Motorcycle Accidents

April 30, 2018

Woman Hit by Pickup Truck, Killed while Riding Moped

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 73-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a pickup truck while she was riding a moped in Groveland Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Winter Haven woman was driving a 2005 Honda scooter north on State Road 33 behind a Honda pickup.

The truck driver drove onto the road’s shoulder before making a U-turn to drive south on S.R. 33. The truck collided with her scooter about 10:55 a.m.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck was taken to South Lake Hospital with minor injuries.

The crash is under investigation and charges are pending.

When drivers are making a turn of any kind they have an obligation to look out for other vehicles. Unfortunately, they are often focused on cars and trucks and fail to see motorcyclists, bikers, moped drivers and pedestrians. When cars make a left turn or U-turn without seeing a rider they are not giving the rider enough time to react and can hit the motorcycle, scooter or moped causing severe injuries or even wrongful death. Even if the rider is able to maneuver in a way where they avoid a collision, they can still be injured or killed for taking such evasive action.

When a motorcyclist or a moped driver is involved in an accident with a larger vehicle, the motorcyclist will suffer the most serious injuries in the majority of instances. Moped riders and bikers are much more vulnerable than automobile drivers and lack the protection of a metal frame.

January 30, 2018

Car Accidents, Slip & Falls Rank #4 in Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in U.S.

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A new report out from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looks at the shifting trends in Americans’ health and mortality, and the conditions most likely to take lives.

While heart disease and cancer still top the list, Motor vehicle accidents, unintentional drug overdoses, and accidental falls and other injuries take the no. 4 spot.

According to the CDC, more than 2 million people are injured, and another 33,000 deaths occur each year due to auto accidents. It is no wonder why motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the U.S.

In 2015, more than 35,000 car-accident deaths occurred throughout the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of those deaths, 3,174 occurred in Florida.

The good news is that most injuries and deaths on the road are entirely preventable,. The bad news is that the majority of those injured or killed are done so through no fault of their own. Auto accident victims are left with medical bills, lost wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and, in many cases, permanent injury or death. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an auto accident in Florida, our Car Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you understand how to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party.

According to the National Safety Council, slip and falls are one of the leading causes of accidental injury. Slip and falls lead to an estimated 9 million visits to the emergency room each year. The risk of slipping and falling increases with age. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a slip and fall, it is best to speak with our Florida Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton to understand your legal options.

October 26, 2017

Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-And-Run in Daytona Beach

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Sunday in a hit-and-run crash in Daytona Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash happened at the intersection of 13th Street and San Jose Boulevard at about 5:10 p.m.

Troopers said the crash involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck.

The motorcyclist died at Halifax Medical Center.

The driver of the pickup fled on foot, according to reports. Witnesses saw the driver of the pickup get into a white passenger car that fled the scene, according to police.

Other motorcyclists have died in crashes in Central Florida since Friday.

Two motorcyclists were killed in a crash near International Speedway Boulevard in Volusia County on Friday.

A fatal motorcycle crash in Volusia County was reported on Saturday.

Thousands of motorcyclists were in Daytona Beach Oct. 21-22 for Biketoberfest.

Drivers who cause motorcycle collisions may experience a moment of panic immediately after when they decide to stay or flee the scene. Those who choose to leave the scene of the crash are are in fact breaking the law and committing a serious crime. In such cases, it is the victim and their family who are burdened with all the expenses of the aftermath of the crash, including costs of hospitalization, rehabilitation and even funeral expenses, lost wages and more. Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help those injured and families of those killed in hit-and-run accidents better understand their legal rights.

October 19, 2017

New Bill Pushes For Helmets For Younger Motorcyclists

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Florida lawmakers are discussing a potential law that would make helmets mandatory for motorcycle riders under 21.

Sen. Keith Perry’s (R-Gainesville) bill would change the helmet exemption from 16 to 21. Under the change, drivers over 21 must have an insurance policy for at least $10,000 to ride without a helmet.

Any motorcyclist under 21 not wearing a helmet would be charged with a traffic infraction.

According to AAA, motorcycle accident deaths in Florida are up 30 percent since 2014, with 606 motorcyclists losing their lives in 2015 alone.

Lawmakers have tried and failed to bring back the mandatory helmet law the legislature repealed in 2000.

The new bill would require that motorcyclists and moped drivers under the age of 21 wear helmets.

Still, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration finds it’s not young people but motorcyclists 40 and over who are more likely to die in accidents: that age group comprised 54 percent of motorcycle fatalities in 2015.

One of every five motorcycle crashes reported results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries are are far more common in motorcycle crashes. Research shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of neck or head injury. Most crashes on a motorcycle happen on shorter trips and even with low-speed crashes, there can be a fatality. For most riders who are travelling at around 30 miles an hour when they get get involved in a crash, helmets can cut both the number and the severity of injuries by half. Regardless of what speed a motorcyclist is travelling at, not wearing a helmet places you at an increased risk of suffering from a head injury or wrongful death than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

June 13, 2017

Motorcyclist Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on Orlando Turnpike

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Sunday after traveling the wrong way on an entrance ramp to Florida’s Turnpike and smashing into a Toyota Corolla.

The 42-year-old Orlando man was ejected from the motorcycle and died, according to a crash report.

The Toyota was driven by a 37-year-old Kissimmee man who was traveling southeast approaching a toll plaza on the ramp.

It’s unclear at this time as to why the biker was driving the wrong direction.

The Toyota driver, who was driving in the correct direction, couldn’t avoid the motorcycle, and the front left of his car struck the motorcycle.

Troopers are still investigating the crash.

Wrong way crashes occur when a car drives the wrong way in a lane, against the flow of traffic. This usually requires a driver who enters a highway or interstate entrance or exit ramp the wrong way. These tend to end pretty badly, with two cars colliding head-on at high speeds.

Wrong way collisions are almost always fatal. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, wrong way crashes have a fatality rate of up to 27 percent compared to .3 percent for all other highway collisions.

March 9, 2017

Florida Leads Nation in Motorcycle Crash Deaths

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Drivers should anticipate an increase in motorcycle traffic on Florida roads, as thousands of motorcyclists ride into Daytona for the 76th annual Daytona Bike Week March 10-19.

With that said, Florida has the most motorcycle crash fatalities in the nation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to the most recent crash data, Florida saw a 30 percent increase in motorcycle deaths in 2015, the highest on record. Motorcyclists accounted for 20 percent of motor vehicle fatalities in the state, yet motorcycles account for only 3 percent of registered vehicles. In 2015, 606 people died and 9,045 were injured in motorcycle crashes on Florida roads.

The top counties for motorcycle fatalities are:

Miami-Dade
Hillsborough
Broward
Palm Beach
Pinellas
Lee
Orange
Duval
Brevard
Pasco
Polk
Volusia

Motorcyclists lack the protection offered to drivers of cars and trucks. Collisions that would cause minor injuries to a car or truck driver can be fatal to motorcyclists. That is why the fatality rate for motorcyclists in accidents is six times the fatality rate for passenger vehicle occupants.

November 14, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed In Polk County Crash With Motor Home

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon in a Polk County crash, according to deputies.

A 1988 motor home driven by a 67-year-old Illinois man was traveling northbound on County Road 557, according to reports. The motor home turned left onto the on-ramp for Interstate 4 westbound. A portion of the trailer that was attached to the motor home was still on CR 557 when a black motorcycle hit it.

The trailer detached from the motor home.

A 22-year-old Haines City woman was ejected from the motorcycle.

The woman, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene.

The driver of the motor home was not injured.

Motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) accidents are similar to other car accidents as they may occur on city streets, on highways or even in parking lots. Collisions can occur with other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles or stationary objects. In addition to property damage, these accidents can cause injury or death. For a family that has unexpectedly lost someone in a motorcycle accident or car accident with an RV, getting medical bills paid and working with insurers can be overwhelming.

If you were injured or if a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident with an RV anywhere in Florida, our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with Whittel & Melton can help. We will protect your interests and make sure your rights are protected so that you can recover just financial compensation. We know that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but it can take away some of the financial strains that can endure after losing someone close to you.

October 26, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash In Hillsborough County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday evening in a crash, and according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, charges could be filed against the driver who slammed into the biker.

The incident occurred just before 7 p.m.

HCSO believes the biker was operating a motorcycle on Boyette Road when he drove in between two vehicles as he was approaching the intersection of Balm Riverview Road.

At the same time, a female driver was heading westbound on Boyette Road, attempting to turn left and travel south. She pulled into the path of the motorcycle and struck the biker with the passenger side of her car.

The biker was apparently not wearing a helmet and died at the scene after he was ejected from the motorcycle, according to reports. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the female driver had an “odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from her mouth and admitted to having consumed alcohol.”

The woman agreed to a blood draw and could be charged based on the result, investigators said.

Motorcycle accidents usually involve serious injuries, and in the worst cases, death. A motorcycle offers riders very little protection in the event of a collision, leaving bikers vulnerable to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, neck and back injuries, knee and shoulder injuries and broken bones.

Our Tampa Bay DUI Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can protect your rights after a motorcycle accident, and help you and your loved ones pursue compensation for losses. As former DUI prosecutors, we know how to hold drunk drivers accountable for the pain and suffering they cause to motorcycle accident victims and their families.

October 13, 2016

Biketoberfest Is Here: Look Twice For Motorcycles in Daytona Beach

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Biketoberfest has been bringing bikers together from all over the world in Daytona Beach since 1992.

Biketoberfest is a celebration of Florida’s bike culture that involves trade shows, concerts and other special events. It also involves three days of rides throughout Volusia County. While this will surely be a fun event for everyone, our Florida Motorcycle Injury Lawyers know that there are safety risks anytime a group of motorcycles share the roadways with other motor vehicles.

We urge drivers to be aware that there will be lots of bikers out during Biketoberfest and motorists should be respectful of their right to share the road.

Biketoberfest will occur between October 13 and 16 this year, and drivers should be extra cautious during this time and in the days before and after the special event.

In 2015, more than 100,000 people were expected to turn out to the festival. Researchers last year said the event brings in over $40 million to the local economy.

Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton urge you to “look left, look right, look twice, save a life.”

Biketoberfest Safety Tips

Allow for more following distance in between a car and a motorcycle. Motorcycles frequently slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, so drivers should not count on a brake light to let them know when a bike will be stopping.
Leave motorcycle riders their own lane. Don’t try to crowd in or share the lane.
Don’t rely on turn signals. Motorcycle turn signals do not turn off automatically and sometimes riders forget to turn them off. Make sure you see what a rider is doing before you make any moves.

June 23, 2016

Biker Killed in Marion County Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A man was killed earlier this month after he lost control of his motorcycle and tumbled more than 100 feet in Marion County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

At around 10:10 p.m., the Umatilla man was driving his 2016 Kawasaki Ninja on the southbound lane of County Road 25 at a “high rate of speed” as he approached a right hand curve, FHP stated in a report.

The 25-year-old driver failed to handle the curve and drove across the centerline and into the northbound lane and onto the east grass shoulder, the FHP stated.

The man lost control of his motorcycle and fell off of it as it began to overturn. Both he and the motorcycle “tumbled over 100 feet before coming to rest on the shoulder” of the road, the FHP reported.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The FHP has not yet determined if alcohol was a factor in the accident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Riding a motorcycle can be liberating. And while the freedom of the open road is nice, riding a motorcycle can also be dangerous as a result of reckless motorists, minimal protection, hazardous conditions and many other factors.

A motorcycle accident can occur as a result of a rider’s negligence, but a motorcycle accident is not always the fault of the operator. In many cases, these types of accident are caused by:

DUI
Inattention of other drivers
Speeding
Failing to obey traffic signals
Texting and driving

Bad weather conditions
Fatigued driving
Bad roads
Failure to yield