventure and freedom, but it also carries several risks, particularly when there are distractions that come into play. Distractions behind the wheel can have disastrous results, whether it is glancing at a text message, fiddling with the radio, or just daydreaming. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a great opportunity to refocus and take ownership of the decisions we make when driving. There are many ways drivers can become distracted while driving. Here are some of the most common ways drivers lose their focus on the road:

Electronic gadgets: Due to the widespread use of cellphones and entertainment systems in cars, drivers are seriously distracted by electronic gadgets. Distracted driving can occur when texting, making calls, or scrolling through apps. If it is too tempting to check your phone, consider placing it in your console or keeping it in your backseat where it is out of reach until you get to your destination.
Manual distractions: Changing the radio, eating, drinking, or reaching for items inside the car can all cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel, which impairs their control of their vehicle.
Visual distractions: Reading a billboard, admiring the view, or even glancing at a GPS unit are just a few examples of actions that can divert a driver’s attention from the road and increase the chance of an accident.
Cognitive distractions: Drivers’ ability to respond to changing traffic conditions can be delayed by mental diversions like daydreaming, engaging in chats with fellow passengers or children, or even being wrapped up in personal concerns.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, even a two-second distraction from the road increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident by double. Here are some tips for staying focused while driving:

Limit your use of electronic devices: If you must make a call, try using hands-free technology and keep your phone out of reach. Before you begin driving, program your GPS or set your music playlists.
Remind yourself to stay alert: Focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
Prepare before you drive: Adjust the mirrors, seat posture, and climate controls before you begin driving. To reduce the need for physical distractions, make sure anything you might need during your journey is easily accessible.
Take Breaks: Stop at a safe spot and take a quick break if you feel emotionally or physically exhausted. Stretch your legs, grab some fresh air, and refuel before getting back on the road.
Reduce cognitive diversions: When it is safe, engage in meaningful conversations with passengers, but steer clear of issues that require intense focus. If you notice that your thoughts are wandering, take a moment to return your focus to the road.

During the month of April, you may see more police on the roads as part of the NHTSA’s national campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay. This campaign serves as a warning to drivers about the grave risks of texting and driving, as well as the associated penalties and fines. Continue reading

April 19, 2024

News: Motorcyclist injured in collision with Citrus County sheriff’s office vehicle

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

CITRUS COUNTY, FL – A motorcyclist was injured in a collision with a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office vehicle on Wednesday morning, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.

The rider was part of an escort brigade for the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Procession. The incident happened as the brigade was heading towards a Harley Davidson facility on U.S. 19/98 in Homosassa Springs.

The sheriff’s office said that as the escort reached West Homosassa Trail in Lecanto at about 9:45 a.m., one of the motorcyclists hit a Public Service Officer vehicle with the sheriff’s office.

April 18, 2024

News: Marion County sanitation worker dies after being hit by truck’s tire

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – State troopers said a Marion County sanitation worker was killed in an accident on Tuesday morning, according to WKMG.

It happened as the worker was loading garbage within the Spruce Creek subdivision on Southeast 108th Terrace.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the man was hit by a tire from the garbage truck at about 9 a.m. The worker, a 25-year-old Ocala man, was pronounced dead by Marion County Fire Rescue.