Pasco County

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 28, 2014

Florida Injury Attorney :: Florida Takes Top Four Spots in New Ranking of America’s Deadliest Cities for Pedestrians

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

While all pedestrians should pay extra close attention when crossing the street, it seems that Floridians need to be especially mindful.
In a new report from the National Complete Streets Coalition, Dangerous By Design 2014, a Pedestrian Danger Index was used to rank the deadliest places to walk in America. Florida is home to the top four cities, with six other southern cities finishing out the top 10:

Orlando, FL
Tampa, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Miami, FL
Memphis, TN
Birmingham, AL
Houston, TX
Atlanta, GA
Phoenix, AZ
Charlotte, NC

You can view the full list here.

The Pedestrian Danger Index was calculated by looking at the last five years of available data on pedestrian fatalities and factoring in the number of local commuters who walk to work every day.

The report shows that 47,025 people nationwide were hit by cars and died while walking between 2003 and 2012. This number is 16 times greater than the number of Americans who died in natural disasters over the same time frame. Additionally, another 676,000 pedestrians were injured while travelling on foot, which likens to someone being hit by a car every eight minutes.

The elderly are found to be much more at risk than any other age group, according to the report. While they only represent 12.6 percent of the total U.S. population, adults ages 65 and older account for 21 percent of pedestrian fatalities.

This report shows just how dangerous busy roads and intersections can be for those walking to their destinations. The following tips are a great reminder on how to stay safe as a pedestrian:

Stay Alert. Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Always look where you are going and be aware of your surroundings. In 2010, more than 1,500 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for pedestrian-related injuries resulting from distractions, especially cell phones. Keep your eyes off your cell phone when crossing the street!

Never Jaywalk. Did you know that pedestrians can be held liable for auto accidents, too? When you cross the street against a light and run into traffic, you increase your risk of being struck and potentially killed by a motorist.

Use the Sidewalk. While sidewalks may not be located in certain areas in the city, if they are available for use, please use them and do not walk in the street. If a biker is taking up the sidewalk, gently remind them that they are meant for pedestrians.

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.

May 13, 2014

Florida Child Injury Lawyer :: Look Before You Lock – The Risks & Consequences of Leaving Children Alone in Hot Cars

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

We rely on our vehicles to get ourselves and our loved ones safely where we need to go, however it can be easy to forget that when you leave a child in the car for too long, the results can be deadly. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of all non-crash-related fatalities involving children aged 14 and younger is heatstroke.

Vehicles can reach extreme temperatures very quick, even if you have the windows rolled down. A child’s body absorbs more heat on a hot day than an adult’s does due to the fact that children’s bodies have a harder time regulating body temperature. Heatstroke can happen even in cars parked in a shaded area on days that reach 80 degrees or less. Studies have shown that in temperatures around 80 degrees, a vehicle can become lethal in just 10 minutes.

As parents and caregivers, it is vital to understand the risks and consequences associated with leaving kids in vehicles, especially hot cars.

Potential Risks

In just 10 short minutes, a car can jump up by 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cracking or rolling down a window does very little to keep the car cool.
Even with temperatures in the 60s, your vehicle can heat up to temperatures that exceed 110 degrees.
A child’s body temperature can climb up to five times faster than an adult’s.
Heatstroke can occur even in mild temperatures. In fact, studies show that heatstroke can occur when it is as cool as 57 degrees outside!
A child dies when their body temperature reaches 107.

Possible Consequences

Death from heatstroke.
In the state of Florida, it is considered a second-degree misdemeanor to leave a child under the age of six alone in a car for more than 15 minutes or while the motor was running causing the health of the child to be in danger.
This crime is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

How to Avoid a Tragic Heatstroke

Never leave a child alone in a car, even if you need to run a quick errand.
Remind children to not play in an unattended vehicle.
Do not leave infants or young children in a parked car, even if the windows are rolled down.
Place a purse, briefcase or anything else that you will need when you get out of the car in the backseat, so that you cannot forget about a child riding in the backseat.
Make it a habit to look inside your vehicle, both front seat and back, before locking the door and walking away.
If you should see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 right away. If you notice that they are in distress due to heat, it is important to get them out of the car as quickly as possible.

May 11, 2012

Pasco County Auto Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: One Killed, Two Critically Injured in Early Morning Pasco Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One person died and two others were seriously injured following a car accident early Saturday morning in Pasco County.

Authorities believe a 32-year-old Brooksville man lost control of his 1986 Corvette around 1 a.m., causing the vehicle to spin out of control.

The vehicle apparently rotated, rolled and landed on its roof. The man and two other passengers were thrown from the car.

All three occupants were apparently not wearing seat belts.

The Brooksville man was pronounced dead at the scene. His two passengers, a 28-year-old
Spring Hill woman and a 26-year-old Spring Hill woman, were taken to Bayonet Point Hospital with critical injuries.

No other details regarding the crash have been released.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

An auto accident can change your life in an instant. Whether your accident was due to another driver’s negligence or possibly poor road maintenance, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries. Losing control of a vehicle, speeding drivers, rear-end collisions, running stop signs or stop lights can all cause severe injuries. It does not matter what conditions led to your accident, if someone else was at fault, the Pasco County Auto Accident Attorneys can help you recover for your damages.

If injured in a car accident, it is best to contact a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. At Whittel & Melton, we understand the significance of calculating the known and unknown costs of injury caused by another party. We can evaluate present and future losses including lost wages, property damage, medical and rehabilitative costs, passenger injuries and loss of quality or enjoyment of life. Whether it is moving forward with a serious injury, or the death of a loved one resulting from an auto collision, the Pasco County Auto Accident Attorneys in Florida can provide you with the support needed to lessen the burden.

We will investigate the possible causes of an accident, interview any witnesses, gather evidence and establish who is to blame. Depending on the facts associated with your case, we can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies or help guide you through the court system.
As personal injury attorneys, our main goal is to attain just compensation for the losses you, and your family, endured.

May 8, 2012

Pasco County Personal Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Spring Presents Dangers to Boaters and Swimmers in Tampa Bay-Area Waters

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two unrelated incidents off Fort De Soto Park at the end of April spotlight the hazards the public can face as warm spring weather moves in and people return to the water.

A 50-year-old paddle boarder has been missing since April 28 when his board was found near the north entrance of the Manatee River and his car found near Fort De Soto Park. The search has been called off, but officials still hope to locate the missing man.

The following day, a 56-year-old Clearwater woman apparently drowned in the waters near Fort De Soto’s North Beach picnic area.

While weather may not have been a factor in these two incidents, they do show people that they should exercise caution anytime they are in or near the waters, even during as placid a season as spring.

According to a Bay News 9 meteorologist, when cold fronts from winter continue to mesh with the warmer air and water spring brings, strong gusts and rip currents can be produced making it dangerous to swim or kayak or canoe or paddleboard in the open water.

Local safety experts warn the public that those erratic winds should be the top worry of anyone planning to venture into the water this spring.

Gusts of wind can create several problems for swimmers. They can create currents parallel to the shore that can carry swimmers along with them — and away from their part of the beach.

Even more perilous are strong rip currents that can sweep swimmers away from shore, and possibly fatigue those who try to fight.

Experts advise taking the following safety precautions into consideration before embarking on any water expedition:

• If operating a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard always make a float plan. This provides
someone with the knowledge of where you’re going and the ability to call for help if you don’t
make it back in time.

• Everyone planning a day on the water needs to check the forecast, as well as the lifeguard flags that indicate swimming conditions.

• If caught in a rip current, do not try and swim against it. Do not panic. Swim parallel until the current lessens its hold on you.

• Know and respect your limitations.

Pasco County boasts more than 30 beaches, parks and preserves that provide residents and visitors with fantastic recreational opportunities. Unfortunately accidents where people play, swim and boat can and do occur. The Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton advocate on behalf of victims injured in boating, swimming and water park injury cases. If your water-related accident was the result of someone else’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation. At Whittel & Melton, we will aggressively fight for just compensation for your losses.

The Pasco County Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you recover compensation for personal injuries, wrongful deaths and other damages resulting from:

• Jet Ski Accidents
• Accidental Drowning
• Defective Safety Equipment
• Insufficient Warnings
• Swimming Pool Drain

• Charter Boat Accidents

• Pleasure Boat Accidents
• No Lifeguard on Duty
• Poorly Trained Lifeguards
• Inadequate Swimming Pool Design
• Motel and Hotel Swimming Pool Negligence
• Water Park Injuries
Most insurance adjusters involved in water-related accidents are trained to deny claims. Don’t let insurance adjusters take advantage of the situation by settling for low amounts. When you are involved in an accident, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. At Whittel & Melton, we will seek maximum compensation for your injuries. In the event of a death, we can assist family members of a loved one pursue a wrongful death claim. While we cannot change what happened, we can help you recover financial compensation so that you can focus your efforts on healing.

January 27, 2012

Florida Auto Accident & Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Jury Finds Woman Guilty of Vehicular Homicide in Crash that Killed Triplet

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Hudson, Florida woman accused of running down a group of young girls and killing one of them was found guilty by a jury Wednesday of vehicular homicide, culpable negligence manslaughter and reckless driving.

The woman exited her front yard on November 5, 2010 enraged after an argument with her supposed boyfriend and lost control of her Jeep.

She apparently hit a mail box and slammed her vehicle into a group of girl’s playing in a neighbor’s yard. The group included 5-year-old triplets and their 10-year-old sister.

One of the triplets later died and another was seriously injured. The other two girls survived with minor scrapes and bruises.

The woman testified in court Tuesday that she backed the Jeep out of the yard and does not remember any of the events that followed. However, medical experts took the stand and challenged her statements, claiming she showed no signs of problems that may cause blackouts.

The prosecution claims the woman’s Jeep was unfit to drive and the driver’s side door was broken and was held together by a bungee cord.

The woman apparently sped away in such a hurry she forgot to put the bungee cord on and was trying to prevent the door from opening with her arm when she lost control of the vehicle.

Investigators claim she was traveling about 5 miles over the 30 mile per hour speed limit.

Most car accidents are caused by a form of driver distraction, which is exactly what happened in this case. It only takes one irresponsible driver to cause a catastrophic collision that can result in serious personal injuries or wrongful death. Florida law states that if you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or loss of life due to a negligent driver, you may be awarded financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,547 people lost their lives in 2009 due to a car accident involving a distracted driver. Another 448,000 were injured. Likewise, 16 percent of fatal accidents occurring in 2009 involved a distracted driver and another 20 percent of accidents resulting in injury involved a reckless motorist.

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity. However, the possibility to harm another is increased when distracted or negligent drivers take the wheel and ignore the safety of others. Motorists that practice unsafe driving habits must be held responsible for their actions. When a driver’s thoughtless behavior causes another person’s injury or death, they could be held liable for damages including reimbursement for medical bills, property repairs, disability, loss of income, mental anguish and pain and suffering. After a car wreck, it is tremendously important to contact the Florida Auto Accident Attorneys to discuss the events surrounding the collision as generally there is a narrow amount of time in which one can proceed with a lawsuit.

October 3, 2011

New Port Richey, FL Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers and Head Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Hudson Man Charged in December Crash that Killed a Passenger and Seriously Injured a Driver

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 46-year-old Hudson, Florida man has been charged in a December accident that killed a woman and left a man with serious brain injuries.

The driver was allegedly intoxicated when he crashed his 2004 Lincoln sedan into a moped around 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 15. According to Tampabay.com, the impact of the collision instantly killed the passenger on the moped, a 27-year-old female from New Port Richey.

The 24-year-old driver of the moped was reported seriously injured according to Florida Highway Patrol and has had several brain surgeries since the crash.

The man responsible for the crash supposedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.095. He faces charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury and DUI with property damage. His bail was set at $16,000.

If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by a DUI accident, you could be eligible to recover compensation for the brain or head injuries sustained. The Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you and your loved ones obtain financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of benefits, lost wages, mental anguish, physical pain, medical equipment and rehabilitation fees.

The most common cause of a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an extreme blow or force delivered to the head. The National Institute for Health’s research shows that car accidents, which includes DUI-related collisions are responsible for around half of all TBIs in the U.S. annually. TBIs can take years for a victim to recover from, if there is a possibility for full recovery, and can affect a person’s speech, memory, mobility, concentration, personality, behavior and obviously capacity to earn a living.

TBIs can present themselves in a variety of ways, and it is important to note that you and the ones you care for have rights despite whether injuries can be seen. Brain damage is permanent and can have a wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms that can often be misunderstood. It is not uncommon for mild TBIs to be overlooked because it can take time for a victim of an accident to start showing signs of injury. Even the slightest brain injuries can have a lasting impact on the way a person lives his or her life. Warning signs associated with a TBI can include nausea, confusion, seizures, depression, personality changes, irritability and other types of behavioral and emotional problems. A TBI can range in seriousness from a mild concussion to permanent physical, mental and emotional impairments, coma, seizure disorders, paralysis and even wrongful death.

The Florida Brain and Head Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton recognize that brain trauma, like TBIs related to DUI wrecks, can create continuing aftereffects. Our staff and attorneys are well experienced working with experts in the fields of neuroanatomy, medicine and rehabilitation planning.

May 5, 2011

New Port Richey, Florida Maritime Injury Lawyer :: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Investigating Fatal Boat Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The FWC is investigating a boat accident off the coast near Anclote Park that caused the death of a 55-year-old New Port Richey, Florida man. Three other passengers were tossed into the water, but were eventually rescued by Blue Fin Charter boat who also recovered the body of the deceased.

On April 16, 2011 the four boaters were making their way back from a day of fishing when their engine allegedly stopped working. Investigators said that the boaters attempted to anchor the vessel by throwing the anchor off the bow as the waters got rough. The boat was supposedly hit by a large wave that caused the vessel to tip over.

The boat sank into 20 feet of water while three passengers waded in the Gulf. None of the boaters’ were allegedly wearing life vests.

The charter boat that rescued the passengers was met by a USCG vessel at Anclote Park. The condition of the passengers was not released and an FWC spokesman said that it will be up to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

Florida has the highest number of registered boating vessels in the United States, according to the 2008 Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report. With a total of 657 reported accidents in 2008, Florida also has the highest number of boating accidents in the U.S. What was the main cause of boating fatalities in 2008? In Florida, the main cause of death amongst boaters was falling overboard. The numbers continue to grow every year.

With the spring and summer months ahead, it is important for Floridians to know the dangers of boating and the proper safety precautions to take when traveling the waterways. The risks of being in a boat accident or drowning are ever-present, so it is important to wear life jackets any time you are aboard a vessel, constantly check weather conditions, maneuver a boat at safe speeds and constantly check the engine and other mechanical equipment for any faults. One of the most important things to have onboard is life saving devices for yourself and all other passengers. If children are present, proper supervision should be given at all times.

March 15, 2011

New Port Richey, Florida Wrongful Death Attorney :: Hudson Woman Charged in Crash Killing a Triplet

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 5-year-old girl was killed on Nov. 5 in her front yard after an enraged Hudson, Florida woman got behind the wheel of her car and sped away from her house after a fight with her boyfriend.

Florida Highway Patrol estimates that the Jeep accelerated to somewhere around 44 mph before the woman lost control of her vehicle. The collision site was about 50 paces from the woman’s home.

The Florida woman allegedly lost control of her vehicle and jumped a curb, flattened a neighbor’s mailbox and smashed into a neighbor’s yard. She then hit a parked truck and drove into a group of small children, including the triplets. Two of the three were hit.

The woman was allegedly ejected from the Jeep, which kept rolling and hit the triplets’ parents’ van parked in their driveway.

One of the two triplets was pronounced dead the following morning at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

The other triplet hit by the accident suffered two weeks in the hospital with two broken clavicles, a broken pelvis, several broken ribs, a broken right leg, a collapsed lung and internal bleeding, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

The woman driving the vehicle suffered minor injuries. She faces criminal charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving involving serious bodily injury and reckless driving involving property damage. She was issued infractions for no insurance, defective equipment and not wearing a seat belt.

The Hudson woman remained in Pasco County jail Friday evening with bail set at $15, 250.

Most motor vehicle accidents are unintentional and due to a driver’s distraction, which in this woman’s case was frustration from a disagreement with her boyfriend. For the vehicular homicide charge this woman is facing a Second Degree Felony with high fines and a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment along with a license revocation for a three-year minimum.

A wrongful death can transpire when the actions of a person are found to be negligent and the legal cause of another individual’s injury ultimately leading to death that could have been avoided. Under Florida law, the victim’s family would need to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. Other forms of civil lawsuits must be filed in four years, so it is important for the family to act swiftly if they choose to file a claim so they do not lose the ability to do so.