Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

December 22, 2023

Honda and Toyota Recalls to be Aware of as We Head into the New Year | Florida Vehicle Defects and Recalls Attorneys

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Toyota Motor Corporation announced on Wednesday that it was recalling one million cars due to a flaw that could prevent airbags from deploying, raising the possibility of injuries.

The Toyota Rav4, Sienna, Camry, and the Lexus ES350 and RX350 are among the 15 distinct Toyota and Lexus models from the 2020 and 2021 model years that are included in the recall.

More specifically, there may be a short circuit in the Occupant Classification System sensor, which recognizes when a person is seated in the front passenger seat. The sensor in a few of these cars was made incorrectly.

Using its approximate weight determination, the OCS sensor can determine if a passenger in the front seat is an adult or a child. The airbag may not deploy in a collision if a child is found in the front passenger seat because its force could harm a young child.

According to Toyota’s statement, an OCS sensor short circuit may prevent the airbag from deploying in an accident when it should.

Toyota said it will notify owners of vehicles affected by the recall by the end of February 2024. The service staff at Toyota or Lexus dealerships will replace the sensor at no cost to the owner when the owners bring their car in.

On a similar note, over 2 million Honda cars of different makes and models have been recalled due to a fuel pump problem that may make it more likely for engines to stall or not start while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall notice states that there is a chance that the fuel pump within the fuel tank would malfunction, increasing the possibility of the engine stalling while driving, increasing the odds of an accident. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on February 5, 2024, and Honda dealerships will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to the owner.

These Honda models are being recalled:

2018-2020 Honda Accord
2018-2020 Honda Civic Coupe
2018-2020 Honda Civic Sedan
2018-2020 Honda Civic Hatchback
2018-2020 Honda Civic Type R
2018-2020 Honda CR-V
2018-2020 Honda HR-V
2018-2020 Honda Ridgeline
2018-2020 Honda Odyssey
2018-2020 Acura ILX
2018-2020 Acura MDX
2018-2020 Acura MDX Hybrid
2018-2020 Acura RDX
2018-2020 Acura RLX
2018-2020 Acura TLX
2019-2020 Honda Insight
2019-2020 Honda Passport
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid
2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV
2018-2019 Honda Fit
2017-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
2017-2020 Acura NSX

Close-up shot of a black steering wheel by Jay Johnson

A car recall could be ordered if the vehicle safety standards are not being met. Recalls can be issued for anything from relatively small mechanical flaws, like a door lock malfunction, to extremely critical problems that need to be fixed right away, such as malfunctioning brake systems that pose a serious risk to life.

If something appears “off” with your car, you should check to see if a recall has been issued right away. If your car is registered, you should receive a letter from the manufacturer informing you of any safety recalls. Using your vehicle identification number (VIN), you can also visit the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check for recalls.

Unfortunately, history shows that manufacturers frequently issue recalls only after dozens, if not hundreds, of individuals have been gravely hurt or killed. Even in the absence of a recall, if you believe a car defect may have contributed to the injury you or a loved one suffered, you should contact our Florida Vehicle Defects and Recalls Attorneys at Whittel & Melton to assist with investigating the matter. Even though these cases can be more complex, we have a team of experts that can help us identify if your injuries or the injuries of a loved one were caused by an unidentified car problem. Continue reading

December 22, 2023

News: Student dies in motorcycle crash on NW 16th Boulevard in Gainesville

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A motorcycle accident in northwest Gainesville on Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of a college student, according to a WCJB report.

The crash took place along Northwest 16th Boulevard near 38th Street. An investigation by the Gainesville Police Department found the motorcyclist was traveling east at high speed at about 4 p.m. when he struck an unknown object.

The motorcycle crashed and the victim, reported to be a Santa Fe college student, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.

December 21, 2023

What Should You Do If You Are Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? | Florida Rideshare Accident Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A recent accident in Manatee County, FL where an Uber driver and a passenger were killed, and two other passengers in the rideshare vehicle were seriously injured, brings up the question of what to do if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families involved in this tragedy.

Just like regular car accidents, if an Uber or Lyft accident is caused by another driver, then they are typically legally on the hook for any accident-related damages. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, just as you could if you were involved in a similar accident while driving your own vehicle.

The situation can be further complicated if the responsible driver is under insured or uninsured, or if the accident is a hit and run. Uber and Lyft may provide coverage in these instances, but coverage limits can vary from state to state.

What Should You Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Florida?

If you have ever been in a car accident, you are aware of how frightening and unsettling the seconds that follow the collision can be. However, there are a few things that everyone should make sure to do right away after a collision. This is particularly crucial if you are in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft car because there are unique factors to consider when working with ridesharing services.

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When possible, these are the steps you should take after an Uber or Lyft accident:

Get immediate medical care for your injuries.
Report the accident to the police.
Obtain the contact details of the other drivers involved in the incident, as well as your driver.
Get the ridesharing insurance information for your driver as well as the details of their individual policy.
Stay at the scene until the police come, and make sure the accident report specifies that you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle at the time of the collision. Request a copy of the report for your own records.
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage done to all vehicles involved.
Write down or recount your version of events to someone else who can record them right away. Our memories can fail us after car accidents, so you need to make note of what you remember to strengthen your claim.
To prove that you were a rideshare passenger, take pictures of the area and screenshots of your app.
Obtain any witnesses’ contact details.
Speak with a lawyer familiar with rideshare accident cases. We can help – call us for a free consultation at 866-608-5529.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Uber or Lyft Car Accident Injury Case?

Compared to ordinary auto accident claims, rideshare insurance claims and personal injury and/or wrongful death lawsuits are more involved. Our Florida Rideshare Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you understand who should be held accountable for your injuries or the death of a loved one. We can address your inquiries concerning responsibility and insurance coverage.

Rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, will have a team of lawyers in their corner. Having legal representation for your case will help you achieve the best result possible, especially if a death or serious injuries resulted from the accident.

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer with experience in Uber accidents is highly advised. They can support you through the court system, defend your rights, and make sure you get just compensation for your losses and injuries. Our Florida Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can assist you in developing a compelling case as we are familiar with the intricacies of injuries and wrongful deaths that arise from rideshare accidents.

Keep in mind that every automobile accident is different, so the best approach to make sure you take the right steps after a collision is to speak with a legal expert.

Speak with our Florida Rideshare Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton today if you have been harmed in an Uber or Lyft accident. We can protect your right to financial compensation for all your losses, including personal injury and wrongful death claims. Car accident claims may seem straightforward, but you might be surprised to learn how insurance providers frequently offer low payment amounts or reject valid claims entirely. Having an attorney experienced in these types of issues by your side is beneficial in such situations. Continue reading

December 21, 2023

News: 3-year-old child ejected in collision at Ocala intersection

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCALA, FL – Police said a child was rushed to a hospital following a collision at an intersection in Ocala on Tuesday night.

In a Facebook post, the Ocala Police Department said the incident happened in the area of North Pine Avenue and NW 35th Street at about 8:37 p.m.

A 3-year-old who was ejected in the wreck was transported as a trauma-alert patient, and was listed in stable condition.

December 20, 2023

News: Motorcycle rider dies after being struck by vehicles on US 27

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

CLERMONT, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a motorcyclist was killed in an accident in Lake County on Sunday evening.

WKMG reported details of the incident that occurred on U.S. Highway 27 at Frank Jarrell Road near Clermont.

The FHP said a man was riding a 2024 Kawasaki southbound on U.S. 27 at about 6:22 and lost control of the bike, causing him to fall onto the road. The motorcyclist, a 26-year-old Kissimmee resident, was struck by eight vehicles and pronounced dead at the scene.

December 19, 2023

News: Bicyclist, 15, fatally struck by vehicle in Pasco County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

PASCO COUNTY, FL – A collision in Pasco County on Thursday morning claimed the life of a teenage bicycle rider, WESH reports.

The victim, a 15-year-old boy, was riding near the intersection of Kitten Trail and Thompson Avenue when the incident took place at about 6:30 a.m.

As the bicyclist was headed eastbound in the travel lane, a man driving a Dodge Charger approached and tried to avoid a collision but struck the rear of the bicycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

December 18, 2023

What Do You Do If You Are Injured While on Vacation? | Florida Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

You want your vacation to be as stress-free as possible, whether you are traveling across the country to enjoy a few peaceful days away from the office or you are planning a trip to an intriguing destination abroad. Regretfully, in the unfortunate event that you sustain an injury while on vacation, you may have to deal with trouble getting to the doctor, high medical costs, and other challenges.

Here are a few tips from our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton to help you avoid serious frustrations after being injured on a holiday.

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Seek Medical Care

If you are hurt while on vacation, getting medical attention should be your priority. You should see a doctor to be sure your injuries are managed properly, even if you think they are minor. Because adrenaline can obscure pain, it is possible that you may not feel like you were hurt. By obtaining medical attention, you are recording both the injuries that were sustained in the accident and any problems that might cause issues down the road.

Inform the Right Person About Your Injury – File an Accident Report

Should you sustain an injury while shopping at a nearby market, in the hotel pool, or at a restaurant, you need to disclose the injury to the manager who is on duty. Of course, you should call the local authorities and stay at the site if you are involved in a car crash, or similar accident, especially if it occurs abroad. Most establishments, including hotels, dining establishments and retail stores, have policies in place for handling injuries. It is likely that you will be required to submit a statement and fill out a series of forms. Request copies of everything. If they will not provide you with a copy, ask to read the report and while you are reading, take a quick picture of it with your phone.

Gather Details About Other Parties Involved

Automobile accidents rank among the most frequent causes of vacation-related injuries. If this has happened to you, then you should try to learn as much as you can from the other motorist. Make sure you obtain the names and contact details of any passengers in their car, as well as information about insurance and registration. You want to take as many pictures of the crash site as you can. Take pictures of the scene, all the involved cars, the place where the accident happened, and your actual injuries with your phone.

Speak with the Eyewitnesses

Talk to as many witnesses as you can, and make sure you have their contact information on hand for when the time comes that you may need it. If you have an injury that makes writing difficult for you, capture the information using your phone so you can transcribe it later. Additionally, you should record the contact details of any doctors you visit.

Comply with the Physician’s Recommendations

You must follow the doctor’s instructions exactly after seeking medical attention. If the doctor tells you to stay off your feet and rest, that means you do not go surfing or hiking. An insurance claim may be rejected if medical advice is disregarded. Even if you feel considerably better, make sure to follow up with your family doctor if you are instructed to do so when you get home. You want to make sure that any information you received from the other doctor concerning your injuries is recorded and verified.

Be Careful What You Say

Do not share your opinions with the doctor, the hotel staff, or anybody else, even if you think you did anything to cause the injuries. Keep in mind that if you ever need to take legal action, everything you say could be used against you. Your injuries might have resulted from something you did, but it is also possible that someone else’s carelessness played a part in it. The negligence may have been caused by a slick pool tile, water spilled in a store, or furniture positioned dangerously. You should never admit fault after an injury, and whatever statement you offer to a manager or police officer should be limited. Also, never sign any documents, especially if you are being asked to sign something in a foreign language.

Speak to Our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton – 866-608-5529

You should get in touch with an attorney if you are injured while on vacation. We can assist you with filing insurance claims, helping you acquire the necessary medical care, and navigating the entire process. Hiring legal counsel does not imply that you intend to file a lawsuit. Rather, having an attorney will guarantee that your rights are upheld and that you receive any compensation to which you may be legally entitled. This is particularly important if you are hurt while traveling outside of the United States because personal injury laws vary greatly in other countries. Continue reading

December 18, 2023

News: Ocala man dies after motorcycle accident on SE 38th Street

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

OCALA, FL – State troopers were called to the scene of a fatal motorcycle accident in Marion County on Wednesday night, reports the Ocala StarBanner.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation found that a man lost control of his Can-Am Ryker motorcycle while riding south on Southeast 38th Street near Baseline Road at about 7:16 p.m. The victim rolled multiple times and ended up on the north side of the street while the bike landed on the opposite side.

The motorcyclist, a 48-year-old man from Ocala, was pronounced dead after being taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.

December 15, 2023

News: Man killed when golf cart crashes into tree at Brooksville resort

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

BROOKSVILLE, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal golf cart accident that took place in Hernando County on Saturday morning.

According to details reported by WTSP, the incident occurred at the Clover Leaf RV Resort in Brooksville shortly before 11 a.m.

The FHP said a 74-year-old man was driving his golf cart westbound on a path designated for golf carts near Meetinghouse Lane. He suffered a medical emergency, drove off the path and collided with a tree before landing in a pond.

December 14, 2023

News: Multi-vehicle collision on County Road 326 injures 3

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

MARION COUNTY, FL – Rescue units were dispatched to the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in Marion County last week.

In a news release, Marion County Fire Rescue said it responded to reports of a head-on crash involving three vehicles on County Road 326 Thursday at about 1:30 p.m. Crews found one car with heavy damage and two others with moderate damage.

Firefighters worked to remove one of the vehicles in order to extricate a driver trapped in a sedan next to it. That driver was rushed to an area hospital as a trauma alert. Two other people were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.