Motorcycle Accidents

August 29, 2014

Labor Day Weekend Tip: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently issued a press release notifying motorists to drive sober for the upcoming Labor Day weekend and all year long. The 2014 campaign is focused on the societal and economic impact of drunk driving as well as the personal costs and human toll of impaired driving.

Across the United States, drunk driving collisions kill more than 10,000 people each year. Over the course of holiday weekends alcohol-related crashes are known to increase. During Labor Day weekend in 2012, 147 people were killed in auto accidents involving drunk drivers. For every DUI crash, one in three results in a fatality. What this means is that one third of all collisions are entirely preventable.

The economic impacts of driving under the influence cost Americans billions of dollars every single year. Car and motorcycle accidents involving alcohol impaired drivers cost 47 billion in direct economic impacts in 2010. Across the U.S., that averages to about $152 a person. When the overall harm to society due to loss of life and diminished quality of life are tacked on, the numbers skyrocket to $195 billion.

The average cost of a minor injury associated with a DUI-related motor vehicle crash is $22,000, but can total more than $25,000 when losses related to quality of life are added in. Direct economic impacts and additional quality-of-life costs can drastically increase based on the severity of the injury.

Now that we have addressed some of the shocking figures associated with DUIs, our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to make sure you enjoy Labor Day weekend and map out a plan before the party starts. Planning ahead is absolutely necessary to ensure that you have a safe ride home, should you consume any amount of alcohol. Planning ahead can be as simple as programming a taxi cab’s phone number into your phone or downloading a rideshare app onto your smartphone. No matter where you end up or what you are doing, never get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. Ask a friend or bartender to help you find a safe ride home.

June 4, 2014

Florida Auto Accident Injury Attorney :: New NHSTA Study Shows the Staggering Toll of Car Crashes on U.S. Residents

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Whenever a motor vehicle accident occurs in Florida, or anywhere else throughout the country, it creates a series of events that cost money. While these costs are not always apparent to other people, make no mistake, car accidents can be quite expensive.

When viewed as a whole, the numbers are downright shocking. A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration demonstrates that motor vehicle accidents cost more than $870 billion in economic loss per year. This study examined data from 2010. That $870 billion can be broken down even further to a personal basis, averaging an estimated cost of $900 per person in the U.S., which does not just apply to accident victims, but all people residing in this country.

NHTSA’s study, “The Economic and Society Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2010,” focuses on some of the behavioral factors that influenced that year’s nearly 33,000 highway fatalities, 3.9 million injuries and 24 million damaged vehicles. According to the study, three driver behaviors including speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving, accounted for 56 percent of the economic loss to the nation and 62 percent of the societal harm. Societal harm is described as harm due to loss of life and decreased quality of life.

What is not so shocking is that drunk driving accidents were found to be among the most expensive kinds of accidents. These accounted for 18 percent of the total economic loss and 23 percent of the overall societal harm.

Speeding accounted for 21 percent of the overall economic loss costing the nation $59 billion and 24 percent, or $210 billion, of the societal harm.

Distracted driving crashes were responsible for 17 percent of the total economic loss and cost $46 billion. These crashes accounted for $129 billion, or 15 percent, of the overall societal harm.

On a positive note, researchers for this study concluded that using seatbelts led to a savings of almost $70 billion in medical care, lost productivity and other costs that were not incurred. For now, around 5 percent of the total economic loss involved people in auto accidents where they were not buckled up or did not properly fasten their seatbelt.

May 23, 2014

Florida Auto Accident Injury Lawyer :: Car Crashes Increase over Memorial Day, Stay Safe on Florida’s Roadways

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Memorial Day weekend is finally here and many of you will be setting out to enjoy the official start of summer with our state’s numerous recreational possibilities. With that said, it is estimated that close to 34 million people will be hitting the road over the long holiday weekend and traveling at least 50 miles from home. Whether you are staying local or making a trek to a family member or friend’s home, the Florida Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton urge you to drive safely and exercise caution this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend is supposed to be a time for remembrance and celebration. Whatever type of activity you choose to partake in this weekend, we urge you to do so responsibly. Make sure if you are driving to always pay attention, look out for any roadside construction and always see to it that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. Remember, if you are going to be drinking at any point during the holiday weekend, just be sure to have a designated driver set in place.

According to AAA, the amount of motorists travelling on the roadways this Memorial Day weekend will be at a 10 year high. Dating back to past Memorial Day weekends, statistics show that there is an increase of more than ten percent in motor vehicle accidents vs. other holiday weekends.

You can help exercise safety this Memorial Day weekend just by brushing up on a few safety steps:

Always give yourself enough time to get from Point A to Point B.
Follow all posted speed limits.
Limit Driver Distractions.
Make sure everyone, including those in the back seat, is wearing their seat belt.
Do not drink and drive. In fact, make sure you have a designated driver assigned before you start drinking so that you are not tempted to drive after consuming alcoholic beverages.

April 29, 2014

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney :: Leesburg Commissioner Involved in Motorcycle Crash at Bikefest

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Reports indicate that a motorcycle rider crashed into a truck on Sunday driven by Leesburg City Commissioner Jay Hurley.

The motorcycle rider’s identity has not yet been released, but he was treated on the scene and flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center.

The Leesburg Police Department asked the Florida Highway Patrol to help investigate the collision since it involves a top city official.

April 16, 2014

Martin County Hit-and-Run Suspect was Texting While Driving when he Struck Motorcyclist

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A hit-and-run crash in Stuart on Monday that left a motorcyclist hospitalized is the result of a texting driver, according to police.

The suspect, a 29-year-old man, was texting while driving when he struck the motorcyclist and fled the scene.

A citizen driving near the intersection of Indian Road and Willoughby Boulevard in Stuart on Monday reported the incident to police when he noticed the man hit the biker and failed to stop.

The 911 operator confirmed the location of the citizen and police arrived a short time later and arrested the man. According to Martin County police, the man admitted that he was texting while driving and thought he had killed the motorcyclist.

The suspect was arrested and faces several charges. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, is still recovering in the hospital.

This is the county’s first texting-and-driving case, according to reports.

Texting has become a very popular means of communication between friends and family. However, texting while driving is not only dangerous to other drivers, but to everyone else sharing the roadway. There are a growing number of auto accidents in Florida and throughout the United States that are caused by texting drivers. If you were involved in a car accident that was caused by a driver who was texting or talking on a cell phone, it is in your best interest to speak with an injury lawyer who can help you proceed with a personal injury lawsuit. A Florida Auto Accident Injury Lawyer can advise you of your rights as a victim and help you file a claim to recover damages for your injuries.

There are many expenses that are involved in a Florida car accident. The at-fault driver whose negligence caused your injuries should be held responsible for your suffering. By filing a personal injury claim you can get the money you need to pay for:

Repairs to your Automobile
Hospital Bills
Ambulance Fees
Lost Wages
Physical Therapy
Psychological Therapy
All Other Accident-Related Damages

January 28, 2014

Ocala Motorcycle Accident Lawyer :: Mount Dora Man Dies from Dec. 7 Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Mount Dora man injured while riding his 2008 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle last month passed away recently.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the 51-year-old died Monday, Dec. 30, at 1:03 p.m. at Ocala Regional Medical Center. His 49-year-old wife, also of Mount Dora, remains at ORMC.

The accident took place at 3:10 p.m. Dec. 7 at County Road 25 and Sunset Harbor Road.

If you have lost someone you love in a motorcycle accident that was the fault of another motorist, you should speak with a Marion County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible .

According to officials, a 2004 Mini Cooper driven by an 83-year-old Eustis man was heading north on CR 25, approaching Sunset Harbor Road. At the same time, the deceased and his wife were traveling south on CR 25 on their motorcycle, also approaching Sunset Harbor Road. The 83-year-old motorist failed to yield the right of way of the motorcycle and turned left, causing the front of the Mini Cooper to smash into the Harley bike.

Authorities claim that neither the deceased nor his wife was wearing a helmet.

In 2013, there were 54 traffic related deaths reported in Marion County alone.

In the last decade, there has been a decrease in the number of many types of motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Florida and the rest of the country. However, due to the increasingly popularity of motorcycle travel, these types of accidents have been on the incline. When a motorcyclist is killed in a preventable accident caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, the biker’s family may be able to seek compensation for their loss.

December 26, 2013

Broward County Injury Lawyer :: Two Boys Riding Dirt Bikes Struck by Car in Miramar

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two boys riding dirt bikes are recovering in the hospital after being hit by a car on Christmas Eve.

The boys, 13 and 16, were riding their bikes around Southwest 66th Terrace and Southwest 28th Street when a Nissan Altima hit them around 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Miramar Police spokeswoman.

The two boys were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The driver of the Altima reportedly stayed at the scene after the accident. Police are still investigating the incident.

Dirt bikes and ATV’s, otherwise known as all-terrain vehicles, can be fun for individuals of all ages, but they are also notorious for being very dangerous. Dirt bike and ATV accidents can result in serious injuries, paralysis and even death. If you or someone you care for has suffered an injury from dirt bike or ATV accident, it is important to consult with a Broward County Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton immediately. We represent individuals who have been injured on a dirt bike, motorcycle or ATV throughout Broward County, including the cities of Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderhill, Lazy Lake, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Park, Weston and Wilton Manors.

October 23, 2013

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney :: I-4 in Osceola County Shut Down for Hours after Deadly Motorcycle Hit-And-Run

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Kissimmee biker was ejected from his motorcycle and killed in a hit-and-run crash Tuesday morning that shut down eastbound Interstate 4 for almost four hours, resulting in a traffic backup of at least five miles.

Law-enforcement officers are currently looking for the motorist that fled the scene of the lethal collision. Police are searching for a gray pickup, possibly a Ford F250 or F350, that they believe ran over the 47-year-old motorcyclists and kept going, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Police are also keeping an eye out for other drivers who may have hit the biker.

The crash occurred shortly after 7 a.m. when a car travelling east in front of the motorcycle struck road debris that flipped a strip of blown-out tire into the air, according to a Florida Highway Patrol spokesman.

The debris hit the motorcyclist in the head and knocked him off his Yamaha bike near Osceola Parkway.

The motorcycle came to rest on the grassy shoulder about a half-mile from the crash.

Troopers reopened I-4 just before 11 a.m.

Hit-and-run motorcycle collisions are becoming increasingly common in Florida and throughout the United States. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents have actually increased a staggering 15 percent throughout the last decade. Even more disturbing is that the NHTSA reports that hit-and-run car and motorcycle accidents account for up to 700,000 collisions each year.

July 9, 2013

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney :: Number of Florida Motorcycle Deaths Continues to Climb

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The number of people killed in motorcycle crashes throughout the state of Florida and nationwide is on the rise.

While the number of motorcycle fatalities nationwide dropped to about 4,200 in 2009, the number of deadly crashes in 2011 increased to just less than 5,000.

Preliminary data shows that nearly 4,000 motorcyclists across the country died between
January and September 2012.

Florida ranks third in the nation with 287 deadly motorcycle crashes in the first nine months of 2012. Texas steals the top spot with 358 people killed and California takes second with 318.

Although the numbers throughout Florida show an increase in motorcycle deaths, in Tampa, the extreme jump in numbers this year is especially disturbing.

This time last year, Tampa saw three motorcycle fatalities. This year, 13 deaths have already been reported.

Tampa police claim the increase can be blamed on several factors – impaired drivers, inexperienced bikers and motorists speeding or driving recklessly.

In response to what appears to be a concerning problem, Tampa police are cracking down with zero tolerance for speeding, reckless driving and other violations.

Florida is a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle because the weather here is usually quite pleasant all year round. However, because of our tropical temperatures, this usually means there are a larger number of bikers sharing the roadways which ultimately leads to a higher instance of motorcycle accidents. When you have been involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, you will need a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney to help you handle your case. Motorcyclists involved in accidents are at risk of sustaining very serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma and death. By working with a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton, you can rest assured that we will aggressively fight to recover compensation for your medical costs, rehabilitation and all other expenses that accrue as a result of the at-fault party’s negligence.

January 18, 2013

Ocala Motorcycle Injury Lawyer :: Motorcyclist Injured in Dump Truck Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Kendrick, FL – A 22-year-old motorcyclist who crashed into a dump truck Tuesday morning is still in critical condition at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

The driver of the truck, a 57-year-old Summerfield man, was not injured.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers, the motorcyclist was heading north on Northwest Gainesville Road at about 6:40 a.m. on a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 10 when the dump truck, coming from the opposite direction, failed to see the motorcycle and executed a left-hand turn. The pair collided, and the bike became pinned under the driver’s side front wheel of the truck.

A blood sample was taken from the truck driver.

The crash is still under investigation.

Motorcycles are a lot smaller than trucks, so it can be more difficult to spot them on the roadways. But this does not mean that bikers do not have a right to be on streets and highways with other automobiles. Drivers of cars, trucks and SUVs must pay extra careful attention for motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists who may be on or near the road. Unfortunately, because motorcycles are smaller than most automobiles, this generally means that riders suffer severe injuries or even death when involved in a traffic collision. The most common motorcycle accident injuries include head and neck injuries, broken bones, spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries and death.