Boating Accident Lawyer Melbourne, FL
When you retain the attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. as your legal team, you won’t ever have to worry about how you are going to recover from an injury accident. Whether you have recently been hurt in a boating accident or another incident, you can depend on our Melbourne, FL boating accident lawyer to stay in communication with you throughout your case. We can handle the legal aspects as you take care of your recovery. We are a local law firm located in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Very Beach, and Brevard and Indian River Counties. We believe in giving back to the community that we care about so much. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us today if you are in need of help.
How Accident Liability Is Determined
Identifying who is liable for a boating accident involves assessing who is responsible for the accident, which depends on the circumstances and the location it happened. Generally, liability is concluded by proving who was negligent, which means showing that the party failed to use reasonable care which led to the incident and resulting injuries for others. Furthermore, state laws can play a role in determining liability. As our boating accident attorney explains, every state has its set of regulations that boating operators have to follow.
For the state of Florida, boaters can operate a vessel without restriction if they are older than 12 years old. It is unlawful for any individual under this age with a measurable BAC of 0.02 or higher to drive a vessel. Those under sail, for the most part, have the right of way on the water. There are exceptions to this rule, but usually a powerboat has to allow vessels under sail without auxiliary power engaged to lead their path. After our boating accident attorney has investigated the incident further, we can let you know which parties should be liable in your case.
What Boating Cases We Can Handle
Typically, a vessel on the water accident involves injuries that took place on a ship, boat, or similar craft. An incident may have happened on the ship itself or when someone was recklessly operating a boat. An accident that is worth speaking with our boating accident attorney about is when a person was injured to such an extent that it went beyond what a first aid kit can repair. If you or a loved one has been injured in any of the following situations, we suggest contacting our Melbourne boating accident lawyer as soon as possible:
- Boat or yacht accident
- Waverunner, jet ski, or personal craft accident
- Parasailing accident
- Overboard or drowning accidents
- Ship asbestos claims
- Seafarer and crewmember injuries
Tuttle Larsen, P.A.
What was supposed to be a recreational day out on the water can quickly turn into a tragedy when the unexpected happens. Our team at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is experienced in handling boating related incidents that led to physical harm, property damage, and other losses. Let our Melbourne boating accident lawyer help recoup your losses by reaching out to us today for a consultation. Attorneys Jesse H. Larsen, Douglas W. Tuttle, and Jon Jacob H. Ashenback are ready to speak with you!
Evidence Need To Prove Your Case
Proving a personal injury case following a boating accident requires solid evidence. Without it, establishing what happened and who is responsible becomes much more difficult. From medical records to witness statements, strong documentation lays the groundwork for holding the right party accountable and recovering fair compensation as a Melbourne, FL boating accident lawyer can attest.
Types Of Boating Accident Cases We Handle
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we assist clients who have been injured in various types of boating-related incidents, including:
- Personal injury from collisions, capsizing, or falls overboard
- Catastrophic injury resulting in permanent disability or long-term care
- Wrongful death involving a fatal boating accident or drowning
Boating accidents have various levels of severity, and we represent all of them no matter the injury.
Why Experience Matters In Boating Accident Cases
Boating accident claims require a clear, timely approach to collecting evidence and working with insurance carriers. Our team brings years of experience to each case, helping clients move forward with confidence.
- We have been rated by Super Lawyers.
- We have been awarded a Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence award from Martindale-Hubbell.
- We have won settlements as large as $3.2 million in accident cases.
We are ready to put this experience to work on your case, contact us today for help.
Evidence In Your Case
The strength of your case often comes down to the quality of your evidence. After any boating accident, it’s critical to start collecting and preserving information right away. One of the most important types of evidence is a detailed accident report. This can be prepared by law enforcement or other authorities like the Coast Guard. These reports typically include facts about the scene, vessel details, and statements from those involved.
Medical records are also central to a strong claim. These documents show the extent of your injuries, the treatment you received, and how the injuries have affected your daily life. The earlier you seek treatment, the stronger the connection between the accident and your condition. A Melbourne boating accident lawyer can use these records to support a claim for medical costs, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Photographs and video taken at the scene can be helpful, especially if they capture damage to the vessel, injuries, or hazards like poor visibility or faulty equipment. Witness statements can also make a big difference. Independent accounts from passengers or bystanders help confirm how the accident happened and who may be at fault.
Steps to take after an accident include contacting law enforcement, gathering contact information from all involved parties, and keeping any receipts or bills related to the incident. Preserving evidence in its original form is key. If damage to a vessel is repaired too quickly, or personal property is discarded, it could weaken your claim.
Tips for building your accident case include writing down your own account of what happened while the memory is fresh. Keep a record of medical appointments, physical challenges, and emotional stress that follow. Even small details may later help show how the accident has impacted your life.
By following these steps and tips, you are on your way to building a strong case to work on with a lawyer. If you’ve been hurt in a boating accident, taking action quickly can protect your rights. A Melbourne boating accident lawyer from Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can guide you through collecting the evidence needed to prove your case and pursue fair compensation. Let’s work together to make sure nothing important is left out.