Boating Accidents

July 22, 2015

Woman Critically Injured in Tampa Jet Ski Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A woman suffered severe injuries Sunday evening in Tampa in a jet ski crash on the Hillsborough River.

The driver of the jet ski lost control after crossing into the wake of a passing boat near the North Boulevard Bridge Sunday evening, according to Tampa Police Department Marine Patrol. The jet ski struck a metal sign posted near the center channel.

Officials believe the woman, who was a passenger on the jet ski, smashed her head on the sign. She was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. Officials have not released any further information about the woman.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the crash.

Investigators do not believe at this time that alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident.

In a study conducted by the University of Florida, researchers found that jet ski accidents actually produce far greater injuries than boating mishaps. The most common jet ski injuries include head and brain injuries and severe trauma to the chest and abdominal areas. Most of these injuries occur when a jet ski collides with a stationary object or other vessel causing the driver or passenger to be thrust into the object.

If you have been involved in a jet ski accident of any kind, you and your family may be entitled to financial recovery for:

Pain and Suffering
Lost wages
Permanent Impairments
Medical Bills
Future Medical Care
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of Consortium

March 20, 2015

Tips to Stay Safe on a Spring Break Cruise

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Spring break is officially here, which means there are going to be lots of kids, teens, families and college students taking cruises to exotic places. While some will be cruising with their parents, others will be venturing off into the seas with friends. Due to the fact that there will be a higher number of young passengers on board cruise liners, our Tampa Bay Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton would like to point out some tips to keep yourself and those you are travelling with free from danger.

Cruise vacations should be fun, relaxing and enjoyable. However, the reality is that many cruises can bring out all kinds of hazards, such as injuries, illnesses and even rape and other crimes. Statistics show that sexual assault is the number one type of crime that is most likely to occur on cruise ships, which is why it is essential for spring breakers to always be on high alert. If you have planned on going on a cruise during spring break, please review the following safety tips:

Travel with a Group. It is much easier to become the victim of an assault or other type of crime when you are travelling solo. Always make sure you have a buddy with you, even though larger groups are preferable. Avoid exploring the ship by yourself at all times.
Be Aware of your Surroundings. You should feel free to socialize with other passengers, but keep all interactions well within the public eye. In the event that there is any trouble, as long as you are with others, you will not be alone or isolated. Keep your communications in common areas and in sections of the ship where there is a lot of traffic, like the Lido deck or dining room. Do not allow yourself to be alone with a stranger in their stateroom or in yours. You never want to be in a secluded area that is away from cameras, passengers or other crew members who can assist in the event of an emergency.
Keep a Close Watch on Your Beverages. Many cruise ship passengers become distracted when socializing and drinking, making it very easy to slip something in a potential victim’s drink, regardless of whether the drink is alcoholic or not. Since a drink can be drugged in just seconds, it is very important to always keep a close eye on your beverage. Should you walk away from your drink, always ask for a new refreshment when you return.

January 29, 2015

Avoid a Watercraft Boating Accident this Gasparilla Weekend

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

This Saturday, Tampa Bay-area residents and visitors join in an unusual celebration called Gasparilla, one that marks the beginning of a new year and serves as a reminder of ancient times. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival was named in honor of the pirate Jose “Gasparilla” Gaspar, who is famed for terrorizing Florida’s west coast during the late 18th century and early 19th century. On Saturday, the city of Tampa will be “invaded” by Gasparilla and his men when their 165-foot pirate ship arrives in downtown Tampa, known as the Jose Gasparilla. The mayor of Tampa gives the key to the city to the pirate captain and a victory parade begins throughout the city’s streets.

While this event is a lot of fun, it can also be very dangerous if proper steps are not taken to ensure the safety of yourself and others while on a boat. The following safety tips could be of use to you this weekend:

Make sure that you have a designated driver. In the state of Florida, it is illegal to operate any vessel on Florida waters while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or any mixture of intoxicating substances.
Keep a close watch out for other boaters and watch your speed!
It is important to make sure that you have enough personal flotation devices for everyone on board before you head out on the water.
Make sure you have all necessary safety equipment on board and in working order.
Create a float plan with friends or family and have a working VHF radio on board.
Talk with all of your passengers before you head out about what to do in case of an emergency. That way you all have a game plan should your adventure go awry.

This weekend you will see many law enforcement vessels on the waterways, including boats from the Coast Guard, Tampa Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Hillsborough County and Pinellas County sheriff’s offices.

September 9, 2014

St. Petersburg Accident Shows Important Lesson for Boaters

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Boating is a popular and enjoyable activity here in the Tampa Bay area, but it is also a pastime filled with accidents as well. If you find yourself hurt or injured while boating due to someone else’s negligent or careless actions, it is worth speaking to a Boating Accident Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton about your rights.

Three adults were rescued by a Coast Guard crew eight miles west of Bean Point on Anna Maria Island Sunday after their 37-foot boat began taking on water.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a report around 3:50 p.m. that the boat had begun taking on water from a six-inch hole in the hull.

A boat crew from the station made it to the scene around 4:30 p.m., plugged the hole, began dewatering and put the boat in tow.

The boat was safely towed to Bradenton Beach Marina by 8 p.m.

A command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg mentioned a valuable tip for boaters: “It is important for boaters to remember the Coast Guard can always be reached via channel 16 in an emergency. Having a marine band radio on board a vessel, like in this case, can save lives when a situation becomes an emergency.”

Manatee County Fire and Rescue also responded to the accident site.

In the United States, boating collisions are the most common type of accident. More than 8 percent of all boating accidents result in fatalities. Nearly half of boating accident tragedies occur because of passengers falling overboard, with 70 percent of those victims drowning. Of these drowning accidents, 86 percent involve passengers not wearing a life jacket. The most common recreational boat accidents involve the following:

Capsizing
Falling overboard
Collisions with other vessels or stationary structures
Fires
Flooding or Sinking
Explosions

When operating a boat, there are certain steps that can be taken to prevent a boat accident injury or minimize the damage. The following tips can prove useful to boaters when an emergency situation arises:

Always have enough life jackets for all crew and passengers, and make sure everyone wears one
Refrain from drinking alcohol while boating
Always have a working VHF radio on board, a submersible model is preferable
Use GPS technologies to know your location at all times
Keep flares on board
Make sure to have a first aid kit on board
Keep fire extinguishers in an easily accessible location
Leave your itinerary with someone on land

May 12, 2014

Pinellas County Watercraft Accident Attorney :: Two Injured in Watercraft Accident Near Bunce’s Pass

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two people were injured recently after a personal watercraft collided with another watercraft near Bunce’s Pass near Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a 47-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both of Kissimmee, were riding on the watercraft around 5:30 p.m. when the accident happened.

Both were taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with non-life-threatening injuries.

The other watercraft involved in the collision was driven by a 44-year-old man.

Nor further information is available regarding the incident at this time. The accident is currently under investigation.

According to the United State Coast Guard, more than one million personal watercrafts are registered in the United States. While personal watercraft’s only account for around 8 percent of all watercrafts, they generate nearly 26 percent of all boating injuries. There were 779 personal watercraft accidents reported in 2012, including 58 fatalities. Moreover, the United States Coast Guard ranks personal watercrafts as the second most dangerous type of watercraft on the water, and classifies these vessels as the most dangerous when accounting for percentage of operator injuries.

Boating accidents are quite different than automobile crashes in that there is not usually an accident scene to investigate. These incidents rely heavily on witness testimony as well as physical evidence in and on the boat. Watercraft accidents can be complex, which is why it is necessary to have a maritime lawyer working in your corner in order to achieve successful results.

February 10, 2014

Tampa Bay Watercraft Accident Attorney :: Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents in Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The Tampa Bay area is well known for its beautiful rivers, lakes, bays and access to the Gulf of Mexico. Because areas like Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island have so many various waterways, jet skiing is quite popular among tourists and residents alike. However, jet skiing is an inherently risky activity, with the U.S. Coast Guard broadcasting more than 700 fatalities involving jet skis and more than 3,000 injuries nationwide.

A moment of negligence or recklessness on a jet ski can result in severe personal injuries and even wrongful death. The good news is that most jet ski accidents can be prevented by understanding the common causes of these accidents and how to identify risky behaviors that can easily lead to an unfortunate mishap. Moreover, it is vital that jet ski riders know how to operate a jet ski in a safe fashion before heading out on the waterways.

Were you injured on the waterways of Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island or the surrounding areas? Call Whittel & Melton today at 727-823-0000 or dial us statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529.

SPEEDING

Nearly 15 percent of all accidents involving personal watercrafts, such as jet skis, were caused by speeding drivers, according to the US Coast Guard. Driving a jet ski can undoubtedly be an exhilarating experience. As a jet ski driver, it is important to not get carried away when operating these vehicles as the amount of horsepower these vessels have can be intense. When excessive speeds are used, serious accidents can occur.

INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS

Many people hop on jet skis and take off into the water without fully realizing how dangerous these vehicles can be. It is important to get the proper training and experience before darting off in these vehicles. The National Transportation Safety Board estimates that nearly a third of drivers involved in a jet ski or other personal watercraft accident had operated the vehicle ten times or less prior to their accident.

INATTENTIVE DRIVERS

As water sports like jet skiing become more and popular, waterways become more crowded, increasing the number of distractions for drivers. Unnecessary collisions on personal watercrafts are often caused by drivers who fail to pay attention to their surroundings. By staying focused while on a jet ski, you can prevent a catastrophe from occurring.

RECKLESS DRIVING

One of the leading causes of jet ski accidents is reckless driving. Often referred to as the motorcycle of the waterways, jet skis can be quite dangerous when operated in a reckless manner. Following the rules of the waterways is crucial when operating a jet ski, and failure to do so can result in broken bones, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma and even death.

January 29, 2014

Sarasota Accident Attorney: Fire sinks sailboat in Sarasota Bay

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 28-foot sailboat is at the the bottom of Sarasota Bay after a fire the vessel sunk the ship.

Bradenton Police Department believe the cause of the fire is believed to be a lighted canister of Sterno cooking fuel. However, the investigation is ongoing.

Sarasota County sailboat sinks after fire takes over