Motorcycle Accidents

July 9, 2013

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney :: Number of Florida Motorcycle Deaths Continues to Climb

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The number of people killed in motorcycle crashes throughout the state of Florida and nationwide is on the rise.

While the number of motorcycle fatalities nationwide dropped to about 4,200 in 2009, the number of deadly crashes in 2011 increased to just less than 5,000.

Preliminary data shows that nearly 4,000 motorcyclists across the country died between
January and September 2012.

Florida ranks third in the nation with 287 deadly motorcycle crashes in the first nine months of 2012. Texas steals the top spot with 358 people killed and California takes second with 318.

Although the numbers throughout Florida show an increase in motorcycle deaths, in Tampa, the extreme jump in numbers this year is especially disturbing.

This time last year, Tampa saw three motorcycle fatalities. This year, 13 deaths have already been reported.

Tampa police claim the increase can be blamed on several factors – impaired drivers, inexperienced bikers and motorists speeding or driving recklessly.

In response to what appears to be a concerning problem, Tampa police are cracking down with zero tolerance for speeding, reckless driving and other violations.

Florida is a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle because the weather here is usually quite pleasant all year round. However, because of our tropical temperatures, this usually means there are a larger number of bikers sharing the roadways which ultimately leads to a higher instance of motorcycle accidents. When you have been involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, you will need a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney to help you handle your case. Motorcyclists involved in accidents are at risk of sustaining very serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma and death. By working with a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton, you can rest assured that we will aggressively fight to recover compensation for your medical costs, rehabilitation and all other expenses that accrue as a result of the at-fault party’s negligence.

January 18, 2013

Ocala Motorcycle Injury Lawyer :: Motorcyclist Injured in Dump Truck Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Kendrick, FL – A 22-year-old motorcyclist who crashed into a dump truck Tuesday morning is still in critical condition at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

The driver of the truck, a 57-year-old Summerfield man, was not injured.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the motorcyclist was heading north on Northwest Gainesville Road at about 6:40 a.m. on a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10 when the dump truck, coming from the opposite direction, failed to see the motorcycle and executed a left-hand turn. The pair collided, and the bike became pinned under the driver’s side front wheel of the truck.

A blood sample was taken from the truck driver.

The crash is still under investigation.

Motorcycles are a lot smaller than trucks, so it can be more difficult to spot them on the roadways. But this does not mean that bikers do not have a right to be on streets and highways with other automobiles. Drivers of cars, trucks and SUVs must pay extra careful attention for motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists who may be on or near the road. Unfortunately, because motorcycles are smaller than most automobiles, this generally means that riders suffer severe injuries or even death when involved in a traffic collision. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include head and neck injuries, broken bones, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries and death.

August 31, 2012

Wynona Judd’s Husband Loses Leg in Motorcycle Smashup :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Country music singer Wynona Judd’s husband, and drummer for her band, lost his leg recently in a motorcycle collision in South Dakota.

The accident occurred when Judd and her husband, Michael Scott “Cactus” Moser, went for a ride together on separate bikes before one of her scheduled concerts.

According to reports, Moser’s left leg was severed at the accident site and doctors in Rapid City, South Dakota, amputated the leg above the knee. He also underwent surgery for his hand.

Moser apparently collided with an oncoming vehicle.

Judd was not involved in the accident.

Suffering an amputation can be devastating. Losing a limb can affect your job, social life and everyday routine tasks. A victim may need numerous surgeries and months of physical therapy. While medical benefits may cover some of the initial hospital bills and therapy costs, future medical bills, prosthetics, lost wages, pain management medications and other costs can add up quickly. The Florida Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton work aggressively to help amputation victims gain the compensation they need to cover any and all costs related to their accident injuries.

Nearly 22 percent of amputations are performed after a person has endured serious suffering as a result of a car accident or a workplace injury. Sadly, most amputations are performed on bikers injured in motorcycle collisions. Anytime someone loses a limb it changes their life forever. Recovering from an amputation can be a never ending battle, as a person is forced to deal with both physical and emotional pain. In addition to the pain and suffering caused by the loss of a limb, the financial load can be a heavy burden to bear. On average, the medical cost of an amputation adds up to around $91,000, not to mention the estimated $510,000 for lifetime medical treatment and ongoing care.

June 15, 2012

CDC Statistics Show Helmet Laws Reduce the Number of Motorcycle Accident Deaths :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to a new federal study released Thursday, fewer motorcyclists are killed in states that have helmet laws.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed a study that found nearly five times as many no-helmet motorcycle deaths occur in states that have less restrictive laws.

Researchers with the CDC looked at a government tally of fatal traffic crashes, focusing on the counted 14,283 motorcycle deaths from 2008 through 2010.

This number included 6,057 bikers not wearing a helmet. Research shows about 12 percent of those deaths occurred in the 20 states that require everyone on a motorcycle to wear helmets.

Not only do helmet laws save lives, they lower the costs to society as well, according to the CDC.

The CDC Director claims that more than $3 billion in economic costs were saved in 2010 due to helmet use. If all bikers would wear helmets, another 1.4 billion could have been saved.

More money is apparently saved per registered bike in states that require helmets than in states with fewer restrictions, $725 versus $200, CDC researchers estimated. During the time the study was conducted, three states – Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire – had no helmet laws in place and another 27 states only required helmet laws for teen bikers or other particular riders.

A total of 20 states had universal helmet laws set in place for bikers.

Motorcycle riders have argued that it should be their choice whether or not to wear a helmet, claiming only a small percentage of motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles.

While motorcycles account for about 3 percent of the registered vehicles on the road, 14 percent of the people killed in traffic accidents are bikers, according to the CDC.

The state of Florida has a partial helmet law, mandating bikers under the age of 21 wear a helmet, while bikers over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet with proof of a medical insurance policy. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risks of serious injuries and save lives. While biking provides riders with a sense of freedom, it is important to understand that motorcycles are inherently dangerous, thus requiring the use of proper safety equipment.

The CDC encourages bikers to be responsible on the road and follow these safety guidelines:

• Always wear a helmet.

• Wear protective clothing that can provide some level of protection from injuries.

• Never operate a motorcycle after consuming alcohol.

• Do not partake in reckless driving or tailgating.

• Maintain a safe speed and always exercise caution when traveling over gravel or slippery surfaces.

The Florida Motorcycle Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton assist motorcycle injury victims and the families of those who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of other motorists throughout the state of Florida. We help bikers that were injured while wearing or not wearing helmets. Unfortunately, many insurance companies try and blame helmetless riders for injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents even when it is clear that another driver’s negligence caused the accident. At Whittel & Melton, we understand that every accident has its own set of unique circumstances. We can deal with the insurance coverage issues specific to your case and guide you through the legal process of bringing a motorcycle injury or wrongful death case.

April 4, 2012

Tampa Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Apollo Beach Motorcyclist in Critical Condition Following Crash with 100-Year-Old Driver

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 22-year-old motorcyclist remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon after being involved in a collision with a 100-year-old driver.

The Florida Highway Patrol claims a 2003 Buick Century made a left turn into the motorcyclist’s path.

The 22-year-old was ejected from his motorcycle and taken to Tampa General Hospital.

The Buick’s driver, apparently born in 1911, suffered minor injuries.

No charges have been filed as of yet. The investigation is pending.

The sunny, warm climate of Florida tends to entice a large number of motorcycle enthusiasts each year. However, when the number of motorcycles on the road is increased this invariably leads to a surge in motorcycle collisions. Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle crash, including:

• Weather Conditions
• Speeding
• Riding Skills
• Road Hazards
• Reduced Visibility

Motorcycle accidents often leave passengers with severe injuries due to the lack of standard safety features that other passenger vehicles are equipped with. Motorcycles are not outfitted with the protective metal frame, safety belts and airbags that provide safety to occupants of passenger cars, so motorcyclists likely experience catastrophic internal, brain and spinal cord injuries when involved in a wreck. These severe injuries can wind up costing you a substantial amount of time and money to recover from, and you may be unable to cover the cost of your medical bills due to time missed from work.

The Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know the financial difficulties many motorcycle injury victims face following an accident. You may require assistance to carry out daily tasks and be physically unable to work. You could be facing the stress of recovering from your injury, while at the same time trying to figure out how to cover household costs. At Whittel & Melton, we strive to help those injured in accidents recover financial compensation from the liable party. We can investigate your accident claim and put our resources at work for you while you focus on your road to recovery.

March 12, 2012

Hernando County, Florida Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Pennsylvania Motorcyclist Killed in Hernando Beach Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 36-year-old Pennsylvania man was killed Sunday night in Hernando Beach after a collision with car launched him from his motorcycle.

The man was driving his Kawasaki motorcycle around 9:40 p.m. when a 2008 BMW sedan apparently attempted to turn left in front of him.

According to troopers, the driver of the BMW turned into the motorcyclists’ path causing him to crash into the side of the vehicle sending him flying from his motorcycle. The man landed in the middle of the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers noted that the man was wearing a helmet.

The investigation remains underway.

Riding a motorcycle is an increasingly popular activity in the state of Florida and motorcycle registrations are on the rise. Despite their popularity, motorcycles are a potentially dangerous undertaking. With little to no protection, motorcycle riders are unfortunately at greater risk for injuries when they are involved in accidents with other cars. Due to motorcycles lacking the steel frame and other safety features that are standard in cars, injuries resulting from a collision are usually severe and can include:

• Brain Damage
• Paralysis
• Road Rash
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Broken Bones
• Wrongful Death

Numerous motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. Often, these accidents involve a negligent motorist turning in front of or pulling out into an unexpected motorcyclist’s path, violating their right-of-way. As a result, the motorcyclist has simply two options, either crash into the car or crash trying to avoid the vehicle. In a majority of these cases, most motorists never even see the motorcycle, or take notice too late to dodge the crash.

If you have lost someone you care for in a motorcycle accident due to negligence, you should not be subject to financial hardship in addition to your grief. Under Florida law, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of companionship and other damages. The Florida Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand that losing a loved one is never easy. We can explain the best strategies for winning full and fair compensation from all negligent parties, including reckless drivers, speeding motorists and manufacturers of defective equipment. At Whittel & Melton, we will fight for justice in your case no matter what the circumstances.

November 18, 2011

Tampa Bay Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Motorcyclist Suffers Severe Injuries in Tarpon Springs Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 51-year-old Dunedin, Florida man was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital with severe injuries early Monday morning after a crash with a motor vehicle ejected him from his Harley Davidson.

According to Pinellas County officials, the man was driving his 2007 Harley in Tarpon Springs around 4 a.m. when he lost control of his motorcycle.

A 27-year-old Palm Harbor man was driving behind the man and allegedly rear ended the motorcycle.

According to police, the man was immediately thrown from his bike and hit by the car, which supposedly did not stop.

The driver was unharmed and an investigation is ongoing.

Florida’s beautiful year-round weather makes it a very attractive place for motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages. Because of this, motorcycle safety is an important issue. Motorcycle crash statistics throughout the United States have shown an upward rise in fatalities and injuries throughout the past few years, and while Florida’s crash statistics have shown improvement over the years, there are still a tremendous number of casualties for bikers. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the amount of Florida motorcycle collisions and injuries doubled between the late 1990s through 2008. In 2009, a total of 8,313 crashes left 7,435 Florida motorcycle riders with injuries. In that same year, the total number of fatalities involving motorcycle crashes including passenger deaths reached 402. However, that number fell in 2010 to 383 deaths.

Bikers between the ages of 45-54 had the highest number of injuries totaling 1,667 in 2009, according to the Center for Urban Transportation. The same age group had the highest number of fatalities in 2009 as well. According to the National Trauma Databank, riders between the ages of 50-59 are the fastest growing group of injured with their risk for injury almost doubling what it is for younger age groups. When compared to bikers under the age of 40, those over the age of 40 are found to encounter a higher percentage of traumatic injuries, a longer stay in the hospital and even death.

Florida motorcycle accident injuries are physically, emotionally and financially damaging.
Motorcycles do not have the same steel protection of a car, so even the slightest of injuries can put a rider out of work for lengthy time periods causing a family to lose wages, while the aftermath of an accident demands money for repairs, medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Major motorcycle crash injuries can require constant treatment that can cause medical bills to hit the roof causing you even more stress when the reality is you should be focusing on regaining optimal health. From traumatic brain injuries to broken bones and road rash, the Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can get you the medical attention you are entitled to after you have sustained serious motorcycle injuries. Bikers have the same road rights as all other motorists, and the law acknowledges that fact, so do not hesitate to seek the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.

October 14, 2011

Gainesville, FL Motorcycle & Scooter Accident Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: University Baseball Player Injured on Scooter in On-Campus Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An 18-year-old University of Florida freshman baseball player was injured Sept. 27 after his scooter struck a car on the Alachua County campus.

The student was ejected from his scooter after colliding with a BMW 525i. Both motorists were supposedly attempting to make a left-hand turn when the man’s scooter hit the back of the woman’s car shortly before 7:30 p.m.

The driver of the BMW was cited by the University Police Department for failure to yield to a driver turning left.

The man’s head was bleeding while awaiting emergency responders. Responders from Alachua County Fire & Rescue wrapped his head with bandages before placing him on a stretcher and transporting him to the hospital.

A Florida spokesman said the student athlete was held overnight at Shands Hospital for observation. He was supposedly released the next morning, but no further update could be provided regarding his health.

Scooter and motorcycle accidents can often result in serious personal injuries and even wrongful death. There tends to be a larger risk of serious brain and back injuries to scooter and motorcycle riders because of the lack of protection these vehicles offer. Other common injuries include head injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, broken bones, paralysis and severe burns.

If you were injured while on a scooter or motorcycle because of another person’s negligence you may be able to seek compensation for pain, suffering and medical costs. Sometimes knowing the proper steps to take following a scooter accident can make filing your claim easier. Here are a few helpful tips if you find yourself involved in a collision:

• Get Insurance Information: Make sure you ask any parties involved for their names, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information for later use. If there are any witnesses to the accident, it can be beneficial to get their personal information as well. If needed, witness testimony can often strengthen your case.

• Take Photos: Many of today’s cell phones have camera features, so try and snap some visual evidence of the accident scene. Taking pictures of your damaged scooter or motorcycle is also a good idea.

• Do Not Get Rid of Your Scooter: Keeping your damaged scooter can serve as evidence during negotiations or trial for your accident claim. No matter how damaged, your scooter should be preserved if possible. Accident reconstructionists can often use your scuffed up scooter as a starting point for recreating the collision scene.

• Keep Quiet: You should try and only give statements regarding your accident to your motorcycle or scooter accident attorney. Speaking with investigators, insurance companies or newspapers can be detrimental to your case because words can get twisted and be used against you in court.

Scooter and motorcycle accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on busy Florida streets. Many drivers of large cars and trucks are guilty of distracted driving and can fail to observe vehicles like scooters or motorcycles on the roadways. Because the weight of a motorcycle or scooter is significantly less than a car or truck, scooter and motorcycle drivers typically sustain catastrophic injuries from wrecks.

The experienced attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand how devastating scooter and motorcycle injuries can be. We can evaluate property damage and consult with any possible witnesses to identify all potential liable parties. Contact our firm today for a completely confidential and free consultation.

March 17, 2011

Gainesville, Florida Catastrophic Injuries Attorney :: University of Florida Student in Critical Condition after Attempting to Drive a Motorcycle

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 21-year-old University of Florida senior endured critical head injuries late Sunday afternoon after she was supposedly being taught how to drive a motorcycle.

The Gainesville Police Department said the accident occurred at a local Gainesville apartment complex.

Karen Voyles from the Gainesville Sun is reporting that witnesses told the police that she was learning to drive the motorcycle when she allegedly lost control and smashed her head on a nearby stairwell. Following the crash, she was taken to Shands at the University of Florida in critical condition.

As of Monday, the accident still remains under investigation.

Catastrophic injuries are quite severe and usually mean lengthy recovery periods and extensive medical treatments. This woman could suffer from injuries that may never heal such as brain injuries or neurological disorders, which could affect her memory, speech, nervous systems and more.

Since the woman suffered critical head injuries she could have swelling, bruising, fractures and bleeding around the brain, which could leave her in need of assisted living and brain operations not normally covered by insurance. Once further investigation is done, it can be determined whether another person had any fault in this accident and if she can take legal action to compensate for her losses.

October 5, 2009

Wesley Chapel motorcyclist dies in accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TBO.com is reporting a sad tragedy from last week. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, a Wesley Chapel motorcyclist died Sunday night after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed in the southbound on Interstate 75 at State Road 56.

According to reports, the motorcycle crashed into the median and struck a guardrail. The driver, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and ended up in the grass median where he died at the scene.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are a major concern to Highway Safety advocates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 4,800 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2006 and around 88,000 were injured. The State of Florida led all states in crashes that resulted in fatalities.