First, Let’s Get the Facts Straight 

Brain injuries pose a significant public health issue. The Brain Injury Association of America reports that 5.3 million Americans live with a brain injury, and every 9 seconds, someone in the U.S. sustains one. Various factors, including slips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and assaults, can cause them.

Our Florida brain injury lawyers at Whittel & Melton have decades of experience handling personal injury accidents that may result in traumatic brain injuries. Our team can identify the party responsible for your injury and gather all the necessary evidence to prove their fault. 

What Are The Main Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

While brain injuries can range from mild to severe, it is crucial to visit the hospital or doctor as soon as possible, as they can cause a wide range of symptoms that are not always obvious, including:

• Headaches and/or migraines
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears or hearing changes 
• Vision problems 

Other symptoms may not appear related to a head injury, such as:

• Sleep difficulties or irregularities 
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Slower reactions 

There are Long-Term Effects of TBIs

Brain injuries can profoundly affect individuals and their families. While the effects vary based on the severity and duration of unconsciousness, they may include:

• Memory loss
• Seizures
• Visual changes/loss
• Fatigue
• Paralysis
• Weakness
• Sensory problems
• Balance problems
• Reduced language
• Mental health behaviors 

These long-term effects can lead to long-term disability, unemployment, and social isolation. 

How Can You Prevent Brain Injuries?

While not all brain injuries can be avoided, taking certain precautions can prevent or reduce the risk:

• Use a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle
• Always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding a vehicle
• Make sure your home is free of trip hazards, such as loose rugs or cluttered hallways 
• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Use proper lighting 
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs 

What Can You Do If a Loved One Suffered a Brain Injury?

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you must seek legal help. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs can add up quickly. 

Our lawyers at Whittel & Melton fight for the fair compensation you and your family deserve. Call us today at 866-608-5529 for a free consultation. Or visit our website to learn more.

Recuerda que también hablamos español. Contáctanos ahora. 

Florida is undeniably a boater’s paradise. With over 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers, and more than 2,200 miles of shoreline, the Sunshine State offers endless opportunities for fishing, sailing, and water recreation. It’s no surprise people consider Florida the boating capital of the world.

But those beautiful sunsets and fun-filled days on the water come at a cost. Each year, more boats enter Florida’s waters, which increases the risks for everyone.

In 2022, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that Florida surpassed 1 million registered vessels. The top five counties for vessel registrations were Miami-Dade (74,622), Pinellas (53,867), Lee (50,304), Broward (47,741), and Hillsborough (41,495).

As vessel numbers increased, so did boating accidents—some with life-altering consequences. In 2024, Florida recorded 685 boating accidents, including 76 fatal incidents that resulted in 81 deaths.

The leading cause? Collisions with fixed objects, which accounted for 31% of all accidents. Even more troubling, drowning caused 46% of those fatalities.

At Whittel & Melton, we’ve handled numerous cases involving boating accidents, jet skis, and wave runners. We want Florida residents and tourists to understand what’s changed and how these changes affect them—so they can protect themselves if an accident occurs or they are charged with a boating crime.

First, we’ll be breaking down the details of the Boater Freedom Act (BFA). Then, we’ll discuss how the BFA interacts with other laws that also regulate boaters on the water. Finally, we’ll touch on what the new FBA means for you.

Surprise Boat Inspections? Not Anymore in Florida due to the passage of the Boater Freedom Act (BFA)

It’s the perfect Saturday to go boating with your family. In the past, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer could suddenly stop you, step onto your boat, and inspect it—without any suspicion of wrongdoing.

Starting July 1, 2025, the Boater Freedom Act changes this.

Florida’s waterways now operate under a new set of rules. The BFA, aimed at expanding personal liberties for boaters across the state, is now the law. But what does this mean for your safety and for those who share the water with you?

What Is the Boater Freedom Act?

Although this law grants boat and yacht operators greater freedoms, understanding its core elements will help protect your rights while encouraging responsible boating. Here’s what you need to know:

• Probable Cause Requirement: Previously, law enforcement could board vessels for routine safety and sanitation inspections—even without probable cause. Under the BFA, marine law enforcement must now have probable cause to board or inspect your vessel. This means they need a clear and specific reason, such as missing life jackets, broken navigation lights, erratic or dangerous operation, or visible signs of illegal activity.
• No Restrictions for Gas-Powered Boats: The law prevents local governments from banning or restricting gas-powered boats. This provision protects your right to choose the type of boat that suits your needs.
• Compliance Sticker: When you register your vessel, you’ll receive the Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection Sticker, which remains valid for five years. You must display this decal on your boat which helps avoid unnecessary stops and reduce inspection time.

Other Laws Reshaping the Boating Experience in Florida

Stricter Penalties for Crimes While Boating (HB 289 — “Lucy’s Law”)

Florida enacted Lucy’s Law in memory of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez, who tragically died in a Miami boating accident. Her parents advocated for this legislation to improve water safety.

The law increases penalties for reckless and criminal boating behavior. Key provisions include:

• Mandatory 4-year minimum sentence for boating under the influence (BUI) manslaughter
  
• Criminal penalties for lying to law enforcement after a boating accident
  
• Harsher consequences for hit-and-run crashes involving injury, death, or property damage
  
• Penalties for failing to render aid at the scene of a boating accident
  

New Long-Term Anchoring Limits (HB 481)

Boaters in counties with populations over 1.5 million—like Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Broward—can no longer anchor overnight in the exact same location for more than 30 days within a six-month period.

Boating Access and Infrastructure (HB 735)

This law gives the FWC authority to manage grant programs that support:

• New or improved public boat ramps
  
• Marine infrastructure upgrades
  
• Dock and pier development
  
• Broader access to Florida’s waterways
  

Injured in a Boating Accident? We’re Here to Help

At Whittel & Melton, we’ve seen the devastating impact boating accidents can have—especially when alcohol, speeding, or negligence are involved. Unlike highway crashes, boating emergencies often face delayed rescue times, which can make accidents more dangerous and even life-threatening.

If you have questions about being compliant with the new laws or want to ensure your vessel has proper insurance, we’re here to help.

Our legal team has successfully represented victims of all types of watercraft accidents—from jet skis and wave runners to fishing boats and yachts. We’ve also represented those charged with BUI in criminal court. 

If a boating accident injured you or claimed the life of a loved one, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands Florida’s boating laws.

Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.

While you may never think that you will need a personal injury lawyer, the fact is, you never know when an accident will arise where you need the assistance of an attorney.

While you cannot prepare for an accident, you can have a plan for what to do after an accident. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself after an unexpected accident resulting in injuries is to find the right lawyer for your case, but that requires you to know how to spot a good one.

Knowing what questions to ask can make a huge difference in your case, from the level of stress you will have to endure throughout the duration of your case to the amount of money you will be able to recover. You want to select a lawyer that not only has your back, but also has the necessary experience to get you the best possible outcome.

Here are a few ways you can spot a good personal injury lawyer:

1. Look at their experience

The more experience your lawyer has handling personal injury cases, the better equipped they will be to handle your case. Personal injury law can be complex, so ask about the past cases they have handled. Knowing the cases they have handled can determine if they know how to handle even the toughest of cases, from proving the damages of catastrophic injuries to negotiating with manipulative insurance adjusters and lawyers who work for the insurance companies.

You can ask questions, like:

• How many years have you been handling personal injury cases?
• Is personal injury law one of their main practice areas?
• Do they have trial experience?
• Do they have experience handling your type of injury/accident claim? (If you are dealing with a birth injury claim and your personal injury lawyer only has experience with car accident claim, then this might not be the best match.)
• Are they well respected in the community? (Research if they have been awarded any professional honors/awards, their professional memberships/leadership roles in personal injury or trial lawyer associations, and their AV and BBB ratings.)

2. Look at the outcomes of past cases

You want a lawyer who has a proven track record of success, and you can review their case results. Here are some helpful questions to ask:

• Do they have experience handling complex catastrophic injury claims or even wrongful death claims and not just minor injury claims?
• Have they recovered multi-million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for clients? (This is important because their past case results can tell you if they are consistent in recovering high dollar amounts. Any verdicts they have with high dollar amounts show that they are not afraid to take a case to trial.)
• Have they received any awards or honors for their settlements and verdicts? (examples can include membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, etc.)

3. Assess how they communicate with you

Trust your instinct. If you do not vibe with an attorney, then you can seek legal counsel elsewhere. Consider the following:

• Are they friendly?
• Do they act professional?
• Are they willing to answer all your questions?
• Are they clear in their explanations to you?
• Are they willing to travel to meet you if need be?
• Do they seem concerned with your well-being?
• Do you feel comfortable talking to them and sharing your feelings?

4. Understand their payment process

You want to make sure that you understand all fees so that you are not surprised later. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, but you should ask about fees before you sign any contracts. Will they work on your case on a contingency fee basis? This means that you only pay their legal fees if they are successful in securing you a financial award. Your legal fees should be taken out of your settlement or verdict award, or possibly even paid by the at-fault party. You just want to make sure that there are no up-front legal costs.

5. Find out if they offer any additional resources that could help you

Many personal injury lawyers offer extra resources that can help with your case, like doctors that they have worked with before that handle specific accident-related injuries, like car accident injuries or work-related injuries. Sometimes they have great relationships with these medical professionals that they can arrange for you to get medical care now and have your payment come out of your settlement or verdict. They may also have other resources they can use for your case, such as accident reconstruction experts who can recreate your accident to show exactly what happened, economic experts that can fully assess the financial impact of your injuries, life care planners that can better explain your future medical care costs, and more.

A good lawyer will investigate your accident and injuries, prove who the responsible party is, and handle all negotiations with the insurance companies involved. You want an attorney who is a strong communicator and will keep you in the loop on everything that is happening with your case.

You should do your homework before committing to a lawyer. However, even if you think you selected the right attorney and feel the need to switch at any time before your case is finished, then you absolutely have the right to do that.

If you need help with a personal injury claim in Florida, our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are happy to meet with you in a free consultation. You can call us at 866-608-5529 or contact us online anytime.

For most of our clients, their first encounter with the court system is when they are pursuing a lawsuit for a car accident or another type of personal injury. This usually means that they have never had to think about what they need to wear for a deposition or court hearing. If you need to dress for a court appearance, deposition, mediation, hearing, or any other type of legal proceeding, you should remember what type of clothing makes the best first impression on a judge, jury, and even the opposing counsel. You want to appear credible and well put together right off the bat, and the following tips we have outlined can ensure that you are confident with how you look and that you are making the best first impression so that the judge or jury will focus on your case and not how you look.

1. Wear Clothes that Fit and Look Neat:

Select clothing that is clean, looks neat, and that fits you well. You don’t have to go out and buy new clothes, but the attire you choose should meet these criteria.

2. Conservative, Church-Like Clothes Are Best:

Keep your clothing selections conservative. No tight dresses, stiletto heels, sleeveless blouses, jeans, or low-cut tops. Men should wear a button up shirt with an undershirt or add a sweater on top if it is cooler temps. Women should wear something with a modest neckline, a blouse that covers your waistline (raise your arms overhead to make sure that the top does not reveal your stomach), and a dress or skirt that is not too short or tight. Even if you normally do not dress conservatively, it is best to do so for court. A judge and jury may have a mindset of what is appropriate or not to wear to court, so conservative is best. You can dress however you want outside the courtroom, but we advise striving to make the best possible first impression.

3. Do Not Wear Clothes with Graphics or Writing on Them:

Refrain from wearing band tees or shirts with pictures or phrases on them. Even if the writing on your shirt is not offensive, it can still be distracting and just otherwise inappropriate.

4. Do Not Wear a Team Jersey:

Even if you are a diehard Tampa Bay Rays fan or an avid follower of the Miami Dolphins or Jacksonville Jaguars, the courtroom is not the place to show your support for your team. Even if it is the playoffs, do not wear a team jersey.

5. Keep Accessories Minimal:

Simplicity is key, so no statement jewelry. A small bracelet or dainty earrings are a good option. A watch is a fine accessory choice. Do not wear hats or sunglasses in the court room. If you have a religious requirement to cover your hair, feel free to keep this a part of your attire.

6. Keep Your Hair in a Simple Style:

Do not draw attention to yourself with a wild hairstyle. Again, you can express yourself however you want outside of court, but a mohawk or shocking pink hair might not portray the best first impression. Keep your hair clean and combed, and tied back if long. You want to look neat and tidy. Men should keep their facial hair trimmed neatly and clean. Men that do not have a beard or mustache should shave their face the day of court.

7. Simple Makeup is Best:

Keep makeup more on the natural side when dressing for court. It is best to skip the blue eyeshadow and bright red lipstick. If you are wearing mascara or eyeliner, choose a waterproof brand, as emotions can run high in court, and you do not want black streaks on your face. Following the court dress code, keep your nails trimmed short, and if you wear nail polish, opt for a natural or sheer color to maintain a professional appearance.

8. Consider Taking Out Piercings:

Other than one or two holes in your ears, you may want to consider taking your piercings out for court. Nose rings, eye brow piercings, lip rings, gauged ears, etc. can all be distracting. Taking these out for court is best, but you can also use clear plugs to maintain shape if necessary. Another option is to use a small stud or something that is not that noticeable.

9. Consider Covering Any Tattoos:

If you have any visible tattoos on your arms or legs, then consider wearing long shirts and pants to keep them covered. Makeup can be used to cover any tattoos on your hands, face, or neck. You never know if your tattoos will cause a judge or jury to have a negative first impression of you.

10. Wear Dress Shoes:

While you are in Florida, where the climate is pretty warm year-round, it is best to avoid sandals or flip-flops. It is best to wear closed-toed dress shoes. Avoid sneakers, work boots, and very high heels that you cannot easily walk in.  

Dress Respectfully to Be Taken Seriously

You want to be taken seriously and show the court that you understand the importance of dressing for court appropriately. Wear clothes that are clean, modest, and fit well. Again, you do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe, but remember that your physical appearance is the court’s first glimpse at you. Following the proper court dress code ensures that you make a positive impression and do not cloud the judge or jury’s judgment by looking untidy or improper. Start your case off on the right foot with proper etiquette, attire, and decorum for the courtroom.

If you have any questions about a legal matter, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are here to help. Call us now at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Whether a case involves a slip and fall accident at a grocery store or a car accident, most personal injury claims can be settled outside of the courtroom.

The court system generally prefers that parties settle their cases outside of the courtroom, as this helps keep the court’s schedule clear for more significant matters. However, if negotiations fail, parties can file a lawsuit, and a judge or jury will then make a decision. There are several instances where a trial may be necessary, including:

• Fault is up for debate: Sometimes, the individual who has brought harm to you denies any responsibility. They may argue that the injury was your fault or someone else’s. Determining who is at fault is crucial since that person is financially responsible for the damages.
• Discrepancies involving the dollar amount of damages: The at-fault party may admit to negligence and owe you money yet refuse to pay what your attorney demands. You may want to pursue a lawsuit if the monetary damages you seek exceed $100,000. 
• Causation is disputed: Insurance firms frequently acknowledge fault while citing different reasons for the pain you are experiencing. They may claim that you do not deserve any monetary damages because of your age, previous injuries, or other medical issues.

When parties decide to take a case to trial, they face inherent risks associated with that choice, regardless of the reasons behind it. A judge or jury could rule in favor of the other side, which means you could walk away with nothing. That said, it is best to discuss this with your personal injury lawyer and get their thoughts on your case. You can ask them about cases they have taken to trial that were like yours and what the outcomes were. At Whittel & Melton, our Florida injury lawyers take on personal injury cases and work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we successfully recover financial compensation for you.. If we decide to take your case to trial, then we are confident that we can achieve a favorable verdict.

What Happens During the Pre-Trial Phase?

Your attorney will file a complaint and summons, sending them to the defendant, whom you believe is at fault. A complaint details what happened and what your injuries are and identifies who you are seeking compensation from. The summons informs the defendant that someone is suing them. Once both documents are received, the defendant must respond with an answer.

From there, the pre-trial phase continues with the discovery process. Both parties can obtain important case information through discovery. This is one advantage of bringing a lawsuit: your attorney may obtain crucial material that was previously unavailable to resolve your case. Discovery may include physical examinations, depositions (interviews conducted under oath), and other record demands.

The parties involved typically engage in negotiations during the pre-trial phase, which lasts about a year, making it possible to reach a settlement. Your attorney can best advise you on whether a settlement offer is in your best interests or not, so that you can make an informed decision.

What Happens if My Case Proceeds to Trial?

If you cannot reach a settlement, the court will proceed to trial with your case. Most personal injury cases last a few days to a few weeks, with a few exceptions. Here is a breakdown of what happens in the courtroom:

• Opening Statements: Each party will have an opportunity to outline the fundamental facts of what occurred and what they seek to show throughout the trial. This is an important step as it is your attorney’s first impression on the jury about the circumstances surrounding your case.
• Witness Testimony and Cross-Examination: Both sides will have the opportunity to have witnesses take the stand and answer questions that help to tell their version of events. The other parties involved will be able to cross-examine these witnesses. You may need to testify, and your attorney will prepare you for this and help you handle questions from the opposing side.
• Closing Argument: This is the last stage of the trial process, during which each side makes one final argument summarizing its position.
• Jury Deliberations: The judge will provide instructions to the jury, and then the jury will deliberate and decide if they favor you (the plaintiff) or the other side (the defendant). If they find in favor of the defendant, then you will not receive any financial award. If they support you, they will determine how much money the defendant owes you. A jury may find that the plaintiff shares some responsibility for their injuries and assign a percentage of fault, which the court will use to reduce the awarded amount.

How Can I Help My Injury Case?

As a plaintiff, there are several things you can do to help your case proceed without a hitch. You should always be open and honest with your attorney about your case and injuries. Being dishonest with your lawyer will only hurt your case. Always follow your doctor’s instructions, as not doing so could allow the defense to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Lastly, you should not post about your case or injuries on social media. If you post something, it could be used against you in court.

Call Whittel & Melton for a Free Consultation

There is no fee to meet with our Florida Injury Lawyers about your potential personal injury lawsuit. We welcome you to call us at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We have decades of combined experience as trial lawyers, so we know what it takes to win these cases.

The holiday season can bring lots of joy, family traditions, social gatherings, and so much more, but there can also be unexpected hazards. While the twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, sparkly décor, and festive celebrations may transform our homes into winter wonderlands, they also create a lot of potential hazards for your family and any guests. 

Frequent Holiday Home Catastrophes

Decorating Disasters

Holiday décor can lead to a lot of clutter, creating a potential for trip and fall accidents. Decorative rugs, holiday adornments, wrapped presents, and extension cords for lights can all lead to serious trip and fall injuries. Visitors to your home that may be unfamiliar with your set up, or children that may get a little too rowdy, can easily slip, trip, and fall over your festive embellishments. According to the CPSC, approximately 14,900 people received hospital treatment for injuries connected to Christmas decorating during the 2023 holiday season, which ran from November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023.

Christmas Trees Getting Knocked Over and Fires

A gorgeously decorated Christmas tree is a staple in most homes for the holiday season, but a tree that is not secured can quickly lead to a disaster. When the tree base is unstable, or if children or pets pull on or knock over the tree, then serious head and crush injuries can happen. Keep in mind that sharp branches and heavy ornaments can also lead to head injuries, cuts, bruises, and scratches. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are approximately 400 Christmas tree fires annually. Short-circuiting of tree lights is the primary reason.

Burn Injuries from Candles, Stoves, and Fireplaces

Candles and the glow of a fire really set the mood for a beautiful winter holiday. However, open flames can increase the risk of house fires and burn injuries. Make sure children know not to try and touch any flames, as tempting as it may be. Avoid flames if you expect many guests and your home will be crowded. This way, you can prevent anyone from falling into or getting too close to the fireplace and risking serious injury. If you cook a family meal, never leave your stove unattended.

Make sure children and pets steer clear of your hot zones. Keep your pot holders handy so you do not accidentally grab a hot pan. Position the handles of your pots and frying pans inward toward the stove or counter to prevent bumps that might spill hot liquids. Kids can easily reach up and pull hot pans or pots of hot liquid onto themselves when the handles point outward.

Christmas is the most popular day for candle fires, with an average of 35 fires each day. Christmas Eve comes in second place, followed by New Year’s Day.

The most common days for cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve.

Contact Our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton 

After a holiday mishap, get medical attention as soon as possible. Tending to your injury is the top priority. Get checked by a doctor or at a hospital to create proper medical records for your injury. If you think another person’s negligence caused your injury, our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can review your case for free and outline your next steps. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation. 

From all of us at Whittel & Melton, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year! 

The holidays are a joyous time, and while there is much fun to be had, there are also safety concerns. Traffic increases during the holidays as people travel, shop, and attend parties. It is important to take safety precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe this season, so our Florida Injury Lawyers have compiled a list of 5 safety tips to keep in mind as you are out and about celebrating.

1. Drive Responsibly

Congested roads with people rushing to get where they need to go can be a recipe for disaster. Please try to remember to: 

• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Plan for bad weather and increased traffic. 
• Avoid distractions while driving—put down your cell phone and avoid letting festive coffee or Christmas tunes divert your attention from the road.
• Never drink and drive – this includes no drugged driving as well. Use a rideshare or designated driver to get home safely if you drink.

2. Stay Alert When Shopping

Holiday shopping carries its own set of risks, so remember to: 

• Exercise caution in parking lots – many people are backing out of spots, so pay attention when walking so that you are not hit. 
• Keep your eyes peeled for any dangers at stores, such as spills or clustered areas that could be slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall hazards. 
• Keep your personal belongings close to you. You do not want to have your wallet, car keys, shopping bags, or anything else stolen. 

3. Host Holiday Gatherings Responsibly

If you are hosting a holiday party or just having a family gathering, then you must take extra steps to keep your guests safe, including: 

• Keeping entryways free of any clutter that could be a tripping hazard. 
• Having plenty of lighting outside your home, so that guests can see in the dark. 
• Monitoring how much alcohol you are serving and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. 

4. Decorate Safely

Holiday decorations really make the season festive but they can also be dangerous, so make sure you are not careless with your setup and take down. 

• Inspect electrical lights and decorations for frayed wires or faulty connections before you plug them in. 
• Use a sturdy ladder to hang any lights and décor, and make sure you have someone who can hold the ladder and spot you if you slip and fall. 
• Do not overload your outlets, as this can cause an electrical fire. 
• Make sure your Christmas tree is secured correctly. Having a stable base for your tree can prevent unnecessary trip and fall incidents, especially if you have young children or pets at home. 

5. Be Safe in the Kitchen 

Cooking for family and friends is a huge part of the holiday season, but when there is a lot going on and things are forgotten, kitchen accidents can easily happen. 

• Use timers to make sure you do not forget about food on the stove, grill, air fryer, or in the oven. 
• Be careful if kids and pets are present. Make sure all sharp knives are kept out of reach, and that they are not getting too close to any hot surfaces. 
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working – you can do this by pushing the test button. 
• Be careful with pot handles. It is best to turn handles towards the back of the stove to prevent someone from bumping them and causing a hot liquid spill. 
• Wash your hands frequently. You do not want to be the reason friends and family get sick. 

Whittel & Melton Are Here to Help this Holiday Season 

Accidents can still happen despite our best efforts to prevent them. If you or someone you love is injured this holiday season due to someone else’s carelessness, we are available 24/7 to help. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Florida is known as the boating capital of the U.S. The Sunshine State has many popular boating hubs, including Miami, the Florida Keys, Stuart, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Crystal River, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Charlotte Harbor, and Tampa Bay. However, with its large number of boaters, Florida also has the highest number of boating injuries and fatalities in the U.S. If you’ve been involved in a boat accident in Florida, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options.

Our Florida Boating Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have seen all types of boat and watercraft accidents, including jet ski accidents, sailboat mishaps, ferry accidents, tourist boat accidents, yachting accidents, and cruise ship injuries. We have seen all types of serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord trauma, near-drowning injuries, and, unfortunately, death. 

What Should You Do After a Boat Accident in Florida? 

Your top priority is your safety and well-being, so make sure you and any other passengers get any medical attention that is needed right away before doing any of the following: 

1. Self-evaluate and call for help. Are you bleeding? Can you move your arms and legs? Assess your injuries and call 911 to inform emergency responders of your situation. Request police at the boat accident scene to file a report. Important: Do not admit fault when officers arrive. You can explain the incident, but accepting fault may jeopardize your damage claim.
2. Move the vessel to a safe place. If you can safely move the boat or watercraft from harm’s way, then do so. 
3. Document the scene through pictures. Take photos of your injuries, the boat, and other damaged vessels. More photos mean stronger evidence for your claim.
4. Talk to witnesses. Collect their name and contact information for future reference if anyone witnessed the event. 
5. Log how you are feeling for the next couple of weeks. Keep a record of your feelings after the accident to document your pain and emotional distress. Memories fade, so having this log is crucial for proving the damages you seek.
6. Follow up with your primary care doctor. While you may think everything is just fine, after the adrenaline from the accident wears off, you might start to feel pain and discomfort. Your doctor can get you the medical care you need if you are injured. It is also essential to have medical records that support your injury claim. 
7. Contact Whittel & Melton’s Florida Boat Accident Lawyers at 866-608-5529 or online for a free consultation. Speak with us promptly after an accident to preserve key evidence. Don’t miss your chance to file a claim—Florida allows personal injury and wrongful death claims to be filed two years after the incident. Your attorney must investigate quickly and identify all liable parties to take action.

What Are the Steps for Filing a Boat Accident Claim in Florida? 

• Request a free legal consultation. Your first step is setting up an initial meeting where you will relay what happened in the accident, and your attorney will provide you with feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your potential claim. 
• Investigate the accident. Once you hire your attorney, then they will launch an immediate investigation into your case. We can also work with experts to help prove your case. 
• Negotiate a settlement. Your attorney will communicate with the insurance companies involved in your case on your behalf. We will request documents, handle any requests from the insurance companies, and attempt to negotiate a fair settlement. If we cannot reach a fair settlement, we will take your case to trial to fight for the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Our Florida Attorneys at Whittel & Melton Are Here to Help 

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a Florida boat crash, then we urge you to contact us as soon as possible at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation. Having our team of personal injury lawyers on your side early on in your case could be critical in obtaining the best possible outcome. 

State laws, known as statutes of limitations, set time limits for individuals to take legal action after an accident. They ensure that legal issues are resolved fairly and promptly.

When this window closes, you could be out of luck. This time frame is not just a random number; it aims to preserve valuable evidence and keep all witness statements fresh, preventing their memories from fading as time goes on. These time constraints help prevent unfair delays in personal injury or wrongful death cases for everyone involved.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident. This deadline is applicable in the following situations: 

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents 
• Car accidents 
• Truck accidents  
• Motorcycle crashes 
• Premises liability claims 
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents

Deadlines for Florida Medical Malpractice Claims

Florida law also mandates a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits. The date of the injury or death usually marks the start of this two-year term. 

Medical malpractice deadlines typically start from the injury date or when it should have been discovered. If the injury is not found right away, the statute of limitations can be extended, but not beyond four years from the incident, regardless of discovery.

There are exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to babies or young children. Minors, or children under the age of 18, may have the statute of limitations for their injury claim paused in certain scenarios. When a delay occurs in identifying injury or harm to a child, such as birth injuries, the statute of limitations extends until the child turns 8 years old. However, if parents knew or should have known about an injury, then the two-year statute of limitations would apply. 

Medical malpractice time frames and exceptions can be tricky. If you or your child has suffered harm due to medical malpractice, contact our Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Whittel & Melton immediately.

When Does the Statute of Limitations Start? 

In most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations begins on the day the injury occurs. If you sustain injuries in a car accident, you must file your injury claim within two years from the date of the crash.

In some cases, the statutes of limitations will not start or run until you have discovered the injury. Some accidents do not show injuries or harm right away, so the discovery of the injury triggers the start of the statute of limitations. The same is true for birth injury claims; it could take several years for injuries to develop after medical malpractice has occurred. Our Florida Birth Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can walk you through the various deadlines that could apply to your claim. 

For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations starts on the date of the death, even if it is several days or weeks after the accident that caused the death. The wrongful death lawyers at Whittel & Melton guide you through filing a wrongful death claim in Florida and ensure you meet all deadlines. 

Courts have the power to pause (also known as tolling) the statute of limitations in certain cases, including: 

• If the injured victim is a minor
• If the injured victim has a mental illness or is incapacitated
• If the defendant is no longer in the jurisdiction/cannot be located 
• If the victim’s injury is the result of sexual abuse

Get Help with Your Florida Personal Injury Claim

Knowing the statute of limitations is crucial for your personal injury case. If you or a loved one suffers an injury, seek legal help immediately. Strict deadlines apply to personal injury and wrongful death cases, so a Florida Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you take the proper steps at the right time. 

Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.