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.
Common Causes Of Boating Accidents
Boating is a popular pastime in Florida, but when something goes wrong on the water, the results can be catastrophic. If you’ve been injured and are looking for a Melbourne, FL boating accident lawyer, understanding what causes these incidents is an important first step. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help injured victims and their families recover compensation after serious boating accidents.
Our firm has been rated by Super Lawyers and is peer-rated for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence by Martindale-Hubbell which is recognition that reflects our dedication to client service and legal results. Whether your accident is by land or water, our team is here to help. Here are some of the most common causes of boating accidents we see in Florida’s waterways.
1. Operator Inattention
Distracted or inattentive boat operators are a leading cause of accidents. Just like on the road, boaters must stay alert at all times. Looking at a phone, adjusting equipment, or simply failing to monitor surroundings can result in collisions or people falling overboard.
2. Boating Under The Influence (BUI)
Alcohol use is a factor in a large number of serious and fatal boating accidents. Operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous. Impaired boaters have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and a higher risk of crashing into other vessels or fixed objects. Many are not aware that just like cars, you cannot drive a boat while drinking as it can lead to extreme accidents.
3. Speeding
Traveling too fast on the water is just as hazardous as speeding in a car. High speeds reduce a boat operator’s ability to stop or maneuver in time to avoid obstacles, swimmers, or other vessels. Speeding is especially dangerous in crowded areas or near shorelines. This is also an issue in no-wake zones as our Melbourne boating accident lawyer can attest.
4. Equipment Failure
When a boat’s mechanical systems fail, whether it’s the steering, engine, or safety gear, it can lead to accidents or strand passengers. Owners and rental companies are responsible for keeping boats in safe working order. Faulty maintenance or defective parts may lead to product liability or negligence claims.
5. Inexperienced Operators
Florida’s waterways are often filled with tourists or recreational boaters who lack proper training. Inexperienced operators may not know how to respond to emergencies, read navigation markers, or handle changes in weather or water conditions.
6. Violation Of Navigation Rules
Ignoring right-of-way rules or failing to yield in narrow channels leads to countless preventable collisions. Like driving, boating has rules designed to protect everyone. Disregarding them can result in high-speed crashes or capsizing.
7. Overcrowding Or Overloading
Boats have weight limits for a reason. When too many passengers or too much gear is loaded, the vessel may become unstable. This is especially dangerous in smaller boats or on rough waters, where capsizing or tipping is more likely.
8. Poor Weather Conditions
Boating in high winds, heavy rain, or rough waves can easily turn dangerous. Even experienced boaters can lose control or visibility in bad weather. Failing to check the forecast or ignoring warnings can make an operator liable if an accident occurs.
Victims of boating accidents often suffer serious injuries such as head trauma, spinal damage, or drowning-related complications. These injuries may result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma that deserves full compensation that can be achieved with the help of a boat accident attorney.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, whether another boater, a rental company, or a tour operator, you have the right to pursue a claim. We work with marine safety experts, gather evidence, and handle insurance disputes so you can focus on recovery. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’re committed to helping you move forward after a serious boating accident. Contact us today to speak with a Melbourne boating accident lawyer who understands the law and fights for results.
What To Do Immediately After A Boating Accident
Boating accidents can turn a day of fun on the water into a traumatic experience. Injuries, property damage, and confusion often follow a crash, and knowing what to do next is critical for your safety and any future legal claims. If you or a loved one was involved in a boating incident and you’re seeking a Melbourne, FL boating accident lawyer, these steps will help you protect your rights and start the recovery process. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’ve guided many Florida families through the aftermath of serious watercraft accidents.
Our firm is rated by Super Lawyers and recognized by Martindale-Hubbell for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence which is an acknowledgment of the care and skill we bring to every injury case. Even the most minor of injuries can cause major problems, and our team is here to ensure you receive proper representation. Here’s what you should do immediately after a boating accident:
1. Check For Injuries And Call For Help
Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 or the U.S. Coast Guard if anyone is hurt or if the boat is damaged and in danger of sinking. Even in seemingly minor crashes, it’s important to alert emergency responders, especially if someone has hit their head or is showing signs of trauma. As a Melbourne, FL boating accident lawyer can explain, this is also important for your case as authorities can document the accident through proper reports.
2. Stay At The Scene And Render Aid
Leaving the scene of a boating accident when someone is injured is against the law. If you’re able, provide reasonable assistance to anyone hurt, such as helping them out of the water or offering first aid while waiting for professionals.
3. Document The Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to all boats involved, the water conditions, weather, and any visible injuries. Photographs and video are valuable evidence if you decide to file a claim later. If possible, get the names and contact details of witnesses as well.
4. Exchange Information
Florida law requires boaters involved in an accident to exchange names, addresses, and registration numbers. Make sure to collect the operator’s boating license number and insurance details, if applicable. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what caused the accident just focus on facts.
5. File An Accident Report
If there are injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $2,000, a formal report must be filed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Failing to report a qualifying boating accident can result in legal penalties. A report also creates a paper trail that can be critical for your injury claim.
6. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by a doctor. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma might not show symptoms right away. A medical record from the day of the crash strengthens your claim and protects your health. Additionally, the more records you have for your case, the better.
7. Contact A Boating Accident Attorney
Before speaking with insurance adjusters, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer familiar with boating laws and injury claims. An attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and determine if another party’s negligence played a role in the accident. At our firm, we frequently handle cases involving boat collisions, rental company negligence, intoxicated operators, and equipment failure. We know what to look for and how to protect your best interests.
8. Preserve Evidence
Keep damaged equipment, clothing, and any related documents such as rental agreements, medical bills, or boating certifications. This material may become important later during settlement negotiations or trial. Do not repair or discard anything until your attorney has reviewed it.
The hours and days following a boating crash are overwhelming, but they’re also crucial. Taking the right steps now can make all the difference when it’s time to recover damages for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’re ready to help you move forward. Contact us today to speak with a Melbourne boating accident lawyer and get the legal guidance you need.