Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

November 12, 2024

News: Motorcyclist dies after crashing into mailbox off State Road 44 in Eustis

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

LAKE COUNTY, FL – An investigation is underway into a deadly motorcycle accident that occurred in Lake County on Saturday, the Leesburg-News reports.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene on State Road 44 at Bottany Woods Drive in Eustis. The FHP said a man was riding a 2020 Harley Davidson FXLRS motorcycle southbound shortly after 5 p.m. when he was unable to negotiate a curve.

The motorcycle went off the roadway and crashed into a mailbox. The rider, a 57-year-old man from Sanford, died after being rushed to AdventHealth Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, state troopers said.

November 11, 2024

News: 12-year-old injured in hit-and-run incident in Marion County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

BELLEVIEW, FL – A 12-year-old was injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Marion County on Wednesday afternoon, WCJB reports.

The incident took place on Southeast 36th Avenue near 107th Place in Belleview. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the girl was walking on the shoulder of the roadway at about 4 p.m. when she was hit by a vehicle. Witnesses said the vehicle was a white 4-door pickup truck that was towing a utility trailer.

The youngster suffered injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. The FHP said the driver involved left the scene of the crash and is now being sought.

November 8, 2024

News: Accident involving tractor-trailer in Citrus County leaves elderly driver dead

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

CITRUS COUNTY, FL – A two-vehicle collision in Citrus County on Monday claimed the life of an elderly driver, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The crash occurred on N Suncoast Boulevard (US-19) and West Dunnellon Road in Crystal River at around noon, according to a report by WFTS.

State troopers learned that an 88-year-old man was driving a Ford Escape on US-19 when he tried to make a left turn onto Dunnellon Road. The Ford entered the path of a tractor-trailer and was hit by the truck.

November 7, 2024

News: 1 driver dead, 1 injured after head-on collision in Alachua County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Two vehicles were involved in a deadly head-on collision in Alachua County on Sunday evening, WJXT reported.

The wreck occurred shortly before 7 p.m. along State Road 121, where a car crashed into a pickup truck. The driver of the car, a 48-year-old man from Spring Hill, was killed. The FHP said he was not wearing a seat belt.

The 61-year-old driver of the pickup sustained minor injuries. That motorist was wearing a seat belt.

November 6, 2024

News: 1 dead in Pasco County ATV crash involving alleged drunk driver

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PASCO COUNTY, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said one person died following an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle in Pasco County.

A report by WTSP states that the incident occurred on a private road behind a gas station in Shady Hills Road Sunday night. The FHP said the ATV driver lost control while driving in circles and the vehicle overturned.

The front seat passenger, a 35-year-old man, was ejected and then was run over by the vehicle, causing fatal injuries. According to state troopers, the driver ran away from the scene but was located a short distance away.

November 5, 2024

News: 8 injured in 2 separate crashes along Florida’s Turnpike

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

LAKE COUNTY, FL – State troopers responded to two separate accidents along Florida’s Turnpike in Lake County on Sunday morning, WESH reported.

Both occurred in the northbound lanes near mile marker 285 in Groveland at about 9:22 a.m. The Florida Highway Patrol said the first incident happened when a driver failed to stop for the car ahead, resulting in a chain-reaction collision that involved a total of eight vehicles.

Then, an SUV driver in the turnpike’s inside lane failed to stop for the previous accident, swerved to the right and struck a van in the outside lane, causing the van to overturn.

November 5, 2024

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road After Daylight Savings Time

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Since it gets darker earlier now due to “falling back,” many of us will probably be traveling home in the dark after work. This time of year is regarded as one of the riskiest for driving because of the time difference and the reduced nighttime visibility. The National Safety Council found that fatal crashes are three times more likely to occur at night than during daylight hours due to reduced visibility.

Our bodies have natural clocks, so even if it is early, our bodies may interpret it as bedtime if it is dark outside, regardless of the time on a clock. The first few days traveling home after the time shift are the most difficult. The time shift coincides with Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which takes place from November 3 to November 9, 2024.

There are difficulties when driving at night. Driving at night is riskier than driving during the day due to a combination of factors such as poor sight, glare from other cars, and exhaustion. However, you can drive more safely after sunset if you take the appropriate safety measures. Here are some essential tips for staying safe when driving in the dark, whether it be morning, afternoon, or night.

November 4, 2024

News: Motorcyclist;, 37, killed in collision with SUV in Marion County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol has released details of an accident Thursday night that claimed the life of an Ocala man.

The Ocala StarBanner reports the incident took place on Southwest 103rd Street Road near 62nd Avenue Road in southwest Marion County.

The FHP’s investigation found that the driver of an SUV was going south on 62nd Avenue Road shortly before 9:45 p.m. and stopped at a four-way stop at the intersection with Southwest 103rd Street Road.

November 1, 2024

News: High Springs man, 59, killed in collision on State Road 45

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – State troopers were at the scene of a fatal crash on State Road 45 in Alachua County Wednesday night, reports the Gainesville Sun.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a man was driving a sedan southbound when the accident happened shortly after 11 p.m. near U.S. 41 and Northwest 32nd Avenue. According to the FHP, the vehicle collided with a deer and went off the road. The sedan then went on to the shoulder of the highway, overturned, and crashed into a utility pole.

The driver, a 59-year-old man from High Springs, was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

October 31, 2024

Halloween Safety Tips

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Halloween is an exciting time of year filled with costumes, decorations, and of course, candy! However, with all the excitement, it is essential to remember that safety should be a priority. Here are some practical Halloween safety tips to ensure a fun, memorable, and safe experience for kids, families, and anyone participating in the spooky festivities.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

Plan Your Route: Map out a route before heading out, sticking to well-lit areas and familiar neighborhoods. It is a good idea to bring a flashlight or two just in case. Avoid dark or isolated streets, and set a designated return time if you have older kids who are out trick-or-treating with their friends. It is a good idea to have a family meeting spot in case you get separated.