Boat Accident | Tucker Law

Boating Accidents in Florida and What to Do Next

Florida is built around water. Weekends on the Intracoastal, fishing trips offshore, sunset cruises, jet skis, sandbar days—boating is part of the lifestyle. But when something goes wrong on the water, it can go wrong fast. Here is a simple explanation of boating accidents in Florida and what to do next. The part most people don’t realize until they’re living it: a boating accident is not just “a car crash on water.” The injuries can be more severe, the liability is often more complicated, and the evidence can disappear quicker than you’d think (because tides, weather, and boats don’t exactly sit still). If you or someone you love was hurt in a Florida boating accident, here’s a practical, step-by-step guide on what to do and why having a lawyer involved early can make a real difference in both your recovery and your financial outcome. Florida is water. Intracoastal weekends. Sandbar days. Fishing trips. Jet skis buzzing around like they own the place. And then—one wake, one bad turn, one distracted operator, one “we’ve done this a thousand times”—and your day becomes an emergency. If you’ve been in a boating accident, you’re probably asking the same questions I hear all the time: Who’s responsible? Do I have to report this? What if I was a passenger and it was my friend driving? How do I pay these medical bills? And why does the insurance company sound friendly… but keep pushing me to “wrap it up”? Let’s walk through what to do next, step-by-step. why boating cases can turn into a blame game fast—unless you take the right steps early. Step one: safety and medical care come first I know this sounds obvious, but it’s where people [...]

Fort Lauderdale Boating Accidents: Common Causes and Liability Issues

Florida's alluring waterways are a well-known attraction, and Fort Lauderdale is a prime example. With its magnificent canals and attractive shorelines, it attracts numerous boating enthusiasts. However, with the high volume of boats on the water, accidents are inevitable. And not all injuries as sea are cruise ship injuries. At Tucker Law, we're committed to assisting boating accident victims in understanding their rights and pursuing compensation for their injuries. In this blog post, we'll explore the typical causes of boating accidents in Fort Lauderdale and the responsibility concerns that may emerge. Typical Causes of Boating Accidents Operator Inexperience: A lack of experience or training often leads to boating accidents when novice operators take control. These individuals might not be familiar with waterway regulations, resulting in collisions or other incidents. Alcohol Consumption: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is a significant factor in water accidents. Alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and balance, increasing the likelihood of collisions or capsizing. Speeding: Traveling at excessive speeds is another frequent cause of boating accidents. High speeds make it challenging to react quickly to changing circumstances and can lead to collisions or grounding. Equipment Failure: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure boats remain safe and operational. Equipment failure, such as engine malfunctions or steering issues, can result in accidents if not addressed promptly. Weather Conditions: Inclement weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, or fog, can contribute to boating accidents by reducing visibility and making navigation more challenging. Responsibility Concerns in Boating Accidents Determining responsibility in a boating accident can be intricate. Here are some crucial factors to consider: Negligence: It's possible that one or more parties may be found negligent in a boating accident. This could include [...]