DUI Car Accidents

October 31, 2017

Halloween Safety Tips

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Halloween is tomorrow and our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want everyone to remember to make safety a part of your celebration at home, at a party, or while trick or treating. Please keep the following safety tips in mind for happy Halloween memories:

Trick or Treating Safety

Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult while trick or treating. With older children, curfews should be established. Encourage teens to stay with a group and make sure you know what route they plan to use.
You can reduce the risk of a pedestrian accident by using flashlights and glow sticks when trick or treating. These will allow motorists to see your trick or treater on the street. We also encourage you to dress your children in costumes with reflective material, lighter colors, and free from excessive material, which could prompt a slip and fall accident. Proper footwear is essential in preventing falls, too. Avoid wearing masks that are too large, which can obstruct your child’s vision.
Always have your cellphone on you in case of an emergency!
Stay in well-lit areas on familiar streets, and pass on going to dark homes. Make sure your kids know to never enter homes or cars to retrieve candy.
Always inspect candy for choking hazards and potential tampering before eating.

Safe Driving On Halloween

As a driver, be especially cautious in residential neighborhoods where trick or treaters may travel. Drive slowly and be vigilant in watching out for children in costume and other pedestrians.
If you are reversing from a home or street, please look for anyone behind you before doing so.
Distracted driving and speeding should be avoided during heavy trick or treating hours, and really any time when you are behind the wheel.
Turn on headlights, even during daylight hours just to be extra cautious.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, a slip and fall accident or any other type of accident due to another’s negligence, we can help. Call us for a free consultation at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We can begin helping you with your potential case right away, so do not delay.

May 5, 2017

Have a Safe & Fun Cinco de Mayo

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated today- the 5th of May! The date is observed to recognize the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is heavily celebrated. Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to help you celebrate safely. Here’s how to have an unforgettable and safe Cinco de Mayo:

Plan Ahead

November 23, 2016

Stay Safe Today! It’s Blackout Wednesday!

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

As you and your loved ones get together today and the rest of the week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, please have safety on your mind as the roads can be crazy out there! With Black Friday shopping starting Thursday evening, there are sure to be many drivers on the roadways at all times of the night and early morning. It is today, though, that is a growing concern for many. The day once innocently called Thanksgiving Eve by those anticipating all the celebrations of the next day, has become known as Blackout Wednesday to bars, law enforcement, and hospitals around the country. This night sees a marked increase in drunk-driving injuries and deaths.

There are many reasons that the day before Thanksgiving has become one of the year’s busiest nights for bars and clubs. College students and recent grads coming home for the long weekend and reconnecting with old friends is one reason for the increase in DUI accidents and deaths. Another reason is that most professionals are off work on Thanksgiving, so a quick drink after work can escalate into a full night out.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with going out tonight and having fun, please be prepared if you are consuming alcohol. Before you go out, know how are you getting home. Do not drive if you have had too much to drink and do not ride with anyone else who is not sober. Just by being on the road your risk of being involved in an alcohol-related accident is about 30 percent higher from Blackout Wednesday through the New Year’s holiday, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

It does not take much effort to be prepared for a good time. Plan ahead for a Lyft or Uber to pick you up and get you home safe. You can always just call a taxi.You can even designate a friend to stay sober and get everyone home in one piece. Just remember, if you are buzzed, you are drunk. Don’t jeopardize your future or the safety of others on the road.