Road Safety

October 21, 2015

This Week is National Teen Driver Safety Week

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced October 18 through the 24th is Teen Driver Safety Week. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens between the ages of 14 and 18 years old, and the NHTSA is hoping to raise awareness about the issues facing teen drivers and passengers.

During Teen Driver Safety Week, parents are highly encouraged to talk to their children about the “Five to Drive” rules and staying safe behind the wheel.

Teen Traffic Crash Statistics

In 2013, there were 2,614 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Nearly one out of five teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking in 2013.
In 2013, almost one-third of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
64 percent of all the young passengers of teen drivers who died in car crashes weren’t restrained in 2013.
11 percent of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2013 were reportedly distracted at the time of the crash.

Recent survey results show that only about 25 percent of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the dangers that come along with driving. The NHTSA is urging parents to bring up the topic and discuss the key components of driving and the dangers facing their teen drivers.

Driver inexperience is not the only factor impacting teen drivers when they are behind the wheel. There are many added distractions for teens that can impact their safety- from texting while driving to extra peer passengers.

Teens can drastically reduce their chances of being involved in an injury causing or fatal crash by following the NHTSA’s “Five to Drive” rules.

The Five to Drive

No drinking and driving.
All passengers always buckle up.
Do not text and driver. EVER.
Do not speed.
Do not have more than one passenger in the vehicle at any time.

October 16, 2015

Motorcyclist Killed in Palmetto Crash on I-275

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Friday after troopers believe he crashed into a guardrail along I-275 in Manatee County.

The crash occurred at 12:05 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-275 near the interchange with I-75.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the 64-year-old Tarpon Springs man was riding a 2011 Harley-Davidson south on I-275 when he failed to navigate a right curve in the road.

The motorcycle traveled off the north shoulder and hit a guardrail. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected over the guardrail and landed on the grass shoulder.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

Collisions involving guardrails for motorcycle riders can result in tragic accidents, as this crash shows. Motorcycle riders sustain a significantly higher rate of fatality than occupants of other motor vehicles involved in a collision with a guardrail. While motorcyclists only account for around 2 percent of the vehicles on the road in the U.S., they make up 42 percent of all fatalities involving collisions with guardrails. The fatality risk for a collision involving a guardrail is nearly 80 times higher for motorcyclists compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.

October 2, 2015

Bronson Woman Killed, Teen Injured in Levy County Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 34-year-old Bronson woman was killed in a traffic crash in Levy County Wednesday morning.

A 15-year-old female passenger, also from Bronson, was seriously injured in the accident, which occurred around 6:43 a.m. on U.S. 27.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the woman was driving a 2002 Ford Explorer west in the outside lane and lost control of the sport utility vehicle. It veered onto the shoulder for about 120 feet before hitting a tree.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

If you have been seriously injured, or if you have had a loved one killed in an accident in Florida where the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, pole, barrier, house, parked car or other fixed object, you are probably seeking answers to your legal questions. A Levy County Auto Accident Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you get the answers you are looking for during this difficult time.

Auto accidents in which a car, truck or SUV exits the roadway and hits a tree, utility pole, building, traffic barrier or some other fixed object are some of the most deadly types of motor vehicle accidents. Auto accidents involving a vehicle that left the street, roadway or highway and struck a fixed object are responsible for 20 percent of deaths across the country each year.

September 24, 2015

Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Altoona

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 23-year-old man died after losing control of his motorcycle at about 7:05 p.m. Sunday night at County Road 42 and Rea Way in Altoona.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the St. Augustine man was traveling westbound on CR-42 at a high rate of speed on his 2015 Yamaha.

According to the report, when he entered a curve in the road, he lost control and struck a power pole.

The man was transported to Florida Hospital Waterman, where he later died.

The driver was wearing a helmet. Police are looking into whether alcohol was a factor.

Troopers said the crash is still currently under investigation.

Speeding, alcohol, or drug use, as well as disobeying traffic laws greatly increases the chances of a serious accident. While most bikers take precautions to avoid accidents, all too often other driver’s mistakes lead to unfortunate collisions. Even when all safety measures have been observed, there is no way to eliminate the risk, even for the most skilled motorcyclists.

Any motorcyclist who has been involved in a Florida wreck and sustained any type of injury should consult with a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton. You deserve to be fully compensated for injuries caused by another motorist. Families who have lost a loved one may be able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. We realize that these are tragic situations and are extremely difficult for everyone involved.

September 23, 2015

One Injured in Crash with Seminole County Fire Truck Near Winter Springs

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One person was taken to the hospital after a crash involving a car and a Seminole County fire truck Wednesday morning.

The crash occurred around 10:40 a.m. on Red Bug Lake Road near Tuskawilla Road, near the entrance to the Willa Springs Shopping Plaza.

Seminole County fire officials believe the truck was responding to a call when the crash happened.

The driver of the car was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. At this time, it is unknown how severe the driver’s’ injuries were.

The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating what caused the crash.

Fire trucks throughout the United States have a duty to operate in emergency service, which only contributes to the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident, especially when there is heavy traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 2,000 fire truck accidents happen throughout the country each and every year. More than 1,000 injuries are associated with fire truck collisions, on average, which is quite concerning to motorists everywhere.

Reports indicate that fire truck crashes may occur as many as twice a week in some of the more urban cities in Florida. Despite the fact that all fire trucks have loud sirens, honking horns, and bright lights flashing, some heavily trafficked areas make it impossible to get out of the way. In these cases, an accident is highly likely to occur and serious injuries may result.

September 2, 2015

Florida’s Bicycle Death Rate Highest in Nation

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A new report on bicyclist deaths by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that Florida has the highest rate of bicycling deaths of any state in the nation — 0.57 per 100,000 people, more than double the nationwide rate of 0.23 per 100,000.

While other states have found ways to cut bicycle deaths during two periods measured over the last three decades, Florida has only reduced the number less than 10 percent.

Nationwide, safety seems to be improving for bicyclists, with the number of deaths per 100,000 people declining 44 percent from 0.41 to 0.23 during the periods measured — the five years from 1975 to 1979 and the five years from 2008 to 2012, according to the new CDC report titled “Bicyclist Deaths Associated with Motor Vehicle Traffic — United States, 1975–2012.”

The steepest decline measured was among children younger than 15.

According to the report, bicyclists are killed on U.S. roads at a rate double that of vehicle occupants, even though bicycle travel accounts for only about 1 percent of trips across all modes of transportation.

Because of the year-round warm climate in Florida, cycling is a popular mode of transportation and exercise activity during most months of the year. However, Florida roadways also pose serious risks to bicyclists, from distracted automobile drivers to improper bike lanes. If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury or was killed in a bike accident, it is very important to discuss your case with a Florida Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton.

Unfortunately, what could start out as a leisurely bike ride can quickly turn into a fatal accident. At Whittel & Melton, we believe that the responsible party should be held responsible for damages. Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim for a bike accident can be complex, but we can provide you with the experienced representation you need.

August 21, 2015

1 Killed After Train Hits Car in Auburndale

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One person is dead after an Amtrak train struck a vehicle in Auburndale Monday evening.

A 44-year-old man died in the accident that occurred on Stadium Road near Bennett Street.

According to witnesses, the arms were down and the lights were flashing at the tracks. Cars were apparently stopped on both sides and the driver of the car allegedly went around other traffic and crossed the railroad tracks.

The investigation into this accident is ongoing.

A train wreck is usually a catastrophic event that often results in multiple injuries and a high number of fatalities. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration reports that there are close to 14,000 train wrecks annually. Of these train accidents, around 850 people die every year and another 9,500 people are injured. Unfortunately, train wrecks, railroad crossing accidents, and deaths and injuries as a result of collisions between trains and cars occur quite frequently.

August 18, 2015

Biker Crashes into Tree in Weston

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was flown to a hospital Friday evening after he crashed into a tree in Weston, according to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue.

According to police, the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Royal Palm Boulevard and Town Center Boulevard.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Air Rescue landed on the Weston Hills Country Club golf course to pick up the man and take him to Broward Health Medical Center as a Level 2 trauma, according to reports.

Police said that the man, whose name and age were not released, suffered injuries that were potentially serious but did not appear critical or life-threatening.

While this crash is likely the subject of an ongoing investigation, those injured in motorcycle crashes can potentially file civil litigation seeking damages under certain circumstances. In many motorcycle accidents cases, it is possible for an injured person to seek compensation if it is reasonable to claim that another person’s negligent conduct resulted in the accident. In certain scenarios, passengers may seek monetary damages for medical bills, pain and suffering and possible lost wages.

August 4, 2015

This Week is National Stop on Red Week

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Since 2001, the first full week of August has been dedicated to National Stop on Red Week. This year, National Stop on Red Week is August 2-8. The purpose of this week is to promote safe driving practices, which include always stopping at a red light.

Red light running is a pretty big issue across the United States. In fact, red light running is the leading cause of urban car accidents. It may be surprising, but one out of every three people knows someone who was killed in a red light collision. Red light crashes are responsible for around 900 deaths and 165,000 injuries each year.

In 2013, the latest year for which complete information is currently available, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that:

Red light accidents resulted in 697 fatalities. Nearly half of the people killed were pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists other than the one who ran the red light.
Another 127,000 people were injured in red light accidents.
Failing to stop for a red light, stop sign, or all other forms of traffic control is the most common type of crash in urban areas.

While running a red light may save you two minutes, stopping at a red light can actually save your life. Please join our Florida Auto Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton and do your part to stop Florida red light accidents. Here are a few tips to always remember when behind the wheel:

Always stop when the light is red, no matter what.
If you plan to turn right at an intersection where right turns are permitted at red lights, always stop and check for cars and pedestrians before making the turn.
If the light turns yellow while you are approaching an intersection, slow down and stop. Do not try and speed through the intersection in order to beat the red light.

July 27, 2015

Court Agrees to Hear Appeal in Hospital PIP Lawsuit

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A federal court has agreed to hear an appeal on whether drivers in Palm Beach County and across Florida should be granted class-action status in their claim that HCA hospitals, including JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, are severely overcharging for services under the state’s car insurance system.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta agreed this week to consider an appeal of a lower-court decision in Florida that drivers could pursue lawsuits individually, but not as a group. The plaintiffs allege that the hospitals are draining Personal Injury Protection benefits by charging up to 65 times what Medicare pays.

An HCA statement issues said the case lacks merit and the company intends to defend it vigorously.

Recently, the Florida state legislature has taken steps to reduce the amount of fraud in the insurance system, reduce payment delays and limit use of the court system. The following changes were implemented:

In the past, injury victims had an unlimited time frame to make an injury claim, but now injury victims only have 14 days to seek medical treatment that may be covered by PIP.
Under the new law, people with minor injuries might be limited on the amount of financial recovery that they will receive from PIP coverage.
PIP compensation is limited to 80 percent of your medical costs.