Car Accidents

February 27, 2014

Florida Auto Accident Injury Attorney :: 10 Injured in School Bus Accident Near Disney

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A total of ten people were injured in a school bus crash on Monday near Walt Disney World.

According to Orange County Fire Rescue officials, 50 students were on the bus headed to a local middle school. Nine of those students were transported to local hospitals with injuries.

The crash happened near Winter Garden Vineland Road and Mystic Circle just before 9 a.m.

Ten people were injured in a school bus crash on Monday near Walt Disney World.

According to troopers, the driver of the school bus, a 55-year-old woman, was travelling east attempting to make a left turn when she drove into the path of a PT Cruiser travelling southbound on C.R. 535. The 26-year-old driver of the PT Cruiser tried to avoid hitting the bus, but was unsuccessful and slammed into the left side of the bus. She also suffered injuries in the accident.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the bus driver was ticketed for violating the right of way.

Another school bus arrived to take the remaining students to school, according to officials.

While bus accidents might not occur that frequently in Florida, when they do, the results are often catastrophic. Due to the tremendous size and weight of these vehicles, and the fact that they have a high center of gravity, many bus accidents result in wrongful death or leave those involved with very serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, burn injuries, broken bones, loss of limbs and disfigurement.

School buses, charter buses, city buses and other commercial buses and passenger vans are classified as “common carriers” under Florida law. For these vehicles to operate, drivers must follow certain industry specific regulations that are designed to protect the general public. Drivers of common carriers must be extra cautious when on the roadways in order to keep passengers and the general public safe from harm.

January 30, 2014

Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney :: Lake Man Dead after Being Struck by Four Vehicles

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 72-year-old man was killed after being struck by four vehicles near the intersection of County Road 44 and South Fish Camp Road in Grand Island northwest of Eustis shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the Fruitland Park man was on the south shoulder of County Road 44 trying to cross when, for an unknown reason, he stepped into the path of oncoming westbound traffic.

The man was hit once by a Saturn car driven by a 30-year-old Umatilla man and a second time by a Jeep driven by a 28-year-old Eustis woman. Witnesses at the scene said two other vehicles also struck the man, but did not stop.

A 72-year-old man was killed after being struck by four vehicles in Eustis Thursday.

A Grand Island resident drove up to the scene before paramedics arrived and saw the man lying on the ground. Another person was trying to revive him while another person called for help, according to reports. The FHP noted the area was rainy, without streetlights and very dark.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers are still looking for the third and fourth vehicles that struck the deceased. Anyone with information can call FHP at 407-737-2213.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 5,000 reported deaths are the result of motor vehicle v. pedestrian accidents each year. Sadly, more than 78,000 pedestrians suffer serious injuries every year from an accident involving a car or truck.

A pedestrian collision can result in death, head and brain injuries, disfigurement, nerve damage, scarring, loss of a limb and other serious physical and mental impairments. In many cases, pedestrian accident victims require specialized treatment, such as long-term physical and psychological care. The physical pain and mental anguish suffered by pedestrians injured in auto accidents are often extreme, and the cost for medical care can be astounding. A Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can make sure that you and your family has the help they need to deal with these injuries.

January 28, 2014

Ocala Motorcycle Accident Lawyer :: Mount Dora Man Dies from Dec. 7 Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Mount Dora man injured while riding his 2008 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle last month passed away recently.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the 51-year-old died Monday, Dec. 30, at 1:03 p.m. at Ocala Regional Medical Center. His 49-year-old wife, also of Mount Dora, remains at ORMC.

The accident took place at 3:10 p.m. Dec. 7 at County Road 25 and Sunset Harbor Road.

If you have lost someone you love in a motorcycle accident that was the fault of another motorist, you should speak with a Marion County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible .

According to officials, a 2004 Mini Cooper driven by an 83-year-old Eustis man was heading north on CR 25, approaching Sunset Harbor Road. At the same time, the deceased and his wife were traveling south on CR 25 on their motorcycle, also approaching Sunset Harbor Road. The 83-year-old motorist failed to yield the right of way of the motorcycle and turned left, causing the front of the Mini Cooper to smash into the Harley bike.

Authorities claim that neither the deceased nor his wife was wearing a helmet.

In 2013, there were 54 traffic related deaths reported in Marion County alone.

In the last decade, there has been a decrease in the number of many types of motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Florida and the rest of the country. However, due to the increasingly popularity of motorcycle travel, these types of accidents have been on the incline. When a motorcyclist is killed in a preventable accident caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, the biker’s family may be able to seek compensation for their loss.

December 26, 2013

Broward County Injury Lawyer :: Two Boys Riding Dirt Bikes Struck by Car in Miramar

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two boys riding dirt bikes are recovering in the hospital after being hit by a car on Christmas Eve.

The boys, 13 and 16, were riding their bikes around Southwest 66th Terrace and Southwest 28th Street when a Nissan Altima hit them around 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Miramar Police spokeswoman.

The two boys were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The driver of the Altima reportedly stayed at the scene after the accident. Police are still investigating the incident.

Dirt bikes and ATV’s, otherwise known as all-terrain vehicles, can be fun for individuals of all ages, but they are also notorious for being very dangerous. Dirt bike and ATV accidents can result in serious injuries, paralysis and even death. If you or someone you care for has suffered an injury from dirt bike or ATV accident, it is important to consult with a Broward County Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton immediately. We represent individuals who have been injured on a dirt bike, motorcycle or ATV throughout Broward County, including the cities of Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderhill, Lazy Lake, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Park, Weston and Wilton Manors.

September 19, 2013

Florida Auto Accident Injury Attorney :: National Child Passenger Safety Week – Make Sure Your Child is Buckled Up Properly

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

This week is National Child Passenger Safety Week, which serves as a reminder to us all just how important it is to make sure our children are secured properly in their car or booster seats. Failing to do so could be the difference between life and death if your child is involved in an unfortunate auto accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 13. In 2011, 655 children were killed in auto accidents across the United States. Of the children killed, one out of every three was not wearing a seat belt.

When a child does not wear a seat belt and becomes involved in a collision, they are at an increased risk of being ejected from the vehicle, which commonly leads to serious personal injuries or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a seat belt reduces an infant’s chance of being harmed in an accident by 72 percent and a toddler’s chance of suffering fatal injuries in a crash by 54 percent.

Recent studies have found that three out of every four car seats are improperly installed. Incorrectly installed car seats could lead to brain and spinal cord injuries in children should a collision occur. To avoid a tragedy, adults must ensure that babies under the age of 1 and fewer than 20 pounds are in a rear-facing safety seat. Once a child is over 1-years-old and weighs more than 20 pounds, they can be placed in a front-facing seat with an internal harness. Once a child is over 30 pounds, they can be placed in a booster seat, however it is strongly recommended to keep children in a front-facing seat until they are 40 pounds in weight.

In Florida, children between the ages of 6 and 12 must remain in the rear seat of the vehicle and use a seat belt at all times. Children 13-years-old and above can ride in the front or back seat. Just like adults, the law requires that they wear seat belts.

September is a great month for parents and child caregiver’s to have their child’s passenger safety seat inspected for no cost. Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 15 – 21. Sept. 21 is National Seat Check Saturday. You can visit the NHTSA’s website to find a child seat inspection station near you.

May 28, 2013

Florida Car Accident Injury Lawyer :: Put your Cell Phones Away – It is Now Illegal to Text & Drive in the State of Florida

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Gov. Rick Scott has made it official: texting and driving is now illegal in the state of Florida.

On Tuesday, May 28, Scott traveled to Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High School in Miami, where a press conference was held to sign a bill passed by the Florida Legislature that bans texting while driving.

Florida joins 39 other states in supporting what is known often as Distracted Driving laws. Washington was the first state to issue a texting while driving ban in 2007, and has since been joined by other states in recent years, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For most states, the bans are a primary enforcement offense, which means highway law enforcement patrols can pull a motorist over simply for texting while driving. However, in Florida, texting while driving is a secondary offense, meaning an officer cannot stop a motorist just for texting while driving. In Florida, texting while driving is classified as a nonmoving violation, with a fine of $30.

The Florida law prohibits any person from manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols or other characters into a wireless communications device while behind the wheel of a car. This includes sending text messages, emailing and instant messaging through smart phones.

Scott announced that he is deeply concerned about the number of motorist’s texting while driving. This concern is what prompted him to get the bill signed before the busy summer driving season begins.

The measure was co-sponsored Sen. Nancy C. Detert, R-Venice, and State Rep. Doug Holder, R-Osprey.

May 21, 2013

Florida Injury Attorney :: Amtrak Train Collides with Car on Train Tracks in Jacksonville

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An Amtrak train struck a car stopped on railroad tracks on the Westside of Jacksonville Tuesday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

State troopers said a 55-year-old woman was heading east on Timuquana Road on the Westside when the car became disabled on the tracks at the intersection of U.S. 17 shortly before 11 a.m.

The woman was able to safely exit the vehicle before the collision occurred.

According to reports, the Amtrak train saw the car on the tracks and tried to slow down, but was unable to stop the train before colliding with the left side of the car.

No passengers on board the train suffered any harm.

Accidents that involve trains and railroads often result in very serious injuries and even death. Luckily for those involved in this accident, no one was hurt. However, if you or someone you care for has been injured or killed in a railroad accident, a Florida Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help. We help railroad accident victims and their families obtain full and fair compensation for their losses.

While train accidents are far less frequent than other types of motor vehicle accidents, they can and do still occur. Sadly, the injuries suffered by train accident victims are usually more severe or even fatal. There are numerous types of railroad accidents that can take place. Some may involve collisions with cars, pedestrians, trucks, freight trains, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Despite why or how the accident happened, if negligence is involved, you have a right to seek compensation for damages.

March 6, 2013

Florida Personal Injury Lawyer :: NHTSA Recalled More Than 17.8 Million Products in 2012

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, manufacturers filed for more than 650 safety recalls in 2012 affecting more than 17.8 million vehicles, child seats and vehicle equipment. Additionally, the NHTSA prompted the recall of more than 9 million vehicles and 60,000 items of vehicle equipment, such as child safety restraints and tires.

Nearly 42,000 complaints from consumers addressing possible safety defects influenced the NHTSA to check out these potential issues for consumers.

Over the past three years NHTSA’s investigations and testing have resulted in more than 430 recalls, including 22 million vehicles and products. Since 1966, the NHTSA’s work has directly resulted in 17,000 recalls of more than 500 million vehicles and another 84 million equipment products.

Certain types of vehicle defects can lead to tragic car accidents that often involve not only the occupants of the affected car, but other drivers, passengers and even pedestrians. Auto defects can include tire defects, engine failure, structural problems, roof crush and many more. Multiple parties can be held liable when catastrophic collisions occur, including a negligent driver, the auto manufacturer or the maker of a defective auto part. While it is very important for a vehicle to do its job and protect occupants in the event of a crash, it is equally important for safety restraint systems to be fully functioning. This is also true for car seats, as they are supposed to minimize the risk of serious injuries to babies and toddlers should an unfortunate wreck occur.

January 23, 2013

Tavares Car Accident Lawyer :: Father and Three Children Killed in Lake County Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 41-year-old father and his three kids were killed Friday night in a car crash in Lake County.

The man apparently lost control of his 2009 Mercedes Benz around 6:45 p.m. on State Road 33.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers do not know what caused the man to lose control of his vehicle. Reports indicate the man was traveling southbound on a S.R. 33 curve near Groveland Airport Road when his car left the road, struck a tree and a pole, causing the vehicle to become airborne and crash into another tree that ultimately crushed the car’s roof.

The man and his 9-year-old son were pronounced dead at the scene. His other son, 7, and daughter, 2, passed away at the hospital.

The speed limit for the road is 60 mph, but troopers do not yet know if the man was speeding.

Court records indicate the man received several citations for speeding and failing to obey traffic signals in counties across Central Florida.

The man and his sons were wearing seatbelts, but troopers say the force of the crash was so great that it would not have mattered if they were wearing them properly. The young girl was in a car seat.

Troopers are still investigating what may have caused the crash.

Sadly, even just a small driving error or momentary lapse in judgment can lead to a devastating car accident. Due to this, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with as much caution as possible to ensure the safety of their passengers and all others on the roadways. When drivers fail to drive safely and partake in reckless behavior, the odds of an auto accident occurring becomes much more likely. Many of the auto accidents that occur in Lake County are caused by the following:

• Distracted Driving
• Talking on a Cell Phone or Texting while Driving
• Speeding
• Hazardous Roads
• Failing to Follow Traffic Signals
• Changing Lanes without Signaling Properly
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol
Any of the above actions can cause an accident that is quite serious, and lead to severe personal injuries and even wrongful death. Negligent drivers often react too late to dangers in the road until it is too late to avoid a wreck. However, it is important to note that even the most careful and considerate driver can lose control of their car on a hazardous road and cause a serious collision.

While most cars today are outfitted with more safety features than ever before to protect occupants in the event of a crash, even the best safety measures cannot prevent drivers and passengers from suffering the effects of a crash. Seatbelts and airbags can protect victims of a minor crash, but when a major wreck occurs, the force of the collision may be too great for these features to prove useful. The effects of a car accident can range in severity from cuts and bruises, sprains and strains and fractures and broken bones to vehicle ejections, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma and death.

January 17, 2013

Gainesville Auto Accident Lawyer :: National Guardsman Killed in Humvee Rollover Crash on U.S. 301

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 20-year-old Florida Army National Guardsman was killed Tuesday after the Humvee he was driving rolled over and crashed on U.S. 301 in Lawtey.

The West Point, Ga., man was flown by helicopter to Shands at the University of Florida, but passed away a short time later.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the deceased was driving his Humvee alone heading north on U.S. 301 north of Lawtey traveling to Jacksonville when the military vehicle rolled over and crashed. The man apparently tried to switch lanes, but lost control of his vehicle, sending his Humvee onto the grass median where it overturned.

The man was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, and was ejected from the vehicle around 11:30 a.m.

Wearing a seatbelt during a Florida car accident can help keep you and your passengers safe from serious injuries. In fact, they can also be the difference between life and death. Sadly, many young lives are ended every year in auto accidents because crash victims fail to buckle their seatbelt, a task that takes just seconds to perform. An estimated 35,000 people are killed in car accidents every year. Nearly one half of these deaths could be prevented if drivers and passengers buckle their seatbelts every time they get inside a vehicle. Studies show that when a seatbelt is used properly it can reduce the number of severe and catastrophic injuries in traffic collisions by 50 percent.

While statistics show it is smart to wear your seatbelt for safety reasons, there is also a legal reason to make sure you buckle up. If you are injured in an auto accident caused by someone else, and you were not wearing a seatbelt, the insurance company for the responsible driver will certainly try and use that information against you. They will even try to claim that your injuries are partially your fault because you failed to follow the law by not buckling up.

Any time you are making a trip by car, it is imperative to fasten your seatbelt. Even if you are only traveling a short distance, take the time to strap yourself in. An accident can occur in the blink of an eye, so make sure you and anyone else in your car is protected by wearing a seatbelt no matter where you are going.