Truck Accident

November 22, 2017

Pasco County Injury Lawyers – Have A Safe & Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here! And if you’re like most Americans, you’re gearing up for a holiday weekend trip to visit family and friends and share a great meal.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. An estimated 51 million Americans will be traveling to go see family and friends throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. Many will be traveling on planes, trains and cars to get to their destination this year.

People throughout Pasco County will be anxious to arrive to their destinations on time. Whether you choose to take an airplane or drive to your destination, be patient when traveling and expect delays to occur.

Please keep these safety tips in mind over the holiday weekend:

Give Yourself Time – Don’t rush yourself. Make sure to leave early in order to give yourself extra time in case a delay does happen. This is also a great way to avoid holiday traffic and frustration.
Drive Defensively – You will see an influx of drivers on the roadways, so be alert and drive defensively. Stay off your cell phone and give yourself enough room to brake.
Avoid Distractions – We cannot stress this enough. Put your phone away while driving! Your phone can be a distraction when driving, so stow it away so that you arrive to your destination safely.
Never Drink & Drive – If you plan to drink, then make alternate plans for getting home safe! Designate a sober driver, utilize the multiple car services available or use public transportation, you have plenty of options.

If you do find yourself involved in a Thanksgiving auto accident, our Pasco County Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are available 24/7 to assist with your injury claim. As always, seek medical attention first and then call us to see how we can move forward with your personal injury suit. Call us at 727-847-2299 for a free consultation or contact us online.

November 13, 2017

Pasco County Man Killed in Go-Kart Vs. Truck Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 27-year-old man was killed Sunday evening in Zephyrhills when the go-kart he was driving was struck by pickup truck.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the man on the go-kart was in the eastbound lane facing east on Central Avenue, west of Warbler Street, when a GMC Sierra pick up being driven by a 64-year-old man crashed into the back of the go-kart.

The go-kart was knocked off the road.

The driver of the go-kart was rushed to Florida Hospital of Zephyrhills where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The crash remains under investigation.

In neighborhoods and suburban developments, go-karts provide an easy means of transportation. With the increased use of go-karts comes increased opportunity for injuries. In many go-kart accidents, the injuries are serious as these vehicles do not have seat belts or passengers do not use seat belts that may be available. Sadly, horrific and life changing accidents can occur on go-karts. Accident victims are often left with broken bones, neck and back injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even head injuries and concussions, and in the worst cases, death.

October 24, 2017

Man Killed in Semi Crash in Pasco County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 68-year-old man was killed Saturday night after a semi truck made a U-turn into the path of his car causing him to crash into the back of the semi.

The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Dale Mabry Highway and County Line Road.

Troopers said the man’s Chevy Blazer was traveling northbound on Dale Mabry Highway when a semi traveling southbound made a U-turn into the path of the Chevy.

The Chevy collided into the back of the trailer towed by the semi, causing the vehicle to get lodged beneath the trailer.

Troopers said the man suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

The driver of the semi and his passenger were not injured in the crash.

According to the report, charges are pending.

Making a U-turn is a risky maneuver for any driver/vehicle, but when the vehicle is a large, semi truck they are putting themselves and other vehicles around them in grave danger. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are about 11,000 truck crashes each year caused by a commercial truck turning into the path of another vehicle.

Regardless of how careful a driver you are, you do not have control over the way the drivers around you navigate. If you or someone you love is injured or killed in a truck accident that was caused by a truck driver’s carelessness or negligence, you need to speak with a Pasco County Truck Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton. We will sit down with you and review your case for no charge.

July 20, 2017

Southeastern States Collaborate to Reduce Traffic Fatalities and Crashes

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

This week, the Florida Highway Patrol joins Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee to reduce serious bodily injury and fatal crashes on Florida’s roadways.

The multi-state, multi–jurisdictional, highly visible initiative will raise awareness of traffic safety issues and create increased enforcement of traffic violations, helping to ensure motorists Arrive Alive.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to making our highways safer, and we plan to do that by bolstering our forces to reduce the number and severity of crashes,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Troopers will take appropriate enforcement action on those drivers who put themselves and others in danger. We want everyone to have a safe traveling experience, and I encourage motorists to do their part by complying with all traffic laws, including making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up and drivers are not driving distracted or impaired.”

This effort is in conjunction with Florida’s Arrive Alive campaign, which applies highly visible traffic enforcement within data-driven “hot spots”. The Florida Highway Patrol, Georgia State Patrol, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Alabama State Patrol, and Tennessee Highway Patrol will also be working with local law enforcement partners to enhance education, visibility, and enforcement to help ensure the southeastern United States has the safest roadways possible. Troopers will be especially vigilant regarding seatbelt usage, speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving violations.

Traffic safety should be a top priority for everyone traveling on Florida’s roadways. Motorists are reminded to:

Obey all speed limits
Every time you get in a vehicle, buckle up! Wearing your seatbelt reduces your risk of being injured or killed in a crash by almost 50 percent.
Do not text and drive. Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions because it requires manual, visual and cognitive ability- the same abilities that are needed to drive safely.

A traumatic car accident can disrupt your life completely – the pain, the stress, the medical bills, and not knowing what could happen to you and your family is enough to drive you crazy. This heavy burden you are hauling is not one you need to bear alone – our Pasco County Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. We can take some of that weight off your shoulders so that you can focus on what is important: your recovery.

May 25, 2016

One Killed, One Injured In I-75 Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

One person was killed early Thursday when a flatbed cargo truck crashed on Interstate 75 in north Tampa.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at the I-75 apex with Interstate 275 just before 5 a.m.

Troopers believe the 43-year-old driver of the truck was killed when the truck went off the highway from the center lane of southbound I-75. The truck hit a guardrail, ejecting the St. Petersburg man from the vehicle.

The passenger in the truck, a 21-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The southbound and northbound lanes of the highway were closed until about 7 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

Trucks with overloaded cargo, or cargo that is not loaded according to regulations, can cause a serious semi-truck accident. In these cases, the cargo could add even more weight to an already over-sized truck that it causes top-heaviness, increasing the risk of overturning around turn and curves. Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can shift while in motion causing objects on the truck to fall off, drop into the roadway, or even fall onto another vehicle.

March 21, 2016

Woman Critically Injured in Pasco County Hit-And-Run

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Troopers are investigating a hit-and-run accident that left a homeless woman in critical condition in Pasco County.

The crash occurred at 9:42 p.m. Saturday on U.S. 301 near the intersection with Palm Grove Drive in Zephyrhills.

Troopers believe the 55-year-old homeless woman was walking south on the grass shoulder of U.S. 301 when she tried to cross the road and walked into the path of a pick-up truck that was turning right.

After the crash, the truck fled the scene, according to troopers.

The woman was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

Witnesses described the truck that hit the woman as a white Ford F-150 or F-250 with four doors.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Florida Highway Patrol at 813-631-4020.

When there is an accident, there is a legal obligation that all drivers involved remain at the scene of the accident. If a driver fails to follow the law, they could be facing serious penalties.

A driver who flees the scene could face criminal charges in addition to being the subject of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit as well. Whether the hit-and-run accident was caused by reckless driving, driving under the influence, tired driving, or outright negligence, as the victim, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Our Pasco County Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can filter through the different aspects of your accident and work to build you a strong case. By proving who was at fault in the accident, you could receive monetary compensation for your injuries and any property damage that was caused. We will also work with your insurance companies involved so that your rights are protected during this process.

If you lost a loved one in a hit and run accident, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit. Even though it will not bring your loved one back, it could prevent the same thing from happening to another family and help you cover any expenses.

March 1, 2016

Bicyclist Killed in Crash with Semi in Zephyrhills

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A bicyclist was struck and killed Tuesday morning when he was involved in a crash with a tractor trailer in Zephyrhills.

The crash occurred at 9 a.m. on Chancey Road near the intersection with Copeland Drive.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, both the tractor trailer and the bicyclist were heading south on Copeland Drive approaching Chancey Road when they both turned right at the intersection.

The left side of the tractor trailer smashed into the 72-year-old bicyclist, who died from his injuries at the scene of the crash.

People riding bicycles are a regular occurrence on Florida roads these days. They are cheap and effective modes of transportation and are useful for people of all ages who have to get from place to place without the aid of a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, bicycles do not provide much in the way of protection when accidents occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a tractor trailer or other commercial vehicle in Zephyrhills or the surrounding areas, a Pasco County Truck Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help. To discuss the specifics of your case and any steps to move forward with a legal claim to obtain financial compensation during this difficult time, call us today as soon as possible at 727-847-2299 or fill out our confidential online case evaluation form for a free consultation today.

December 14, 2015

Dump Truck Driver Killed in I-75 Crash in Pasco County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The driver of a dump truck was killed Friday morning after a tire blowout and crash on Interstate I-75 in San Antonio, Florida.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the blowout happened at 5:53 a.m. and set off a five-vehicle crash on I-75 near State Road 52 in the San Antonio area.

Troopers believe the dump truck was traveling southbound in the outside lane when the front left tire blew, causing the driver to lose control of the truck.

The dump truck rotated, and smashed into the rear of a van which was in the inside lane.

Troopers said the dump truck then overturned and went through a guardrail. A second dump truck that was in the outside lane collided with the first one as it overturned.

An Isuzu pick up truck in the inside lane swerved to avoid the trucks and crashed into a semi-truck. The driver of the Isuzu suffered serious injuries.

The driver of the overturned dump truck died at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation, according to reports.

One common cause of tire blowouts is low air pressure in tires. Every driver is responsible for monitoring the tire pressure on their tires in order to avoid these types of accidents. Most newer cars have automatic warning lights to notify the driver when the tire pressure dips below a safe level. However, if for some reason this warning light fails on an automobile, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for the damage and injuries caused by the tire blowout.

Defective tires are another reason that tire blowouts occur. If a manufacturer sells defective tires, this places the driver and anyone else sharing the roadway at risk. An incorrect installation could even create conditions for a dangerous tire blowout and accident.

According to the National Safety Council, there are a few steps that a driver can take to ensure their safety after experiencing a tire blowout on a busy road or highway.

Instead of slamming on the brakes, try to slowly take your foot off the gas pedal.
Coast to the shoulder or other area away from traffic.
Stay calm.
Turn on your emergency flashers.
When waiting for help, stand as far away from your vehicle as possible.

December 9, 2015

Motorcyclist Killed in Zephyrhills Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed Monday night in a collision with a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer in Zephyrhills.

According to authorities, the Zephyrhills man was driving a Suzuki GSXR south on Fort King Road, behind the truck and 24-foot trailer, around 8 p.m.

When the pickup slowed to turn left onto Phelps Road, the motorcyclist tried to pass the truck and trailer and collided with them, troopers said.

The biker was ejected from the bike and died at the scene.

The driver of the truck, a 19-year-old Dade City woman, and a 16-year-old passenger from Lecanto were uninjured.

No charges have been filed.

Motorcycle accidents result in a higher rate of severe injuries and deaths than collisions that involve only passenger vehicles. Sadly, motorcyclists are significantly more likely to be killed in a traffic collision than passenger-vehicle occupants, even if the motorcyclist is wearing a helmet.

While bikers face much greater physical risks compared to other motorists, it is important to note that they have the same general entitlements as other drivers, including the right to pursue legal action after being hurt in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence.

December 4, 2015

Motorcyclist Killed in Zephyrhills Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist died Saturday night after crashing into a pickup truck that turned in front of him on U.S. 301, according to authorities.

The 45-year-old Zephyrhills man was traveling north on U.S. 301 around 8:50 p.m. when a southbound Ford F-150 crossed into his path attempting to turn onto State Road 39. The vehicles collided, and the man was ejected, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The man was taken to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, where he later died.

The driver of the pickup, a 44-year-old Zephyrhills woman, and her two passengers were not injured.

The FHP said charges are pending.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 4,500 motorcycle drivers are killed each year in traffic accidents and more than 85,000 are injured. That equates to roughly 56 deaths for every 100,000 motorcycles on the road, compared to nine deaths for every car on America’s highways.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle vs. truck accident, you need an attorney on your side who can uncover the truth and fight for your rights and those of your family. At Whittel & Melton, our Pasco County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers are familiar with these types of cases and how they must be handled. We will launch an investigation immediately so that you will know exactly what happened before, during and after the motorcycle accident. We will act fast to protect your best interests.