Car Accidents

January 15, 2019

Woman, Baby Killed in Crash at Florida Intersection

A woman and baby were killed and a man and another infant were seriously injured in a crash at a Florida intersection Sunday afternoon.

Florida Highway Patrol says a man lost control of his pickup truck and crashed into the victims’ car, as well as other vehicles. Officials say a 19-year-old and a 1-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene. The car’s driver, a 22-year-old man, was taken to a Fort Myers hospital with serious injuries, and a 1-year-old was airlifted to a Tampa hospital with critical injuries.

Several occupants of other vehicles suffered minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. No citations were immediately reported.

Highway intersections bring multiple roads and opposite lanes of traffic together. It’s no wonder that they are the site of so many car accidents. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 40 percent of car crashes in the U.S. happen at intersections.

The at-fault driver of an intersection accident that causes serious injuries or death may be legally liable if it was caused by their carelessness or recklessness. Those who have been injured or suffered a serious loss have a right to seek financial compensation when this happens.

January 4, 2019

Woman Killed in Wrong-Way Crash in Summerfield

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A head-on collision killed a woman and seriously injured a man on South U.S. 301 in Summerfield Thursday night.

According to a witness, a 2011 BMW 5 series driven by a 34-year-old was in the wrong lane on U.S. 301 at Southeast 132nd Street Road and collided with a 47-year-old driving a 2003 Honda Civic.

Marion County Fire Rescue and arrived at the scene at 10:30 p.m. The driver of the Honda Civic was pronounced dead at 10:22 p.m., according to reports.

The BMW driver was taken by ambulance to Ocala Regional Medical Center.

According to FHP, the BMW was stopped in the outside northbound lane of U.S 301 facing south. The Honda was just south of the intersection, traveling north in the inside lane.

Troopers said the BMW proceeded south in the northbound lanes and the Honda took evasive action by swerving to the left into the outside left turn lane, but the two cars collided head-on.

There are no updates at this time if alcohol was a factor and if charges will be filed.

Wrong-way driving occurs when a motorist drives against the direction of traffic. The most common result of this error is a serious head-on collision. Wrong-way driving accidents can happen at any speed on any street, highway, or road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 350 people are killed every year nationwide in wrong-way highway accidents.

Serious injuries can result from wrong-way accidents, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, lacerations, and even death. These injuries can be costly to treat, which is why Florida law allows you to recover financial damages through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. These damages may include medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, costs of future medical care, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and all other losses resulting from the accident.

December 12, 2018

Guests Injured After 2 Disney Buses Crash at Epcot Parking Entrance

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

More than a dozen people were taken to a hospital after two Disney World buses crashed into each other Tuesday at the entrance to Epcot’s parking lot, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash happened just before 10 a.m. A Disney bus driven by a 21-year-old failed to stop and rear-ended a Disney bus driven by a 62-year-old near a tollbooth on Epcot Center Drive, according to an FHP report.

According to authorities, 51 passengers were on the bus that was hit. Fourteen were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police confirmed.

The driver of the bus that failed to stop was ticketed for careless driving, according to an FHP report.

Neither driver was injured.

When you are driving on any type of road, or riding as a passenger, you are trusting that everyone on the road will follow the laws and operate their vehicles with caution. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, drivers get careless with the way they maneuver their vehicles. Careless driver accidents can result in serious injuries and damage, possibly even wrongful death.

Once you have recovered from the shock and pain of your injuries, obtaining legal representation can help you financially recover after an auto accident caused by a reckless or careless driver. Seeking legal help from Whittel & Melton is one of the first steps to returning to your normal life after the accident. In preparation for your lawsuit, it is important to collect:

Information about the accident
Medical records and bills
Wage loss information
Pictures of injuries

November 28, 2018

State Lawmakers Push to Tighten Texting-While-Driving Laws

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A deadly Sunday crash that killed a cyclist and injured six others in South Florida is sadly the latest reminder about the dangers of distracted driving.

Investigators are still working to piece together what happened, and state lawmakers are continuing their push to strengthen Florida’s traffic laws in the hopes of making people safer on the road.

And it’s not just lawmakers calling for change. Families who have lost loved ones are joining in the effort, saying the laws don’t do enough to crack down on texting while driving.

Legislation has been trying to enhance existing laws since 2015, but concerns about racial profiling and potential privacy issues have put the brakes on any substantial change.

Under the latest proposal, drivers could still use cell phones for navigation. To talk on their phones, however, they would be required to use a hands-free device.

Last year, state Sen. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville, now the Senate Minority Leader, suggested that moving to hands-free devices would erase concerns about racial profiling.

Keeping with current law, the legislation allows for cell phone records to be accessed in cases dealing with deal or physical injury. That could curb some of the privacy concerns voiced in years past.

Though this year’s version of the bill has not been assigned to any committees yet, lawmakers will return to Tallahassee in December for the first rounds of committee hearings.

On highways, interstates and roadways throughout Florida, drivers who allow distractions to interfere with their driving cause serious accidents that can lead to fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you don’t need to go through this difficult time on your own. Our Florida Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help.

We will investigate your case and determine if the other driver involved in your accident was using their cellphone or otherwise driving while distracted. We can use this evidence to establish liability, so that you can seek financial compensation for your losses.

November 19, 2018

Thanksgiving 2018 Travel Safety Tips from Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Thanksgiving holiday will have over 54 million drivers hitting the road to visit with their families and friends. With an increased number of cars on the road, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are at greater risk for being involved in a car accident resulting in serious physical injuries. Our Florida Auto Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton have outlined traffic tips below to keep you and your loved ones from becoming another car accident statistic this holiday season.

Delete Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents at any time of the year. When driving, even the smallest distractions can become disastrous. Some of the most common driving distractions include texting or talking on cell phones while driving, eating and drinking while driving and adjusting car radio or temperature control dials. Please keep your eyes on the road the entire trip and pull over when you must use your cell phone or interact with other passengers.

Travel Delays Will Happen

Speeding is another major cause of car wrecks. Anticipate that there will be holiday traffic, so plan ahead so you aren’t speeding to make it to Thanksgiving dinner. Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the destination without the need to break speed limits. You can even choose alternative travel days to avoid being on the road during peak travel days like Thanksgiving and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Top Shape for Travel

Drivers and their passengers should always wear seatbelts and follow traffic safety rules. If an accident does occur, wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between a minor injury and a serious injury or even wrongful death. Infants and young children should be using properly installed car seats and pets should be adequately secured in the vehicle. Make sure your car has been properly maintained with adequate amounts of gasoline, oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid and air in the tires. Turn signals, brake lights and headlights should be functioning properly, and if a service light is illuminated on the car’s dashboard, have the car checked out by a certified mechanic to make sure everything is safe before leaving for your destination.

November 7, 2018

Osceola County Deputy Involved in Fatal Crash, Crashes Again Near Orlando

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Florida sheriff’s deputy who was involved in a recent crash that killed a pickup truck driver has been involved in yet another collision.

The 29-year-old Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputy was cited for improper lane change on Tuesday.

Th deputy swerved into another car while trying to avoid traffic near Orlando, causing a three-vehicle crash. No one was injured in the crash.

On Oct. 5, the deputy didn’t stop at a red light and crashed into a pickup truck that then hit two other vehicles. The crash killed a 34-year-old man.

The deputy was placed on administrative during an investigation into that crash.

Car accidents can happen to anyone, even police officers. However, It is the duty of any operator of a motor vehicle to be alert and aware of all the motorists on the roadway. A safe lane change is one that is executed carefully, using turn signals, and checking side-view and the rear-view windows, always remaining aware of blind spots. If a driver fails to perform a lane change safely or engages in reckless driving and causes a collision, all injured parties are entitled to make a claim for damages against the at-fault driver.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle crash or lost a loved one because of a negligent automobile driver, contact our Florida Auto Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton soon as possible following the accident to protect your right to a recovery. Florida has a relatively short statute of limitations, which is the time you are legally allotted to file a lawsuit to recover compensation, so it is important to act fast.

October 31, 2018

3-Year-Old Shot in Head During Road Rage Incident in Orlando Area

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 3-year-old is in critical condition after being shot in the head during a road rage incident.

Port St. Lucie police say the toddler is a victim of a shooting incited by road rage. The child was airlifted to St. Mary’s Hospital in critical condition.

Police say the incident happened at 1000 Southeast Bywood Drive around 2 a.m on Sunday.

Most car, truck and motorcycle accidents are just that – accidents. However, sometimes deliberate acts of drivers cause collisions. Drivers in the Orlando area should be familiar with the term road rage, as it is to blame for numerous unnecessary and avoidable crashes.

There are multiple signs of road rage, including:

Tailgating another driver
Deliberate acceleration or deceleration too close to another vehicle
Cutting-off of another vehicle
Slamming on brakes in front of another car
Unsafe lane changes
Constant honking of horn
Displaying inappropriate hand signals or yelling at another driver

Road rage and aggressive driving contribute to hundreds of accidents every year. Sadly, innocent victims can get in the way of a driver’s road rage, as this case shows. If you find yourself caught in the midst of a road rage incident, the best thing you can do is allow the other driver as much space as possible in order to avoid an unnecessary collision. If at all possible, get out of the way of aggressive driver so that you can protect yourself and your passengers.

June 6, 2018

Box Truck Accident Kills One, Injures Another in Deerfield Beach

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A box truck’s tire came loose Tuesday evening and struck an SUV along Interstate 95 in Oakland Park, killing the SUV driver and injuring a passenger.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the box truck was heading south along the highway when it lost its left front tire near Commercial Boulevard, just before 6:15 p.m.

Officials believe the tire bounced over the concrete barrier wall and onto the northbound lanes, smashing into the roof of a 2013 Ford Echo.

The 25-year-old driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported the female passenger to Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale with injuries that were not classified as life-threatening.

Troopers are still investigating the cause of the accident. It remains unknown if any charges will be filed.

When a blowout occurs on the tire of a big rig, semi, 18-wheeler or other large, heavy truck, the aftermath is very different than that of a tire blowout in a smaller passenger vehicle. The resulting accident and injuries can be catastrophic or even fatal, as the above accident shows.

When accidents are caused by tires, our Florida Truck Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton work diligently to determine who the liable parties are and hold them responsible for compensating accident victims or families of those killed in these tragic accidents. We collaborate with scientific experts and accident reconstruction specialists to figure out if the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect, by trucking company or employee negligence, or by other conditions.

A tire can be defective for a variety of different reasons, including failure to stand up to heat generated during driving or poor traction due to poor design or a problem in the manufacturing process. The most common tire defect that causes most 18-wheeler accident is poor treadwear and tread separation.

May 18, 2018

Memorial Day Weekend: Keep Safety On Your Mind

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Memorial Day is approaching and that means a long weekend and the start of summer! Whether it is at the pool, on a boat, or at a barbecue, plans are usually made to enjoy this time and relax with good friends and family.

We should not forget that this is a time to pay tribute to the brave men and women in the military who died in the line of service to the United States and defending our freedoms.

Spending the time with loved ones may mean a celebration at home or travelling to other places. Regardless of your plans, safety and common sense should be utilized to keep everyone free from harm. No one wants to have to spend their long weekend in the emergency room!

Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have compiled a few safety tips to get you through the Memorial Day Weekend safely:

Grill Safely: Make sure your grill is cleaned of grease, dust, and checked before use. Do not grill in an enclosed space that could catch fire.
Swimming or Boating: Refrain from consuming alcohol when swimming or boating. Do not swim alone. Wear lifejackets on boats. AND ALWAYS supervise young children at all times to avoid drowning and near drowning tragedies.
Travel Safely: In 2017 the National Safety Council estimated that holiday traffic injuries and deaths have climbed upward in the last two years. Because of this, we urge you to never drink and drive, wear your seatbelt every time you get inside a car, make sure children are in the proper safety seats for age and weight, refrain from distractions while behind the wheel, and make sure you are well rested before making a long trip.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or suffered a wrongful death, call us immediately at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations and are available 24/7, so you can ask all of your questions and get the help you need.

May 17, 2018

Wet Season in Florida: It Is Illegal to Drive with Hazards on In Rain

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Rain tends to send many drivers into a panic as driving conditions become more hazardous.

While it might seem like a good idea to turn on your emergency lights while driving in heavy rain, our Florida Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton urge you not to do it.

Please note: using your hazards in rainy conditions is illegal, and also dangerous. You could actually cause a crash that you think you are avoiding.

We want to remind you of this fact because not every state follows the same law as Florida does. Some states allow it in emergency situations, and some states have no restrictions. You can view the rules state-by-state, via AAA.

What do we mean when we are talking about the wet season? The wet season in Florida starts in late May and continues through October.

Here are some rainy weather driving tips we have compiled to help you through:

Check your tires.
Stay away from cruise control: while this is good in dry conditions, when it is raining, it only increases your chances for losing control of your vehicle.
Use your headlights, but not your high-beams: this keeps you from blinding other drivers, and the extra light could reflect off the rain and reduce your visibility.
Drive slow and leave plenty of room for other drivers: driving slower in wet conditions can be critical to reduce your chances of hydroplaning. If you think you are in no longer contact with the road, start to pump your brakes until you come to a complete stop – do not slam them!