Inverness

April 17, 2019

Safe Driving Tips for Teens & Parents for Prom Season

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Prom season is here, which is a very exciting time in your teen’s life. Unfortunately, the months of April, May, and June are the most dangerous times for high school students.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. Texting or using social media while driving is quite common among teen drivers. Of the 3,166 people killed in distraction-related crashes in 2017, 229 were teens 15 to 19 years old.

To help reduce teen deaths and injuries and encourage safe driving, our Citrus County Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want to encourages high school students to make safe driving choices.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has some great tips for both teens and parents to keep prom night safe.

Teens

Pay Attention: Avoid distractions in the car and save the #JustDrive. Save the selfies for prom.

Slow Down: Speeding was a factor in about one-third of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Faster speeds are especially dangerous for young drivers as this cna limit driver reaction times. Follow the speed limit and get to your destination safely.

Stay Alert: Prom and after parties can go pretty late, so get home before the exhaustion hits or stay with a friend so you can avoid driving drowsy.

Buckle Up: Nearly half of young drivers who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 weren’t wearing seat belts. Every time you get in the car, buckle up.

Drive Sober: You must be 21 to legally drink, so alcohol should not be an issue, but if you have gotten your hands on some alcohol, then hand your keys over. Get a sober driver to take you home.

Parents

Hire a Ride: Many parents choose to get their teens a chauffeur for the night to ease the worry of inexperienced teen drivers on the road. Talk to other parents and see if splurging for the night is something you all can do.

Set the Rules: If your teen insists on driving to prom, then sit down and discuss safe driving practices and what is expected of them behind the wheel.

Open Your Home: Prom night goes late. Encourage your teen to have friends sleep over to keep them off the roads. Some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages can make for s fun and sober after prom party.

January 28, 2019

Man Killed, Woman Seriously Hurt in Citrus County Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 77-year-old man was killed and a 74-year-old woman was seriously hurt Sunday when their vehicle turned into the path of a pickup truck, troopers say.

The crash happened at about 11 a.m. on U.S. Highway 19 at the intersection of Turkey Oak Drive in Citrus County.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers say a 2012 Subaru Outback was headed south on U.S. Highway 19 when it tried to turn left onto Turkey Oak Drive, but traveled into the path of a 2000 Dodge Ram.

The passenger of the 2012 Subaru Outback was pronounced dead at the scene; the driver was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

The driver of the Dodge Ram and her 6-year-old passenger were not hurt.

All four people were wearing seat belts, troopers said.

While you can’t control what careless or reckless motorists do, you can take control of your life after a collision causes injury or the death of a loved one. The road to recovery starts by contacting our Citrus County Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton who will protect your rights, seek the financial compensation you deserve and ultimately help to relieve any additional stress.

We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine if another person is liable for your suffering. Once the at-fault party is identified, we can aggressively pursue financial compensation for you.
We will start by visiting the accident scene to gather evidence and take photographs. We will talk to witnesses, obtain the police report, and even bring in an expert to reconstruct the accident. We will handle all the complex issues to make the process simple and straightforward for you. Our goal is to handle everything on your behalf so that you can focus on your health and healing.

January 15, 2019

One Killed, One Seriously Injured in Citrus County Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 19-year-old was killed in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning in Citrus County.

The crash occurred shortly after midnight at E. Gulf to Lake Highway and S. Lois Terrace.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a Mercury Marquis traveling westbound on E. Gulf to Lake Highway attempted to turn left at S. Lois Terrace and entered the path of a motorcycle.

The motorcycle ended up colliding with the right rear side of the Mercury, causing fatal injuries to the motorcyclist.

Troopers said the 19-year-old died at the scene.

The driver of the Mercury was not injured in the crash, however the passenger was seriously injured and transported to Ocala Regional Hospital.

The crash, which is still under investigation, caused the road to be shut down until 3:40 a.m.

According to the report, charges are pending.

Motorcyclists lack the same protections as a passenger vehicle, so they are exposed to the elements. When they are thrown from their bikes or pinned in a crash, it is common for them to suffer catastrophic injuries, such as:

Serious fractures
Head injuries that cause brain damage
Back and spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Serious burns and road rash
Facial disfigurement
Internal injuries
Wrongful death

If someone you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident, you should contact our Citrus County Motorcycle Death Attorneys at Whittel & Melton to determine whether a wrongful death action can be taken against the negligent driver.

November 21, 2018

Citrus County Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: How to Avoid Turkey Troubles on Thanksgiving

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Thanksgiving is almost here and millions of Americans will sit down for a festive and hearty meal. Americans consume billions of dollars of turkey every holiday season, with 88% of Thanksgiving meals including turkey on the menu. While turkeys are one of the most anticipated aspects of Thanksgiving, they can lead to serious problems in the kitchen!

Fire Hazards

The No. 1 turkey-related tragedy is fires. With so many dishes to prepare, many cooks find themselves easily distracted. If a turkey, or any other dish, is left unattended, it can overheat and catch fire, leading to danger. In order to prevent a meal mishap, the turkey and other dishes should be carefully monitored while they cook.

You should have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to deal with different types of fires. Keep children and pets out of the kitchen while you cook, and stay focused on your tasks and timers.

Don’t Leave Out the Leftovers

Food poisoning can be a huge issue over the holidays. Most people want to relax and watch football after their large turkey dinner, but it is very important to put away the leftover food. If food is left out and uncovered, it can quickly pick up bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant illness after consumption. To prevent foodborne illnesses, all leftovers should be promptly refrigerated, and food that has been sitting out for more than two hours should be tossed.

For a successful Thanksgiving, take kitchen safety precautions, watch out for any recalled products, from contaminated meats to faulty ovens, and of course, remember to be thankful and enjoy your day with loved ones!

November 5, 2018

81-Year-Old Man Killed in Head-On Collision in Citrus County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

An 81-year-old man was killed in a head-on collision after his vehicle veered into the wrong lanes.

The 81-year-old Inverness man was traveling eastbound on East Gulf to Lake Hwy in his Honda Odyssey when for an unknown reason, his vehicle traveled into the westbound lanes.

Troopers said the Honda collided head-on with a Toyota Camry.

The crash occurred at about 7:25 p.m. on Saturday.

The 81-year-old man was transported to Citrus Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Camry was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center in serious condition.

A head-on collision is when two vehicles meet nose-to-nose or front-end-to-front-end. This usually happens because one driver is travelling in the wrong direction, but these crashes can also happen at intersections. Head-on collisions, in particular, can be more serious than other car accidents due to the speed that the vehicles may be going right before the collision. Safety features such as airbags, restraint systems, and antilock brakes can mitigate damages, however, serious injuries can still result from these types of impacts.

The injuries that can result from a head-on collision can be very serious and even result in death. For this reason, it is crucial that a person injured in a head-on collision in Citrus County contact our Citrus County Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton right away. We can prepare a strong case and to fight for the compensation that you or your loved ones deserve.

September 6, 2018

Woman Killed in Crystal River Motorcycle Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 22-year-old woman from Crystal River was killed in an early-morning motorcycle crash Tuesday.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the woman died in a crash on West Fort Island Trail in Citrus County.

Troopers said the woman was a passenger on a 2012 Yamaha motorcycle just after midnight when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp curve, went off the road and collided with a tree.

The 30-year-old Homosassa man driving the motorcycle suffered critical injuries and remains at Bayonet Point Hospital.

The woman died at the scene.

Troopers said neither the woman nor the driver were wearing a helmet.

One in every five motorcycle crashes reported results in head or neck injuries. Head injuries are just as severe as neck injuries and are actually a lot more common. Research shows that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of neck or head injury. You are three times more likely to suffer an injury or death than those wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Florida laws are more lenient when it comes to helmet rules. A person over 21 may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing a helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

August 30, 2018

Citrus County Auto Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton Wish You a Happy & Safe Labor Day

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The attorneys and staff at Whittel & Melton wish you and your family a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend! We want to encourage you to enjoy your holiday weekend responsibly.

The Labor Day holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. More vehicles on the road means that drivers face an increased risk of being involved in traffic accidents. Because of this, we want to remind you to stay alert and aware of your surroundings on the road at all times and drive defensively.

Here are a few other simple reminders that can help you arrive at your destination safely:

Put your phone away to limit distractions. You can keep your phone stored in your pocket, purse or glove compartment. Your eyes should be on the road at all times. Distracted driving is a careless and negligent act that could lead to a fatal car accident.
Always wear your seat belt, no matter how far or short your trip is. Seat belts save lives, and police officers will be on the lookout for those who are not buckled up this weekend.
Never drink and drive. If you are going to be consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver or call an Uber, Lyft or taxi before you leave for the night. Drinking and driving jeopardizes the safety of everyone sharing the road with you. DUI-related accidents are entirely avoidable, so steer clear of driving while intoxicated.

August 17, 2018

Citrus High Student-Athlete Killed in Pedestrian vs. SUV Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 17-year-old Citrus High student and football player passed away Sunday from his injuries suffered after being struck by an SUV while he was walking on a Floral City-area roadway.

According to FHP, the teen and another 17-year-old female were walking east on East Stage Coach Trail at about 8:42 p.m. on Saturday, and were approaching the intersection with South Pleasant Grove Road.

The deceased was walking on the eastbound lane of East Stage Coach Trail, while the female was walking on the grass along the roadways’ southern shoulder, FHP’s report shows.

At the same time, a 37-year-old woman and her passenger, a 9-year-old girl, were in a Chevrolet Suburban that was traveling east on East Stage Coach Trail, nearing the teens, who the woman failed to notice.

The woman’s Suburban collided with the deceased, who paramedics transported to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, where he died Sunday afternoon.

No one else was injured, but charges are pending, according to FHP.

A simple walk can turn into a tragic life-changing event if an SUV strikes you. Pedestrians hit by motor vehicles have the same rights as anyone else injured in an automobile accident. Any time a driver’s negligence results in injuries or death to a pedestrian, the pedestrian and/or their surviving family members are entitled to financial compensation for the suffering.

Just like other car crashes, pedestrians injured due to a negligent driver, are entitled to recover the cost of medical bills, lost earnings, and pain, suffering, and disability damages. In wrongful death cases, certain family members are generally entitled to damages for the loss of their loved one.

July 9, 2018

Two Motorcyclists Killed in Citrus County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two motorcyclists were killed recently in Citrus County.

The first crash involved a 50-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in a single-vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of June 28 at SR 44 and S. Kensington Avenue.

Troopers said the man was traveling eastbound on SR 44 when, for an unknown reason, the motorcycle departed the roadway and overturned.

The man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.

A passing FHP trooper on patrol discovered the crash around 7 a.m.

Another motorcycle crash occurred around 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 28 in Citrus County.

A 26-year-old male was killed after crashing into a fence at Crystal River Middle School.

Troopers said the man was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle on 4th Avenue approaching the intersection of NE Crystal Street when he failed to stop at the intersection and continued into the property of Crystal River Middle School.

The man collided with an iron fence, and suffered fatal injuries.

Even when motorcycle riders exercise precautions while riding, injuries and wrongful death can still happen because of someone else’s negligence. Because of that, it is always important to remember these two safety tips when riding:

Wear a Helmet: Traumatic Brain Injuries are the number one cause of Motorcycle Accident Injuries. Wearing a properly fitting helmet may be the difference between injury or death.
Wear the Right Gear: You must keep your skin protected when riding a motorcycle. In the unfortunate event that you are thrown from the bike and skid across the pavement, severe skin damage and road rash can still occur even if you are wearing appropriate clothing.

July 2, 2018

Citrus County Injury Attorneys :: Stay Safe On The Fourth

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Even though it falls on a Wednesday this year, AAA projects nearly 47 million Americans will travel somewhere for the holiday. If this forecast does in fact happen, it will set a new travel record. The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous holidays to be on the road, and you can bet that state troopers will be responding to hundreds of accidents over this holiday week.

We know that not all accidents on the Fourth are related to motor vehicle incidents, so our Citrus County Injury Lawyers have compiled a list of the most common accidents and a few safety tips to remember.

Car Accidents

Our Citrus County Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton have helped numerous car accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. Some of the most common accidents stem from one of the following mistakes:

Distractions
Drunk driving
Tailgating or following too closely

Holiday weekends only increase these kinds of accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, we urge you to first seek medical attention and then contact us right away. If you’re unsure if you have a valid case, we can walk you through the process and help you determine what to do next.

Firework Injuries

Fireworks and the Fourth go hand in hand. Our Citrus County Injury Lawyers want you to have fun over the holiday – but encourage you to do it safely!

Every year, there are news stories about someone who has seriously been injured by fireworks. Whether you were at a fireworks show or at someone else’s home, the property owner has a responsibility to keep everyone safe from harm.

Keep in mind Florida’s laws on fireworks: Under Florida law, only sparklers, approved by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, are legal for consumer usage. It is illegal to use exploding and/or flying fireworks in Florida, which include: shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers.

If you’ve been injured in a fireworks accident, the first thing you need to do is get medical attention. After that, call us and we can look into your injury case and see if you are able to recover financial compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.

Pool Injuries

It’s Florida, so it would not be summer without a trip to the pool. Maybe, you have one in your backyard. It’s important to adhere to all posted pool rules for your own safety. It’s also important to always have adult supervision, because accidents do happen.

If you or a family member has been injured in a swimming or slip and fall accident at a swimming pool, give us a call as we may be able to help you file a personal injury claim.