Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

January 27, 2012

Florida Auto Accident & Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Jury Finds Woman Guilty of Vehicular Homicide in Crash that Killed Triplet

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Hudson, Florida woman accused of running down a group of young girls and killing one of them was found guilty by a jury Wednesday of vehicular homicide, culpable negligence manslaughter and reckless driving.

The woman exited her front yard on November 5, 2010 enraged after an argument with her supposed boyfriend and lost control of her Jeep.

She apparently hit a mail box and slammed her vehicle into a group of girl’s playing in a neighbor’s yard. The group included 5-year-old triplets and their 10-year-old sister.

One of the triplets later died and another was seriously injured. The other two girls survived with minor scrapes and bruises.

The woman testified in court Tuesday that she backed the Jeep out of the yard and does not remember any of the events that followed. However, medical experts took the stand and challenged her statements, claiming she showed no signs of problems that may cause blackouts.

The prosecution claims the woman’s Jeep was unfit to drive and the driver’s side door was broken and was held together by a bungee cord.

The woman apparently sped away in such a hurry she forgot to put the bungee cord on and was trying to prevent the door from opening with her arm when she lost control of the vehicle.

Investigators claim she was traveling about 5 miles over the 30 mile per hour speed limit.

Most car accidents are caused by a form of driver distraction, which is exactly what happened in this case. It only takes one irresponsible driver to cause a catastrophic collision that can result in serious personal injuries or wrongful death. Florida law states that if you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or loss of life due to a negligent driver, you may be awarded financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,547 people lost their lives in 2009 due to a car accident involving a distracted driver. Another 448,000 were injured. Likewise, 16 percent of fatal accidents occurring in 2009 involved a distracted driver and another 20 percent of accidents resulting in injury involved a reckless motorist.

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity. However, the possibility to harm another is increased when distracted or negligent drivers take the wheel and ignore the safety of others. Motorists that practice unsafe driving habits must be held responsible for their actions. When a driver’s thoughtless behavior causes another person’s injury or death, they could be held liable for damages including reimbursement for medical bills, property repairs, disability, loss of income, mental anguish and pain and suffering. After a car wreck, it is tremendously important to contact the Florida Auto Accident Attorneys to discuss the events surrounding the collision as generally there is a narrow amount of time in which one can proceed with a lawsuit.

January 23, 2012

Florida Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Cruise Ship Disaster in Italy May Impact Future Bookings

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The strong-growing cruise ship industry may face at least a short-term slump following the Costa Concordia disaster.

Wall Street analysts, travel agents and other cruise line industry spectators expect a brief drop in bookings as controversy churns around the safety of cruise vacations. It remains unclear if the impact of the Costa Concordia disaster will have a long-term effect on the industry.

Analysts are apparently slashing 2012 expected earnings for Costa Cruises’ parent company Carnival to take into account the influence of costs related to the disaster, the Costa Concordia being removed from service and an anticipated drop in demand. The accident occurred during what is called “wave season,” the January-to-March period when cruise bookings are at their highest.

The 5-year-old Costa Concordia partially sank on Jan. 13 after hitting rocks in Giglio, a small island off the Tuscan coast. At least 11 people were killed and more than 20 remain missing.

Costa Cruises as well as Italian prosecutors are blaming the ship’s captain for the accident because he allegedly took the vessel off course to sail closer to the island.

The cruise ship industry has overcome previous tragedies at sea. In 2010, a fire onboard the Carnival Splendor left the ship adrift without power for days, which had no negative effect on bookings in the long run. The 2007 sinking of Louis Cruise Lines’ 1,500-passenger Sea Diamond, that hit rocks and left two people dead, also had little to no impact on future bookings.

Some experts say the Costa Concordia disaster could be different because of constant negative media attention surrounding the accidents in combination with the loss of life. According to industry watchers, the picture painted by the media is that the crew reacted badly and even irresponsibly, which does not build confidence among consumers. Costa Cruises and parent company Carnival are also being criticized for their response to the tragedy.

Miami-based Carnival at present time has said the loss of use of the Costa Concordia this year will reduce its earnings by $85 million to $95 million. Tens of thousands of travelers who already have paid for cruises on the liner will have to be refunded.

In addition to the loss of use of the Costa Concordia, Carnival also faces the costs connected to personal injury liability and damages to the ship, although the cruise line says it fully expects insurance to cover both areas. Should investigators find that the cruise accident was caused by inappropriate actions by the captain, Carnival could be cleared of any liability.

Carnival has yet to decide if they will fix the Costa Concordia that cost around $570 billion to rebuild. If they do, the ship will likely be out of commission for at least the rest of the year.

The nation’s largest cruise franchise, CruiseOne, reported that it has actually seen an increase in bookings this year by 5.9 percent when compared to last year.

In New York, shares of Carnival stock reportedly dropped almost 14 percent, which is the biggest drop since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In this case, to recover punitive damages against Costa or its parent Carnival, a person would need to prove gross negligence on some level by the company and not just the captain. Florida law requires that some negligence by the company be shown in order to prove punitive damages. It will be interesting to see how the investigation will play out and what actions Costa and Carnival decide to take.

A dream vacation aboard an ocean cruise can turn into a nightmare when dangerous conditions leave passengers suffering from injuries or death. It is important to act fast and contact a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney immediately if you feel your injuries or a loved one’s death are the result of cruise line negligence. In many cases, there is a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury or wrongful death claims against the cruise line. Because of this short window of time, it is critical for an attorney to investigate your injury claim promptly by locating and documenting the conditions aboard the ship and interviewing any witnesses and crew members while they are in port.

At Whittel & Melton, our attorneys can handle any and all types of injuries that can occur on a vacation cruise:

• Waterslide and swimming pool catastrophes
• Slip and Fall accidents
• Physical or Sexual Assault
• Severe Illness from Contaminated Foods
• Medical Negligence
• Excursion Accidents
• Drowning

January 13, 2012

Hernando County Car Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Over-Correction Causes Two Deaths in Spring Hill Rollover Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Weeki Wachee, Florida man, 56, died Tuesday night in Spring Hill after the vehicle he was riding in exited the road and flipped into a canal filled with water. He was taken to Oak Hill Hospital where he died shortly after.

The driver, a 72-year-old Michigan woman died from her injuries after being transported to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

A six-year-old passenger from Weeki Wachee was taken to Spring Hill Regional Hospital suffering from minor injuries.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 7 p.m. The driver was supposedly traveling northbound when she overcorrected as she navigated onto the east shoulder of the road, crossed into the south lane and landed in the canal. The vehicle supposedly flipped and was submerged in water.

Unfortunately, overcorrection and other driving errors can lead to catastrophic Florida car accidents that can cause deaths or serious injuries. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, overcorrecting contributed to nine deaths and 84 injuries in 2010. Drivers of SUV’s are the most susceptible to overcorrecting which can lead to a rollover accident or head-on collisions, but essentially this driving error can happen to anyone. Most rollover accidents occur when motorists overcorrect their steering as a panic reaction to an emergency, which often results in loss of control of the vehicle. When a driver’s tires drift off the road onto the shoulder or grass, it is many motorists instinctive response to panic and jerk the wheel the opposite way. However, this can cause the vehicle to collide with oncoming traffic, stationary objects or overturn.

Sometimes accidents cannot be avoided, but sometimes knowing proper maneuvering techniques on the road can eliminate driver error, like overcorrecting. If your vehicle drifts off the roadway, it is best to remain calm and refrain from jerking your vehicle back onto the road. Rather, it is optimal to slow your car down gradually and once a safe speed is maintained, then it is secure to guide your vehicle back onto the road.

When you or a loved one has been injured in an accident as a result of another motorist’s mistake, the aftereffects can be irritating and overwhelming. As soon as you have been involved in an accident it is important to contact a Rollover Accident Attorney to start investigating the facts surrounding your claim. At Whittel & Melton, we can help you recover the fair and full compensation you deserve.

December 29, 2011

Florida Holiday Product Liability Lawyers Whittel & Melton Discuss the Dangers with Holiday Decorations

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Most people consider holiday decorations a central part of celebrating the season. While decorating your home may be a festive tradition, when holiday adornments have product defects the aftermath can be anything but jolly and leave you and your loved ones with serious personal injuries.

With the holiday season officially here, it is always a good idea to check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to check out if any of your holiday embellishments have been recalled due to product defects. The CPSC works to decrease and prevent injuries related to hazardous holiday decorations by censoring the Internet and marketplace for unsafe holiday trimmings and any other products that may potentially hurt shoppers.

According to the CPSC, more than 10,000 people make a trip to the emergency room every year for holiday decorating injuries, including burns, cuts and abrasions, electric shock and slip, trip and fall accidents. Moreover, candles are found to be responsible for an estimated 150 deaths every year, whereas Christmas trees are the culprit behind nearly 400 fires every year, causing 20 deaths, 70 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.

Ultimately, it is essential to speak with a Florida Product Liability Lawyer at Whittel & Melton to ensure that your legal rights are protected if you or a family member has suffered injuries related to holiday ornaments or any other type of defective product. By consulting with a Product Liability Lawyer, you may be able to file a product liability claim and seek compensation for any injuries.

Determining Fault When a Defective Decoration Ends in Injury

If you have been injured from a defective decoration, a Florida Product Liability Lawyer can organize an investigation to determine who the negligent party is – the manufacturer, distributor, retailer or possibly all three. Sometimes establishing blame can be difficult. The manufacturer will most likely try and prove that the product is safe and may assert that the injured party did not use the product as it was intended. This is not usually the case and your Florida Product Liability Lawyer will be responsible in showing how a defective decoration caused your injuries. Other parties that could be responsible for defective products besides the manufacturer, distributor and retailer include the manufacturer, distributor or seller of any defective component of the decoration that added to your injuries.

Recovering Damages in a Product Liability Claim

After the negligent party has been identified in a Florida product liability claim, damages need to be determined. Damages may include loss of past and future wages, emotional distress, past and future medical bills, pain and suffering and any other expenses relevant to your injuries. It is extremely important to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your best interests when it comes to a defective product because most of these cases involve large companies that will have aggressive attorneys working on their side that will try to get you to accept low settlements. At Whittel & Melton, LLC, we can guide you through the process of a product liability claim and make sure you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. We can provide you with a complimentary consultation any time, day or night. Contact the Florida Product Liability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, LLC today.

What Makes Holiday Decorations Dangerous?

There have been several holiday decoration recalls from previous years and the following examples can give you an idea how holiday décor can be disastrous.

• Candles and candle holders that pose a fire hazard.

• Christmas lights that pose a fire hazard due to a nonexistent fuse.

• Candles with the wrong wick size that caused flames to burn irregularly.

• Christmas lights with exposed wires that pose a risk for a fire or electrocution hazard.

• Christmas lights with undersized wires that have the potential to cause a fire or electric shock.

The Florida Product Liability Lawyers want you and your family to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season this year. Follow these safety tips when decorating the inside and outside of your home and remember, always use your best judgment.

Light Safety:

1. Make sure all lights have fused plugs that meet safety standards.

2. Make sure outdoor lights are sanctioned to be used outdoors.

3. Check all sets of lights (indoor and outdoor) for cracked bulbs, exposed or frayed wires and damages sockets.

4. Turn off lights when not at home or asleep.

5. Installing timers for your lights can not only save energy, but can prevent a deadly fire.

6. The CPSC recommends using only three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.

Tree Safety:

1. If using an artificial tree, make sure it is fire resistant.

2. Trees should be kept away from fireplaces and other sources of heat as well as doorways.

Decorating Safety Tips:

1. Always use flame-resistant decorations. Those made of plastic or nonleaded metals are highly encouraged.

2. Place candles somewhere out of a child’s reach.

3. Never place candles near the tree or any other holiday decorations.

4. Make sure sharp or fragile holiday décor is placed where a child cannot easily grab it.

Ladder Safety Tips:

1. Make sure a ladder is placed on a dry and sturdy surface before climbing.

2. Do not lean too far on either side of the ladder.

3. Always have someone hold the ladder for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a three year period, almost 18,000 people were taken to the ER due to falls from holiday decorating. Make sure to make safety your number one concern when participating in any kind of holiday decorating!

The Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are committed to keeping you and your family safe for the holiday season. We always advise following simple safety precautions and urge you to install working smoke alarms in your home in case an emergency happens to erupt.

December 9, 2011

Florida Burn Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Gas–Tank Explosion in Miami-Dade County Injures Four People

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has confirmed that four people were injured in a gasoline-tank explosion Tuesday afternoon at a machine shop in Medley, Florida.

Workers were supposedly cutting into an empty fuel tank that apparently was not cleaned properly on the inside and had fumes built up.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, the sparks hit inside the tank and created an explosion injuring three workers and a fourth one standing nearby.

While it was noted that the explosion was violent, it did not cause a fire.

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was called to the scene at 12:37 p.m. Three of the workers were airlifted to the burn center at Ryder Trauma Center, while the fourth was transported by ground.

Gas-tank explosions can ultimately result in catastrophic thermal burns, scarring, broken limbs, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and even wrongful death. People suffering from injuries related to an explosion often require a lengthy recovery period, which can result in a loss of income while recuperating away from the workplace. People suffering serious burn injuries run a high risk for infections that usually call for extended hospital stays. Some explosions may cause disfigurement that requires plastic surgery. Most explosion victims suffer a variety of injuries, causing substantial pain and suffering. Many victims of explosions can sustain life-altering brain and spinal cord trauma that could potentially keep them from ever being able to work again.

Many gas-tank explosions can be traced back to inadequate maintenance, improper cleaning techniques, defective components and poor training procedures. When this type of negligence is the cause of your injuries, the Florida Burn Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can assist you and your loved ones in developing a strong case for compensation for injuries, lost wages and other costs related to an explosion accident.

Employees who sustain a work-related burn injury are entitled to workers’ compensation for their injuries. In the state of Florida, this includes payment for:

• Medical expenses
• Disability
• Rehabilitation
• Death benefits and Burial Expenses in wrongful death cases

However, in Florida, some work-related incidents also give rise to a separate negligence action when the injury, or death, is caused by a third-party factor. This could be a product defect, construction site defect, the negligence of another contractor or subcontractor, etc. Call our office for a complete evaluation of your case, even if you have already begun a Worker’s Compensation claim. You may be entitled to additional benefits.

The Florida Burn Injury Lawyers can thoroughly investigate your claim, research relevant workers compensation benefits and advise you and your loved ones on every aspect of your case.

December 5, 2011

Distracted Driving Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Woman Changing CD in Car Could Be Blamed for Deadly Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Florida Highway Patrol officials believe a West Palm Beach, Florida woman who supposedly changed a CD in her car while driving on Florida’s Turnpike Monday afternoon caused a collision that killed a 63-year-old Riviera Beach woman.

The 55-year-old West Palm Beach woman allegedly told troopers she was changing a CD in her car’s CD player when the accident occurred near Kissimmee. The woman’s car apparently drifted and struck the other woman’s SUV, causing it to roll over.

The Riviera Beach woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was carrying two passengers in her SUV that suffered minor injuries.

FHP has not made it clear if the woman accused of distracted driving will be charged.

Florida distracted driving wrongful death automobile accidents are caused frequently by the following:

• Toying with a CD player, MP3 player, iPod or any other type of device that plays music
• Using a cell phone to call or text someone
• Eating and drinking
• Fiddling with knobs on the radio
• Applying make-up
• Reading maps or directions
• Talking to passengers
• Accessing a navigation system
• Watching television or videos

Auto Accidents can be caused by any distraction that takes the driver’s attention off the road.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the three main types of driver distraction have been identified as visual, manual and cognitive. Visual distractions cause a driver’s eyes to wonder away from their first priority – the road. Manual distractions happen when a driver takes their hands off of the wheel to engage in some other type of activity. Lastly, cognitive distractions occur when a motorist loses mental focus on what they are doing.

Some driver distractions, like changing a CD while driving, involve all three elements. A person must visually identify the correct CD, manually grab it and insert it into the CD player and press play. As all these actions are carried out, a driver’s eyes leave the road, their hands are removed from the steering wheel and their mind is coordinating the proper actions. The end result can be a fatal disaster.

If your loved one was the victim of wrongful death, the Florida Distracted Driving Attorneys can analyze every piece of information regarding the accident and apply that knowledge towards increasing compensation opportunities for medical bills, property repairs, disability, loss of income and pain and suffering. There is a narrow amount of time to proceed with a lawsuit following an accident, so it is best to contact Whittel & Melton immediately after an accident has occurred.

November 28, 2011

Tampa Pedestrian Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Woman and Unborn Baby Killed in Pedestrian Car Wreck; Toddler in Critical Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 27-year-old Tampa, Florida woman and her unborn baby were killed Wednesday night after a car struck them from behind.

The woman and her unborn baby were taken to Tampa General Hospital where doctors performed an emergency cesarean section, but the baby died shortly after birth. The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The woman, who was six months pregnant was supposedly with a 24-year-old woman pushing their baby girls in strollers down an unlit street Wednesday night when they were struck from behind by a car.

The 27-year-old woman and her 14-month-old daughter were transported by helicopter to Tampa General where the girl was being treated for life-threatening head and lung injuries. As of Thursday morning, the toddler was in critical condition.

The 24-year-old woman and her 22-month-old daughter were in stable condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The woman suffered a cut to the head and a knee injury, while her child suffered
superficial injuries.

The accident supposedly occurred at 7:44 p.m. on a stretch of road that has no sidewalk with the nearest street lights almost a block away.

According to police, the two women and their toddlers were hit by a 1999 Lincoln Continental as they crossed the street.

The front of the man’s car struck all four pedestrians. The man allegedly pulled over immediately and dialed 911.

The 25-year-old driver apparently did not see the pedestrians.

Tampa police allege the man was not speeding and had his headlights on. Blood was supposedly drawn from the driver at the scene as a matter of routine investigation.

The area where the tragic collision occurred is supposedly a known trouble spot. The accident has prompted the Tampa City Council to take action on what it can do to put in sidewalks.

The driver has supposedly received two speeding tickets within the past year, a seat belt violation and a conviction for failing to stop at a traffic sign or device, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 4,092 lives were lost in pedestrian motor vehicle accidents in 2009. While the number of pedestrian deaths fell from 5,228 fatalities in 1998 to 4,092 in 2009, that number translates to almost 11 deaths every day of the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 a pedestrian accident was reported every nine minutes on average, totaling 59,000 injuries.

Motorists must exercise reasonable care when behind the wheel of an automobile. A failure to do so is considered negligence. Driver negligence can occur due to several factors, the most common being:

• Inattentiveness
• Failure to follow posted speed limits
• Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians
• Disobeying traffic signs or signals
• Failing to signal when executing a turn
• Paying no mind to traffic and weather conditions
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

A person suffering injuries from a pedestrian accident may be able to recover damages for past and future medical expenses, wage loss and pain and suffering. If the driver exercised extreme negligence, then punitive damages may also be sought. If a pedestrian dies, family members are entitled to recover compensation for their loss.

Despite how obvious a pedestrian accident was a driver’s fault, insurance companies almost always try to blame at least part of the fault on an injured party. For this reason, it is critical to act promptly and contact a Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney so that crucial evidence can be preserved and that you and your family’s rights remain protected.

November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving Personal Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton on Avoiding Deep Fried Turkey Disasters

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many Floridians have opted to try a new spin on the holiday staple – deep fried turkey. While the results can be delicious, deep frying can also be quite dangerous. In fact, the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers require turkeys to be immersed in a large quantity of cooking oil at extremely high temperatures, which can ultimately release hot oil during the cooking process that can leave you and your neighbors, guests and loved ones with devastating burns and catastrophic injuries as well as put your home at risk for property damage.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day yields the highest number of cooking fires in the United States. Cooking fires are also the number one cause of home fires that cause an annual average of 390 deaths, 4,800 injuries and $771 million in property damage. With that said, the NFPA also reports that deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage every year.

As turkey frying peaks more and more interests, the number of fryer-related injuries and fires are on the rise. According to State Farm Insurance claims data from 2005-2010, the state of Florida ranks seventh in the top 10 states for Thanksgiving Day cooking fires. The other nine states with the most turkey fire-related insurance claims include Texas, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana and Louisiana.

To reduce the risk of deep fried disasters this holiday, follow these safety tips:

1. Avoid Filling Your Pot With Excess Oil – When a fryer contains too much oil, the odds the oil will spill out of the pot when the turkey is submerged is high. If the oil makes contact with a burner a major fire can arise. Read and follow all instructions with your cooking pot or fryer and make sure oil does not exceed the proper level.

2. Properly Thaw Your Turkey Before Dropping It Into the Oil – Placing a frozen or partially frozen turkey into a fryer can cause the hot oil to spill, which can result in a significant fire or burn injury. Do not thaw your turkey by using water, instead wait the proper amount of time until your turkey is fully thawed and then slowly release it into the pot so that splashing and spills are avoided.

3. Place Your Turkey Fryer On A Level Surface – Many fryer fires start on a structure or deck, so make sure you place your outdoor fryer on a firm and non-combustible surface. It is best to keep the fryer off of wooden surfaces and a safe distance away from buildings. Because many fryers are top-heavy it is essential to keep them on a level surface so that they do not tip over.

4. Don’t Leave Your Fryer Unattended – Remember that when you fry a turkey you are using grease or oil that is combustible, so do not walk away from a hot fryer. There are fryers that do not have thermostat controls and if unattended, the oil could ignite from extreme temperatures.

Should a cooking fire arise…
1. Get yourself and your loved ones away from the fire immediately. If the fire is in the house, closing the door behind you once you are outside may help to contain the fire.

2. Call 911 as soon as you can.

3. If you try to extinguish the fire, do not use ice or water. It is best to have an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby should an emergency erupt.

4. Small grease fires can be contained by having a lid nearby when cooking that can smother grease fires. By placing the lid over the pan and turning the stovetop off, the fire can be smothered easily. The pan should remain covered until it is thoroughly cooled.

5. If an oven fire should arise, keep the oven door shut and turn the heat completely off.

Due to the risks of severe property damage and serious bodily injuries associated with frying turkeys, the NFPA advises that for those craving fried turkey this holiday season to purchase one already fried from a local specialty food or grocery store. No matter how you choose to prepare your turkey this year, the Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, LLC advise you to exercise extreme caution and wish you and your loved ones a safe holiday season.

November 22, 2011

Florida Aviation Plane Crash Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Two Die in Single Engine Plane Crash in Morriston, Levy County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A fixed wing single engine plane crash that occurred over the weekend in the Morriston area has resulted in two fatalities.

According to the Chiefland Citizen, the victims of the crash have not been positively identified as of yet.

A witness with more than 50 years of experience as a pilot supposedly saw the aircraft leave the private air strip called “Wing Field” shortly after 4:30 p.m. The witness alleges that the aircraft spit and sputtered before crashing into a heavily wooded area.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are further investigating the incident.

According to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, the cause of the crash remains unknown, but weather is not believed to have been a factor.

The most common airplane accidents tend to involve private planes, corporate jets and small chartered aircrafts. According to statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board, in 2008, general aviation had a lethal accident rate per 100,000 flight hours that was almost five times greater than the rate of accidents for commercial carriers. In 2009, more than 20 million flight hours were flown by general aviation aircrafts with 1,474 total accidents reported. A pilot’s level of experience undoubtedly plays a role in these numbers, but there can be other factors that can cause unfortunate mishaps in small plane accidents. The aircraft’s design, poor maintenance, a defective part, air traffic control negligence, weather and other factors can be the ultimate cause of a plane crash.

Due to the overwhelming circumstances involving small plane accidents, it is vital to understand that the investigations surrounding these accidents can be just as complex as major airline disasters. The legal issues involved with small plane accidents resulting in serious injuries or wrongful death are extremely complicated, so it is important to seek the aide of an experienced attorney if you believe aviation negligence played a role in you or a loved one’s crash.

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.