Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

October 7, 2024

Hernando County Issues Mandatory Evacuation Orders for Hurricane Milton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

While Spring Hill, Brooksville, and the rest of Hernando County are still cleaning up the damage from Hurricane Helene, Hernando County Emergency Management has issued mandatory evacuation orders starting at 8am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 due to the category 5 Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9.

Hernando County residents looking for shelter are advised to arrive at their designated site by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

All regions west of US 19 are under mandatory evacuation, including evacuation zones A, B, and C. This includes all countywide mobile home inhabitants as well as those residing in low-lying and coastal locations. If you need to know your zone, you can find it here.

October 7, 2024

News: Hundreds of homes, buildings damaged in Citrus and Hernando counties by Hurricane Helene

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

HERNANDO COUNTY, FL – Florida residents are continuing to clean up and assess the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene.

A report by WTVT states that at least 500 homes in Hernando County and about 300 buildings in Citrus County sustained major damage, with the Citrus damage estimated at about $70 million. Storm surge of up to 10 feet was reported in many of the communities close to the Gulf.

Homeowners along inlets in Homosassa were among those removing belongings from their homes, which had about three feet of water. Trucks were helping residents remove debris, and shelters were open for residents whose homes were too damaged to return.

October 4, 2024

News: Man facing DUI charges for fatal accident in The Villages

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

THE VILLAGES, FL – Authorities said an alleged drunk driver is now facing charges over a fatal 2023 accident in The Villages, according to the Ocala StarBanner.

56-year-old Gerald Antonio Palomba was arrested for the incident that happened in the area of County Road 42 and Belle Meade Circle. He has been charged with DUI manslaughter and DUI with property damage.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Palomba was riding a motorcycle east on County Road 42 when he went through a red light at the intersection. The driver of a northbound Chevy van, who had been stopped at the light, was proceeding forward with a green light when it was struck by the motorcycle.

October 3, 2024

News: Damage from Hurricane Helene results in $657M in insurance losses in Florida

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Damage from the effects of Hurricane Helene has resulted in an estimated $657 million in insurance losses in Florida so far, according to a WUWF report.

Data from Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation showed that the losses increased to that total on Tuesday, up from $507 million the previous day. 65,716 claims had been filed as of Tuesday, an increase from 48,341 on Monday.

Over half the claims, 33,130, involved residential property, while others included damage to automobiles and commercial property.

October 2, 2024

News: Tree toppled by Hurricane Helene crashes through school bus window in Seminole County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL – A student in Seminole County narrowly escaped injury following an accident Friday morning caused by the destructive force of Hurricane Helene.

WOFL reported details of the incident and spoke with the 8th grader about what happened.

He was riding on a school bus headed for Teague Middle School in Altamonte Springs when a tree toppled by the hurricane on the side of the road came crashing down through a bus window as the driver was making a turn, and sent glass flying.

October 1, 2024

Here’s What Happens After a Bike Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Following a bicycle accident with a car, call 911 immediately to report the occurrence and obtain any necessary medical assistance. After experiencing something like this, you may feel shocked and find it difficult to plan your next course of action. However, the steps you take immediately after the accident are critical to your safety, health, and future compensation claims.

Documenting your injuries and damages in detail, exchanging information with the other person involved, and gathering evidence at the scene are all crucial. This first stage establishes the framework for protecting your rights. Remember that dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident requires complex legal considerations and insurance difficulties. Consulting with a Florida Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you handle the hurdles of a bike crash successfully.

Step-by-Step Guide for Bike Crash Victims

October 1, 2024

News: Passenger killed when highway sign falls on car on I-4 during Hurricane Helene

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

TAMPA, FL – A traffic fatality in the Tampa area last week was linked to the effects of Hurricane Helene, according to the Miami Herald.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the incident occurred Thursday night along Interstate 4 near Ybor City at about 7:49 p.m. The FHP said a 61-year-old Gibsonton man was driving a Honda Odyssey westbound near 21st Street when a highway exit sign fell and landed on the car, which had four people inside.

One passenger, a 23-year-old man from Gibsonton, was killed in the accident.

September 30, 2024

6 Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You in Florida

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Car accidents can be extremely stressful, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. Navigating the aftermath of a Florida car accident can be difficult, particularly when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. A Florida Car Accident Lawyer can be quite helpful in this situation.

Following a car crash, our Florida Car Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can assist you in recovering compensation and moving forward with your life in the following ways:

We Can Help You Understand Your Legal Rights and Options

September 30, 2024

News: Hernando County dealing with extensive damage in aftermath of Hurricane Helene

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

HERNANDO COUNTY, FL – People in many parts of Florida are now dealing with the damage and flooding left behind by Hurricane Helene, and the Hernando Sun reported on the impact of the storm in that particular region.

The county was hit hard by the hurricane, with the storm surge reaching 8 feet in the coastal areas. Authorities made dozens of water rescues, and Hernando County Fire Rescue responded to several fires in the Hernando Beach area after seawater came in contact with lithium batteries used in toys, power tools, and electric vehicles.

Many residents experienced flooded homes, and damage or total loss of their belongings. Widespread power outages added to the challenges of trying to recover.

September 30, 2024

Former South Florida Physician Found Liable for Medical Malpractice in Baby’s Circumcision Tied to 6 Other Patient Deaths | West Palm Beach Medical Malpractice Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A former Florida physician, who was found liable for $100 million in August in a medical negligence case involving an infant’s mishandled circumcision, has been linked to several mismanaged procedures, including 6 patient fatalities.

On August 27, a Palm Beach County jury awarded the child’s parents $100 million after they accused the former doctor of severing the child’s urethra during a 2021 circumcision. The former physician, who worked as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Palm Beach County for 33 years, conducted the procedure just 10 days after the Florida Board of Medicine voted to suspend his medical license.

Court records indicate that this was not the first time the former doctor had been involved in medical malpractice. According to reports, he was mentioned in nine malpractice proceedings and four disciplinary cases, including ones involving the deaths of two infants, an injury to another, and the 1990s death of an 18-year-old mother.