Motorcycle Accident

March 10, 2022

5 Pieces of Gear You Need for Motorcycle Safety | Pasco County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Whittel & Melton

Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, and if you are an avid biker, then you know that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car due to the lack of safety protections. This is why having the right gear is a MUST when you are riding on the open road. Our Pasco County Motorcycle Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have outlined 5 key pieces of gear you need every time you ride:

Motorcycle Helmet: While Florida requires all motorcyclists under 21 to wear a helmet, riders over the age of 21 can opt out of wearing one as long as they have at least $10,000 in medical benefits on their insurance plan. Helmets are a good idea to wear regardless of the law because (a.) it keeps bugs out of your eyes and mouth (yuck!), (b.) many helmets on the market now come with Bluetooth so that you can make phone calls, listen to music, and even get driving directions while wearing it, (c.) it protects your brain – God forbid you are involved in a crash, a traumatic brain injury can change your life forever.
Leather Gloves: this is the second most important piece of gear for bikers as if you are ejected from your bike, you will use your hands to protect yourself. If you do not have gloves on for protection then you can easily lose skin, fingers, and break bones. No, gloves won’t protect you from everything, but they can really help if you are involved in a crash. Many come with knuckle protectors and are wind and waterproof.
Motorcycle Jacket: This can keep you warm when it’s cooler out and thanks to perforated leather jackets, you can stay cool in the Florida heat. Some leather jackets are even made of ballistic mesh, which is great for heat. While a jacket may increase your body temperature causing you to sweat a bit, if you do crash then a jacket can protect your body if you slide on the pavement. A jacket keeps your skin from being scraped off your body – if you don’t have one on then your muscle, bones, and nerves can all be exposed after a bad accident.
Motorcycle Boots: Yes, they look cool, but they also provide you with traction and protect the bones in your feet in the event of a crash. You want to look for sturdy boots that offer over then ankle protection – this keeps them from flying off you if a collision occurs.
Motorcycle Pants: Shorts leave your knees and legs exposed. Jeans can get shredded if you slide on pavement. Motorcycle pats are made with Kevlar panels added to key places, so you have built in armor to zones that will likely see impact in the event of a collision.

October 9, 2020

New Port Richey Motorcyclist Killed in Crash with Driver Making Left Turn | Pasco County Motorcycle Death Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 64-year-old New Port Richey motorcyclist was killed Tuesday around 1:30 p.m. when another motorist executed a left turn in front of him on State Road 54.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was travelling west on State Road 54 when an 86-year-old woman coming from the east turned left in front of him.

The motorcycle and the car smashed into each other and came to a halt in the intersection. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and was taken to the hospital, which is where he passed away.

The female driver involved suffered minor injuries and her 88-year-old passenger, both from New Port Richey, suffered no harm, according to reports.

An investigation into the crash is currently underway.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in 2018. Overall, motorcyclists make up 14% of all traffic fatalities and are 28 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision when compared to drivers in passenger vehicles.

If you own a motorcycle and live in Florida, then you know that you can enjoy pretty much year-round riding. While cruising the open road can be exhilarating, it can be equally dangerous. Even the safest of motorcyclists – those that have excellent balance, coordination, and exercise great judgement – can find themselves involved in a collision with a negligent driver sharing the road.

Driving a car and riding a motorcycle require two very different skill sets. This is why the state of Florida requires new motorcycle riders to pass a basic skills course and obtain a motorcycle license endorsement. Anyone that operates a motorcycle in the state of Florida without an endorsement is in violation of the law. With that said, the NHTSA also found that in 2017 29% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were operating their motorcycles without a valid motorcycle license.

As we mentioned before, operating a motorcycle requires practice and skill. Before you take your bike out on the road you want to make sure you feel confident in controlling the bike and can handle it in any type of condition, such as inclement weather and various road hazards, like wet or slick streets, road debris, and potholes.

Another good tip is to check that your bike is in good working order before taking it out. Check the tire pressure, hand and foot brakes, signal indicators, headlights, and fluid levels before taking your bike for a spin. Always check for oil or gas leaks. If you need to carry a bag or other cargo with you on your ride, then you need to secure it to the bike and adjust the tire pressure and suspension so that the added weight is accommodated properly. On that same note, if you have a passenger, then they need to mount the motorcycle after the engine has started and sit directly behind you as far forward as possible. Your passenger needs to be told to keep their feet on the foot rests at all times and steer clear of the muffler. Your passenger should hold on to your waist, belt, or even hips and try to limit their movement. If you need to lean, then your passenger should lean in the same direction as you. Finally, a passenger should only dismount once you tell them it is safe to do so.

When you are on the road, always wear a helmet that meets the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). There will be a DOT symbol on the back of the helmet to let you know it is approved. If you are in the market for a new helmet, the NHTSA can help you choose one that is right for you.

March 18, 2019

Motorcyclist Killed in Pasco County Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed in a traffic crash in the Hunters Ridge community of Pasco County Saturday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Investigators said the 59-year-old was on his motorcycle heading east on Rancho Del Rio Drive at the time of the crash. He entered the intersection at Via Segovia, at which time another vehicle drove into his path.

The man’s motorcycle struck the left rear of the second vehicle. He died at the scene.

According to the accident report, the man was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

No further information has been released.

It is no secret that a motorcycle’s small size combined with their speed can be deadly. Hundreds of motorcyclists die every year in Florida in collisions with cars and trucks. Motorcyclists have to be very cautious when navigating the roadway, but other motorists also need to be more aware of motorcyclists.

Most motorcycle accidents are preventable. The most common causes of these collisions, include:

Distracted driving
Motorists not paying attention to motorcycles
Drunk or drugged driving
Faulty mirrors, brakes or lighting

Drivers of cars and trucks are not free to act without regard for the safety of motorcyclists. Motorists routinely neglect their responsibility to watch out for bikers on Florida roads, causing serious, and even fatal, motorcycle accidents.

January 3, 2019

Odessa Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Van

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 50-year-old motorcyclist died Friday after colliding with a van that pulled out in front of him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Odessa man died at Medical Center of Trinity, the Highway Patrol said. The crash occurred near the intersection of State Road 54 and Black Lake Road in Odessa.

Here’s what troopers believe happened:

A Brooksville man was driving a 2015 Chevy Express van south on Asturian Parkway in Odessa about 5 p.m. Friday.

At the same time, the motorcyclist was driving a 2004 Harley Davidson Fatboy west on SR 54, with a woman as his passenger.

As the motorcyclist approached Black Lake Road, the driver of the van tried to turn left into the eastbound lane of SR 54. The driver of the van drove into the motorcyclist’s path, troopers said, and the motorcycle collided with the front of the van.

The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital, where he died. The passenger on the motorcycle was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital with critical injuries.

Alcohol was not a factor in the incident, troopers said, and the driver of the van was wearing his seatbelt.

As of Saturday, chargers were pending.

A motorcycle crash can happen in a matter of seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. As the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for all resulting damages.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists and their passengers are more likely to suffer serious injuries in an accident than other motorists. This is because they lack the protections passenger vehicles provide like no windshield, seatbelt, cushion, or other barrier, which exposes the rider and passenger to the environment and its many hazards. Moreover, a motorcycle cannot usually stand upright on its own, so most accidents cause the two-wheeled motor vehicle to tip over. Because of this, injuries can be severe, and even deadly.

August 7, 2018

Motorcyclist Killed in Port Richey Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Wesley Chapel man was killed by another driver while riding his motorcycle Saturday.

The 23-year-old was riding his motorcycle southbound on U.S. Highway 19 just south of San Marco Drive at about 12:30 p.m. when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 83-year-old man, who was attempting to make a U-turn, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The 83-year-old man sustained minor injuries and was transported to Bayonet Point.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

If someone you love was killed in a motorcycle U-turn accident, you may be both grief-stricken and anxious about the financial repercussions. At Whittel & Melton, our Pasco County Motorcycle Accident Attorneys understand motorcycle culture and laws. We can evaluate your case to help you decide what your legal options are for seeking financial compensation.

If a family member has been involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in wrongful death due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation and our attorneys would like to make sure that you are compensated adequately for your losses. We know the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident can be messy, and we will stand by your side from throughout the entire process to make sure you get what is rightfully owed to you.

April 4, 2018

Woman Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Zephyrhills

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 45-year-old Zephyrhills woman was killed Sunday night in a motorcycle crash.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, she was a passenger on a Kawasaki motorcycle involved in a crash on State Road 54 just before 8:30 p.m.

Troopers said the man driving the motorcycle was heading westbound on SR 54 approaching Morris Bridge Road when he failed to stop and crashed into the back of a Honda Civic.

Both the man and the woman were thrown from the motorcycle. Both were wearing helmets.

Troopers said the woman died at the scene. The male motorcycle driver suffered serious injuries and remains at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

The driver and passenger in the Honda were not injured.

Troopers said the crash, which is under investigation, was not alcohol related.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that more than 4,500 motorcycle deaths occur every year. The victim could be the rider, passenger of the motorcycle, pedestrian, or any party who is unfortunate enough to be at the scene of an accident. These wrongful deaths usually occur because of another person’s negligence and leave families at a loss for what to do.

When someone is killed in a motorcycle accident, multiple parties can be negatively affected. In most cases, the following people would be entitled to receive financial compensation:

Widow
Next of kin or heirs
Children
Parents

October 18, 2017

2 Dead in Motorcycle Crash in New Port Richey

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two people on a motorcycle were killed Saturday along State Road 54 when the biker lost control.

The man and woman were riding the Honda bike eastbound along State Road 54. The biker lost control of his bike while negotiating a left curve.

The bike collided with a Chevy Malibu stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of State Road 54 and Mitchell Ranch Road.

The 50-year-old man and 53-year-old woman were both pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Chevy was taken to North Pinellas Hospital for serious injuries.

The crash shut the intersection down for several hours.

There is nothing worse than the emotional pain of losing a loved one in an accident that did not have to happen. At such a highly emotional time, you should not have to worry about issues such as medical bills and funeral expenses adding more stress to your life.

Our Pasco County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and consult with experts to strengthen these claims. We are willing to go to court if necessary to recover the financial compensation that you deserve, instead of settling for an offer that will not come close to meeting your needs.

June 13, 2017

New Port Richey Man Killed in Hudson Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 28-year-old man was killed Tuesday morning during a crash in Hudson.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the two-vehicle collision happened shortly after 6am on State Road 52 at Alpine Parkway. The crash closed the eastbound lanes of State Road 52 for several hours.

Troopers said the New Port Richey man died at the scene of the crash.

The man was apparently driving a 2013 Ford Taurus and crashed into the back of a garbage truck while the truck attempted a U-turn on SR 52.

Two men in the garbage truck were not injured.

Charges might be pending in the crash.

Garbage trucks can pose serious dangers to drivers on the road. They weigh several times more than standard passenger vehicles, and this significant weight difference means they can be extremely dangerous should an accident occur.

Every single car, truck, or industrial vehicle accident has the potential to change victims’ lives forever. Sadly, many auto accidents result in wrongful death. Our Pasco County Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton strive to help surviving family members recover for all accident-related expenses. We know that no amount of money will bring your loved one back, but it certainly can help you get through the grieving process and make sure your family is financially secure in the future.

We will investigate every aspect of you or your loved one’s accident in order to find out what happened. We will then collect and analyze any evidence to help prove the at-fault party’s negligence was what caused the accident.

May 4, 2017

Scooter Driver Uses Cell Phone as Headlight, Stopped by Police

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office stopped a scooter Monday night on U.S. Highway 19 because it didn’t have a functioning headlight.

According to reports, the driver was trying to use a cell phone light as a headlight by bungee-cording the phone to a mirror.

Authorities did not say if the driver was charged, but the driver was sent home walking, without his scooter.

Cell phones have plenty of uses, but a headlight isn’t one of them. In addition to wearing a helmet, here are some general scooter safety tips:

Obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
Always ride with the flow of traffic.
Pay attention to the roadway, and look for potholes, expansion joints on bridges, oil slicks, and crumbling edges of the roadway.
Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots.
Maximize your visibility at night – wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your scooter.
Use extra caution at intersections, parking lot entrances and exits, and driveways.
Always use your headlight, even during the daytime.

April 13, 2017

Motorcyclist Killed after Losing Control of Bike

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 73-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash Monday afternoon.

The crash happened around noon at Duck Slough Boulevard and Green Ridge Drive in Pasco County.

Troopers believe the 73-year-old biker was traveling northbound on Duck Slough Boulevard when he took a right curve just north of Green Ridge and lost control of his motorcycle.

The motorcycle collided with the curb, then crossed over the sidewalk and collided with a metal fence.

The man was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital where he died from his injuries.

According to the report, the man was wearing a helmet.

No biker ever wants to lose control of their bike on a turn. Riding defensively and doing your best to try and avoid any roadway hazards is a great way to prevent a loss of control accident. It is important to be extra cautious when riding in poor weather, and keep an eye out for dangerous or distracted drivers. It is always a good idea to make sure you’re familiar with your bike before hitting the open road.