Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

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.

November 11, 2011

Orlando Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Toddler Attacked by Pit Bull Mix in Port Orange in Stable Condition

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Florida two-year-old boy is reportedly in stable condition following a vicious dog attack in Port Orange Tuesday afternoon.

The boy and his parents were apparently visiting relatives when the boy was mauled on the porch of the home shortly before 4 p.m.

The boy was first taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach and then transferred
to Florida Hospital Orlando.

According to Port Orange police, the dog, a pit bull mix, was seized by the Halifax Humane Society and is supposedly under quarantine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million Americans suffer from dog bite attacks each year. An estimated 800,000 of the total dog bites recorded cause serious injuries that require medical attention. Due to these facts, Florida statutes hold dog owners strictly liable for any injuries or damages their dog inflicts on others, regardless of the dog’s history of violence or prior biting episodes. The state of Florida recognizes that a dog’s behavior is always the responsibility of its owner. If a dog bites someone, the owner is potentially liable for the dog’s actions despite the dog’s breed. A dog’s owner cannot shirk liability by attempting to prove that he or she did not realize a dog would bite because the dog has never behaved that way before.

There are a few steps to follow if you or someone in your family has been attacked or bitten by a dog or any other type of animal. As always, the Florida Dog Bite Injury Attorneys encourage you to seek out the proper medical attention needed before taking any other steps.

• Always obtain a medical evaluation, even if you feel it is not needed.

• Get the contact information of the dog owner. This includes their name, phone number, address, etc. It is pertinent to find out the dog’s information as well, such as the dog’s age, what breed it is, if the dog has any diseases and if it is up to date with its vaccinations.

• Get the name and contact information for any witnesses.

• Report the injury to the police and request a copy of the incident report.

• Take photographs of the dog, area of attack and your injuries, if you can.

• Save any clothing that was damaged by the dog.

• Contact the Florida Dog Bite Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton right away.

• Do not accept any amount of settlement from a dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

November 2, 2011

Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Disney’s Lack of Safety Protocols and Employee Errors Found to be Primary Causes of 2009 Monorail Fatality

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The National Transportation Safety Board released a 14-page report on Monday citing a pair of employee errors as the main causes of a July, 5, 2009 monorail accident that killed a 21-year-old resort employee at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The federal investigation has taken nearly two-and-a-half years to conclude that employee errors in combination with Walt Disney World’s lack of standard operating procedures contributed to the tragedy that occurred when one train traveling in reverse smashed into another.

The accident supposedly happened around 2 a.m. when Disney’s monorail train was shutting down for the night. One train was supposed to be exiting the Epcot loop and onto the “switch beam,” which required the train to be operated in reverse. The track switch was allegedly never activated which caused the train to reverse down the Epcot line and slam into another train killing the driver.

NTSB is not the first agency to cite Disney for its role in the accident. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Disney with four safety violations in its initial review of the accident that resulted in a $35,200 fine to the resort. NTSB estimated property damage at around $24 million.

NTSB and OSHA concluded that an employee in the monorail’s maintenance shop failed to position the switch beam properly. It was supposedly found that the manager was operating as the monorail system’s coordinator temporarily and was not in the system’s control tower when the track-switch procedure happened, so he could not identify the problem with the track.

Disney was faulted in three areas.

First, investigators found that Disney did not require employees to follow a monorail operating guide which shows drivers how to properly drive in reverse in a forward-facing position.

Second, NTSB found that Disney did not have a policy that required the monorail central coordinator to be stationed in the control tower to monitor train movements. This was found to be a major error on Disney’s part since the tower is equipped with a grid showing how the monorail beams are aligned and an emergency shutdown switch to stop all movement in case of an emergency.

Third, Disney apparently allowed employees in the monorail shop to use the video monitors to confirm that a train was not already on the beam before activating the switch, instead of using them to validate that the track had actually been readjusted following a command.

All three issues were supposedly referred to in a series of policy changes made by Disney management in an effort to improve operations.

According to the chief safety officer at Disney, monorail system operations were already enhanced before receipt of the actual NTSB brief, which apparently offers no additional suggestions than what has already been imposed.

Commuter rail and train accidents do happen in Florida, despite the ultimate lack of commuter transportation throughout the state. Monorails are mostly located in vacation resorts throughout the U.S., but can also be found in airports, amusements parks and even business districts. When an employee of a city, state or privately owned monorail system is injured or killed on the job, worker’s compensation benefits can kick in for the victim’s family. This can include wage loss payments and any medical expenses, but like most legal claims there is a time cap on when a claim can be filed. If you are the family member or dependent of an employee who was killed from injuries sustained throughout the course of employment, the knowledgeable Florida Worker’s Compensation Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can inform you about workers’ compensation death benefits that you and your family may be entitled to.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, 4,547 fatal workplace injuries occurred across the United Stated, just faintly below the 4,551 fatalities that happened in 2009. At Whittel & Melton we recognize that a lawsuit cannot heal the loss of a loved one, but if the deceased was a wage earner and provider for the family, it is important to consider your future financial stability. Our attorneys can take on the burden of legal and financial matters so that you can focus on your family’s healing process. When a workplace accident caused the wrongful death of an employee, a spouse, child, parents or siblings may be entitled to benefits like monetary compensation. We may be able to help you recover compensation for:

• Medical and funeral expenses
• Loss of income and insurance or pension benefits
• Loss of companionship
• Punitive damages
Sometimes there are third party claims that factor into fatal workplace accidents. Third party claims involve a person or organization other than the injured party or his or her employer whose negligence may have contributed to an employee’s injuries or wrongful death. Third party claims can possibly provide more financial benefit to beneficiary dependents’ than what is typically available from workers’ compensation insurance.

October 31, 2011

Florida Golf Cart Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Man Pushing Golf Cart Killed in Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 53-year-old Live Oak, Florida man was instantly killed after being hit by a car on Oct. 16 while pushing a golf cart along a Suwanee County road.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the man was pushing a 1990 EZ-Go golf cart when he was hit from behind by a 1999 Toyota sedan.

The man was pronounced dead shortly after 5:30 p.m. by the Suwannee County Fire Rescue.

Charges are pending following further investigation into the accident, according to FHP.

Motorized golf carts are not just limited to the putting green. In fact, while many people drive their carts to and from the course, some communities in Florida have designated these carts as their preferred mode of transportation. With the amount of people trading in their cars for carts, statistics show a surge in injuries and fatalities. According to The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, golf cart injuries have risen a whopping 132 percent from 1990 to 2006. Close to 150,000 people, varying in age from 2 months to 96 years, suffered injuries related to a golf cart accidents throughout this period . In 2009, more than 1,600 golf cart accidents in Florida were reported. The Florida Golf Cart Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton handle a wide range of golf cart accidents including, automobile collisions, intersection smash-ups, passenger ejections, pedestrian accidents, cart rollovers and country club or golfing accidents.

Golf carts have become much more powerful and faster over the years and are widely used at sporting events, hospitals, airports, parks, college campuses, businesses and military bases. Golf carts can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and can travel 40 miles on a single battery charge, making them a popular ride choice for many residents of retirement and gated communities. Typically, golf carts are not subject to federal regulations and in some areas a driver’s license is not required to operate one. Since many golf carts lack stability mechanisms and safety features like seat belts, common injuries from an accident can include catastrophic injuries such as head and brain trauma, broken bones, neck and back injuries, injuries to the face or sternum, road rash, serious lacerations and fractures. The Florida Golf Cart Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton work hard to ensure that you and your loved ones get properly diagnosed and treated for any injuries and recover damages for any lasting disability or wrongful death.

October 27, 2011

Tampa, FL Back-Over Accident & Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Young Girl Backed Over By Minivan Taken to Hospital

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A one-year-old girl was taken to Tampa General Hospital Tuesday afternoon to be checked for injuries after she was trampled over by a minivan.

The 22-month-old child was supposedly standing on the porch of a Tampa, Florida home when the driver, a 28-year-old woman, got into her Chrysler minivan around 2:30 p.m.

Shortly after entering her van, the woman allegedly backed away from her home without noticing the child had toddled behind the vehicle.

The girl had no visible injuries, but was taken to the hospital to be checked out. She was supposedly alert and crying.

Investigators have preliminarily ruled the incident as an accident, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

In most back-over accidents the victims tend to be the elderly and young children. According to KidsAndCars.org, in the United States at least 50 children a week are involved in a back-over accident, 48 are treated for injuries in an emergency room and at least two are fatally injured. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluates that 292 deaths occur from back-over accidents yearly. Children less than five years old make up more than a third of those lives lost. More than one in four of back-over fatalities include those over 69. These two groups comprise almost a third of back-over fatalities.

Back-over accidents can cause serious injuries and even wrongful death. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control the percentages of the most common injuries from back-over accidents include:

• Contusions and Abrasions – 56%
• Leg and Arm Injuries – 53.6%
• Head, Face and Neck Injuries – 28%
• Fractures and Internal Injuries in Children Under 4 – 39.5%
• Fractures and Internal Injuries in Ages 10-14 – 17.5%

Collisions like back-over accidents can be highly emotional for families since a wide percentage of victims are children, and in many cases the driver is a relative, family friend or neighbor. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 86 percent of drivers that hit children in a driveway back-over accident are friends of the family or family members. The Florida Back-Over Accident & Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know that back-over accidents can be traumatic for everyone involved. Our staff can offer you and your loved ones the compassion you need during troubled times as well as the comprehensive legal advice and persistent representation needed for a personal injury or wrongful death case in the state of Florida.