Car Accidents

April 24, 2024

Do You Really Need a Lawyer for a Parking Lot Accident? | Florida Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Parking lots, those seemingly harmless locations that we all pass through on a regular basis, can occasionally become the setting for unexpected drama. Accidents can and do occur amid the chaos of moving automobiles, people crossing the street, and pushing grocery carts. Accidents that occur in parking lots are sometimes written off as minor annoyances, but they can have serious financial and emotional consequences.

Parking lot collisions are frequently distinguished by their minimal injuries and seeming low speeds. However, even at low speeds, collisions can cause injuries to both pedestrians and drivers, and property damage can quickly escalate. These accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to more major pedestrian-related occurrences, can have long-term consequences.

There are several factors that lead to parking lot accidents:

Congestion: A high number of vehicles and a limited amount of space make accidents more likely.
Reckless behavior: Common culprits include speeding, neglecting to yield the right-of-way, and ignoring traffic signs.
Distracted driving: Due to the widespread use of cellphones, distracted driving is now a major problem. Checking texts or browsing through playlists or social media while driving through a parking lot can lead to disastrous results.
Visibility problems: Insufficient lighting or blind spots in parking lots may conceal people and other vehicles, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Minor Accidents Do Not Mean Minor Injuries

Parking lot fender benders are easy to write off as insignificant. These are, after all, mostly low-speed collisions that might only leave small dents or scratches behind. The human body, on the other hand, is significantly more delicate than paint and metal, something that many people overlook.

Understanding The Potential Injuries

Whiplash: Even at moderate speeds, whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries from rear-end accidents. The head and neck may snap forward and backward because of the abrupt collision, causing severe pain and soft tissue damage.
Soft tissue injuries: A minor accident’s abrupt jerking motion can also result in a variety of soft tissue injuries, such as contusions, sprains, and strains. These injuries can cause discomfort and impede mobility, even though they may not be noticeable right away. They can pop up hours or days after the collision.
Concussions and head injuries: Head trauma can arise from even mild events, even though we typically associate head trauma with high-speed crashes. The force of a car door or airbag release can cause the brain to strike the skull, resulting in concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory loss.

April 23, 2024

News: 2 dead after fleeing driver crashes into utility pole in Waldo

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

WALDO, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a driver trying to elude law enforcement authorities was involved in a fatal crash in Alachua County early Saturday morning.

The Gainesville Sun reports the incident began when the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office requested the FHP’s help in pursuing a Honda CRV recently stolen from Alachua County.

State troopers said some of the vehicle’s occupants appeared to be wearing ski masks, and that the Honda exited U.S. 301 onto State Road 24 in the Waldo area.

April 22, 2024

Tips for Overcoming Distractions On The Road | Florida Car Accident Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The open road provides an exciting sense of adventure and freedom, but it also carries several risks, particularly when there are distractions that come into play. Distractions behind the wheel can have disastrous results, whether it is glancing at a text message, fiddling with the radio, or just daydreaming. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month—a great opportunity to refocus and take ownership of the decisions we make when driving. There are many ways drivers can become distracted while driving. Here are some of the most common ways drivers lose their focus on the road:

Electronic gadgets: Due to the widespread use of cellphones and entertainment systems in cars, drivers are seriously distracted by electronic gadgets. Distracted driving can occur when texting, making calls, or scrolling through apps. If it is too tempting to check your phone, consider placing it in your console or keeping it in your backseat where it is out of reach until you get to your destination.
Manual distractions: Changing the radio, eating, drinking, or reaching for items inside the car can all cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel, which impairs their control of their vehicle.
Visual distractions: Reading a billboard, admiring the view, or even glancing at a GPS unit are just a few examples of actions that can divert a driver’s attention from the road and increase the chance of an accident.
Cognitive distractions: Drivers’ ability to respond to changing traffic conditions can be delayed by mental diversions like daydreaming, engaging in chats with fellow passengers or children, or even being wrapped up in personal concerns.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, even a two-second distraction from the road increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident by double. Here are some tips for staying focused while driving:

Limit your use of electronic devices: If you must make a call, try using hands-free technology and keep your phone out of reach. Before you begin driving, program your GPS or set your music playlists.
Remind yourself to stay alert: Focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
Prepare before you drive: Adjust the mirrors, seat posture, and climate controls before you begin driving. To reduce the need for physical distractions, make sure anything you might need during your journey is easily accessible.
Take Breaks: Stop at a safe spot and take a quick break if you feel emotionally or physically exhausted. Stretch your legs, grab some fresh air, and refuel before getting back on the road.
Reduce cognitive diversions: When it is safe, engage in meaningful conversations with passengers, but steer clear of issues that require intense focus. If you notice that your thoughts are wandering, take a moment to return your focus to the road.

During the month of April, you may see more police on the roads as part of the NHTSA’s national campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay. This campaign serves as a warning to drivers about the grave risks of texting and driving, as well as the associated penalties and fines. Continue reading

April 18, 2024

Road Crews Encourage Drivers to Exercise Caution in Work Zones | Florida Car Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

As we travel the busy roads and highways of our daily commute, it is easy to ignore the many construction crews and infrastructure projects that maintain safety and function on our Florida roadways. Work zone accidents claim hundreds of lives each year, highlighting the urgent need for increased knowledge and safety precautions.

Work Zone Awareness Week, recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in conjunction with numerous other transportation partners, construction crews, and law enforcement agencies, serves as a real reminder of the people behind the orange cones and flashing lights. According to FDOT data, there were 277 major injuries and 293 fatalities in construction zones throughout the state between 2020 and 2023. Work Zone Awareness Week takes place this year from April 15-19 and aims to inform and increase awareness about the significance of safe driving practices in and near work zones.

FDOT will experience Work Zone Awareness Week differently this year, since a team member died in January after being killed by a driver while putting up a work zone. This tragic loss to the FDOT team serves as a sharp reminder of the hazards crews face when carrying out their job duties despite the risks involved, and that safety on our roads is everyone’s responsibility.

Work zones are dynamic areas in which workers are frequently within a few feet from fast-moving traffic. The mix of heavy machinery, unexpected road conditions, and distracted drivers can lead to disaster. More than half of these crashes between 2020 and 2023 were caused by front-to-rear impact collisions, underscoring the importance of being alert when driving through a work zone, particularly when it calls for frequent stops and slowed traffic to protect workers and other road users.

Encouraging Safety in Work Zones
Ensuring the safety of all road users, specifically construction workers, is a critical responsibility of drivers. We may reduce the risks connected with work zones by being alert, patient, and compliant with traffic laws. The following are some vital pointers to remember:

Reduce your speed and focus
It is crucial to slow down and remain vigilant when entering a work zone. Maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of you, and be ready for lane closures or abrupt stops.
2. Pay attention to instructions and signs
Observe signage carefully, and heed any instructions given by flaggers or construction workers. Ignoring warnings or attempting to navigate around barriers can endanger lives.
Merge early and stay in your lane
In order to prevent last-minute maneuvers, merge into the proper lane well before you reach the work zone. Changing lanes in a work zone can be confusing and elevate the risk of collisions.
4. Eliminate distractions
Put your phone away, avoid eating and drinking, and concentrate entirely on the task of driving. In a work zone, minor diversions could result in significant consequences.
Be patient
Though delays and other inconveniences are fleeting, driving recklessly can have long-lasting consequences. Be patient, and show respect to other drivers and construction workers.

The nature of road construction work can be hazardous, but drivers can contribute to making it safer for everyone by keeping an eye out for changing traffic patterns, driving attentively, obeying work zone speed limits, avoiding all distractions, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Responsible driving behaviors by everyone can ensure that we all get home safe. Continue reading

April 16, 2024

What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger | Florida Car Accident Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

It can be extremely stressful to be a passenger in an automobile accident. It is critical to understand what to do in the aftermath to make sure you get the care you need, safeguard your legal rights, and get justly compensated for your injuries.

Get Medical Care Right Away

The first and most important action after suffering injuries in an automobile accident as a passenger is to seek emergency medical care. It is vital to have your condition assessed by a medical professional, even if you think your injuries are insignificant. Certain injuries may not present themselves right away, but once the adrenaline has worn off from your accident, your condition may worsen.

April 12, 2024

News: 6 injured in vehicle crash in eastern Hernando County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

HERNANDO COUNTY, FL – Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of a vehicle crash with multiple injuries on Tuesday afternoon.

According to a Facebook post by HCFR at 4:16 p.m., rescue crews were dispatched to the area of Cortez Boulevard and Burwell Road.

Three patients were transported by helicopter to local trauma centers. Three additional patients were transported by ground. No details were released on the severity of their injuries, or the circumstances that led to the crash.

April 11, 2024

News: 1 dead, 4 injured in multi-vehicle accident in Pasco County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

DADE CITY, FL – One person died and four others were hospitalized following a multi-vehicle crash in Pasco County Monday afternoon, according to Pasco News Online.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of a Mercedes C300 was going north on US-301 north of Rapid River Boulevard when she crossed into the southbound lane. The Mercedes crashed into a southbound Isuzu truck head-on, causing it to rotate into the path of a Toyota 4Runner going north.

The Toyota driver, a 19-year-old man from Dade City, died at the scene. The driver of the Mercedes, a 39-year-old Zephyrhills woman, the driver of the Isuzu, a 61-year-old Zephyrhills man, and two passengers in the Isuzu, 19-year-old men from Plant City and Thonotosassa, were all transported to area hospitals. None of their injuries were life-threatening.

April 5, 2024

News: Ocala woman, 55, killed when SUV slams into sign, fence and tree

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol and Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene a fatal single-vehicle accident on County Road 328 Thursday morning.

According to the Ocala StarBanner, a woman was driving an older model Chevy Blazer westbound shortly before 10:12 a.m. when the vehicle veered off the roadway near West State Road 40. The Blazer crashed into a speed sign, a fence, and a tree.

The driver, a 55-year-old woman, was extricated from the SUV by rescue crews. She was pronounced dead after being taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.

April 3, 2024

News: Elderly woman killed in car wreck at Pasco County intersection

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PASCO COUNTY, FL – Authorities said a crash in Pasco County last week left an elderly driver dead and another motorist injured.

According to Pasco News Online, two vehicles collided in the area of Little Road and San Miguel Drive at about 8 a.m.

An investigation indicated that the driver of a Kia Forte was headed north just before 8 a.m. when she made a left turn in front of a southbound Ford Crown Victoria at the intersection. The vehicles collided and both spun out following the impact. The Ford hit a utility pole on the shoulder of the road.

March 28, 2024

News: Crystal River man, 81, dies in pickup truck accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

CRYSTAL RIVER, FL – A collision in Citrus County early Wednesday morning claimed the life of an elderly driver and injured two other people, WTVT reports.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene on West Fort Island Trail near West Audobon Lane after the incident took place at about 12:20 a.m.

The FHP learned that the driver of a Chevy 3500 pickup truck was heading east and tried to pass a Kia Sportage SUV that was in front of him. The pickup truck struck the left side of the Kia, then went off the road, onto the shoulder, and crashed into two trees. The Kia also went off the road, hitting a cable box and a tree before flipping.