Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

November 14, 2024

News: 1 dead in collision involving van and semi-truck on Interstate 75

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – A collision in Marion County on Tuesday afternoon left one person dead and four others injured.

A report by WESH states that a Honda van and a semi-truck were involved in the crash on Interstate 75 south near mile marker 358. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the van was heading south at about 3:20 p.m. and veered off the roadway toward the center median.

When the driver tried to overcorrect, the van crossed every lane to enter the exit lane toward State Road 326. The driver of the semi tried veering right to avoid the van, but the front of the truck collided with the van’s right side.

November 14, 2024

How to Stay Safe and Avoid Accidents on Black Friday

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as one of the biggest shopping days of the year. According to the National Retail Federation, 2023 saw a record 200.4 million shoppers take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains.

To help you stay safe while shopping for those must-have items on your list, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to remind you of the potential hazards, typical injuries, safety tips, and what to do if you get hurt during the holiday rush. This year Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024, and we want you to be prepared.

Injuries from Large Crowds

November 13, 2024

News: Elderly woman fatally struck by vehicle on Southwest 80th Avenue

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCALA, FL – A pedestrian accident in Marion County Friday night claimed the life of an elderly woman, according to the Ocala StarBanner.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the 77-year-old victim was attempting to cross near the 6600 block of Southwest 80th Avenue from east to west when the collision occurred. The pedestrian was struck by a southbound Subaru Outback SUV driven by a 74-year-old man.

The woman, who lived nearby, was pronounced dead at 9:48 p.m. The driver, who also lived in the area and was headed home, stopped and stayed at the scene. The driver and his 76-year-old wife who was his passenger were not injured.

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.