Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

June 18, 2024

News: 2 injured when fleeing motorcyclist hits Marion County government vehicle

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCALA, FL – Two people were injured in a crash involving a fleeing motorcyclist in Ocala last week, police said.

In a Facebook post, the Ocala Police Department said one of its detectives initiated a traffic stop on a motorcycle rider near a convenience store on N Pine Avenue on June 11 at about 11:15 p.m.

The motorcyclist failed to comply with the stop and fled, then went through a red light at the intersection of N Pine Avenue and NW 10th Street. The motorcycle collided with a Marion County government pickup truck going south.

June 17, 2024

News: Woman charged with DUI manslaughter in fatal Ocala car wreck

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCALA, FL – Police announced the arrest of an alleged drunk driver in connection with a fatal wreck that occurred in Ocala on Wednesday night.

WKMG reports the suspect was identified as 44-year-old Tiara Kirkland. Ocala police said she was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Spark heading south on North Pine Avenue at about 7:45 p.m.

Investigators learned that Kirkland turned into the path of a Toyota Scion and a Honda Civic which were both traveling north.

June 17, 2024

Review Your Insurance Policy Now – Active Hurricane Season Ahead for Floridians | Florida Hurricane and Storm Damage Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

State officials are urging Florida residents to check their insurance policies as Florida is projected to have an active hurricane season.

Officials have approved insurance companies offering a 0% rate increase, and some that have even decreased their rates. Officials are also keeping a close watch to make sure insurance providers are fulfilling their obligations – they recently fined a company $1,000,000 for mishandling Hurricane Ian’s claims.

Reviewing your insurance policy before a hurricane makes landfall is not just a good idea—it is a necessity. By understanding your coverage, checking for gaps, and updating your policy as needed, you can protect your home and family from the financial devastation that a hurricane can cause. Take the time to review and adjust your insurance policy now if needed, so that you are not panicking after a storm.

June 14, 2024

News: Motorcyclist dies after colliding with vehicle in Spring Hill

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

SPRING HILL, FL – A collision in Hernando County on Saturday evening left one person dead and another injured, Fox 13 News reported.

The Florida Highway Patrol said a man was driving a Honda motorcycle west on Spring Hill Drive shortly after 6:30 p.m. and failed to stop at a red light at the intersection with Pinehurst Drive. The motorcycle struck a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV that was going south on Pinehurst Drive. The motorcycle and SUV rotated and came to rest in the eastbound and westbound lanes.

The motorcycle driver, a 21-year-old Spring Hill man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Hyundai, a 43-year-old woman from Spring Hill, sustained minor injuries.

June 13, 2024

News: 17-year-old facing charges for crash that killed Ocala couple

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCALA, FL – Police said a teenager has been arrested on charges stemming from a fatal car accident in Ocala that occurred on Feb. 20.

In a news release, the Ocala Police Department said the 17-year-old suspect has been charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in connection with the accident near the 1500 block of SE 36th Avenue.

Investigators said the teen driver was driving a Mercedes SUV at over 120 miles per hour moments before the wreck with no evidence of braking. The Mercedes crashed into the back of a Mazda, causing it to strike a concrete utility pole. The Mazda returned to the roadway, overturned and caught fire.

June 12, 2024

News: Driver dies after crash between 2 pickup trucks in Citrus County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

CITRUS COUNTY, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said two pickup trucks were involved in a fatal collision Saturday afternoon in Citrus County.

According to a WFLA report, the driver of a Dodge Ram was going east on County Road 480 when he crossed over the center line near South Meredith Avenue at about 1:45 p.m. The Dodge collided with a westbound Toyota Tundra nearly head-on, with both vehicles ending up in the westbound lane and the shoulder.

The Toyota driver, a 56-year-old man from Weeki Wachee, died at the scene. The Dodge was driven by a 20-year-old Weeki Wachee man, who had two men as passengers, ages 27 and 19. There was no word on whether any of the occupants of the Dodge were injured.

June 11, 2024

News: 18-year-old woman killed, 2 injured in crash at County Road 484

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – A crash involving a car and a pickup truck in Marion County left one person dead and two others injured, including a toddler.

WESH reports the accident took place Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of County Road 484 and SW 95th Circle.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation indicated that the driver of a sedan was headed south on SW 95th Circle in the right turn lane at about 4:42 p.m. When the sedan entered the intersection, it was struck by a pickup that was going west on County Road 484. The impact sent the two vehicles onto the shoulder of County Road 484.

June 10, 2024

News: Ocklawaha man dies after crashing into tree in Marion County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCKLAWAHA, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol and Marion County Fire Rescue were called to the scene of a fatal wreck in Marion County on Wednesday night.

A report in the Ocala StarBanner states that the crash occurred along Southeast 80th Place in Ocklawaha.

The FHP’s investigation determined that a 45-year-old Ocklawaha man was driving a Nissan pickup truck southbound shortly before 7:53 p.m. when he lost control while going around a curve. The pickup crashed into a tree near 170th Avenue Road.

June 7, 2024

News: Driver arrested on DUI charges after fatal crash on State Road 52

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PASCO COUNTY, FL – One of the drivers involved in a fatal collision in Pasco County on Sunday night is facing charges, according to Pasco News Online.

Two vehicles and a motorcycle were involved in the crash, which occurred on State Road 52 near Pine Forest Drive.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation determined that a Chrysler PT Cruiser was stopped in the travel lane of SR-52 after an accident with a Hyundai sedan. A man riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound in the center lane crashed into the PT Cruiser. The bike then went airborne into the inside lane and was hit by a Volkswagen Passat.

June 6, 2024

News: 1 driver killed, 1 injured when vehicles collide on U.S. Highway 301

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

BUSHNELL, FL – A collision between two vehicles in Sumter County on Sunday night left one driver dead and the other injured, WKMG reports.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of a Kia was going north on U.S. Highway 301 in Bushnell at about 9:45 p.m. when he entered the southbound lane near County Road 700. The Kia crashed into a Hyundai Elantra nearly head-on.

The driver of the Kia, a 49-year-old man from Dade City, died at the scene. The driver of the Hyundai, an 18-year-old woman from Webster, was hospitalized with minor injuries.