Bagen Law Blog

Recreational boating is a great way to get out on the water with your friends and family, but it’s important to make good choices and take precautions to avoid turning your day in the sun into a day at the hospital. 

Boating accidents can lead to significant physical and emotional injuries. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 5,265 boating accidents occurred in 2020, resulting in over 3,000 injuries and 767 deaths. The numbers were higher last year due to the pandemic and will potentially increase this year as well, with everyone itching to get outside and see their friends and loved ones. For this reason, it’s more important now than ever to use good judgment and take extra care to keep safe while cruising the water this summer. 

Once a boating accident has occurred, there are steps you need to take immediately. As with all accidents, the first actions should be to make sure you and anyone with you are safe. Steps to protect your rights come after, but are no less important, especially if you are seeking compensation for the accident.

If you are injured because of another person’s or company’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses caused by your injury under Florida statutes. However, these statutes for personal injury outline specific requirements for filing a personal injury claim in the state. Here is what you should know about Florida’s personal injury statutes if you are considering filing a case.

Boating Tips

A day out on a boat can be a lot of fun. However, you need to remember to boat carefully and responsibly.Boating accidents are often caused by negligence and careless operation. While you and your friends are enjoying your Florida spring break, keep in mind these safe boating tips:

• Never operate a boat while under the influence
• Obey speeding zones
• Don't operate a boat recklessly
• Don't cause large wakes in calm areas
• Keep a safe distance between boats
• Keep a look out for people in the water

The best means of documenting auto accident damage is adopting the mindset of an investigator hot on the trail of a breaking news story. Gather as much information as you can about the incident. The more evidence you are able to collect, the better off you will be when it comes to trying to get compensation from the insurance company regarding the damage your car sustained.

Document Any Damages Using Pictures

Pictures are worth a thousand words, potentially even a thousand dollars when it comes to gathering evidence from the crash scene. The insurance company claims adjuster is going to do everything he or she can to make your settlement as little as possible. They have numerous ways to do this, such as questioning any evidence that you present in the accident reports. Thanks to a slip & fall attorney in Ocala, FL, you can have someone who is working in your favor to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to and more. Steven A. Bagen Law Firm has offices in Gainesville and Ocala, Florida.

It's amazing how some of the best drivers on the road turn into some of the most clumsy and irresponsible boat drivers on water. In reality, boats and boating traffic are regulated, boat owners have responsibilities, and being irresponsible with a boat can result in property, injuries, and even death in boating accidents.

Florida is a prime state for boaters, surrounded by water on three sides, and dotted with hundreds of lakes, as well as the Everglades. As a result, boaters with watercraft of all sizes and types will find a location that suits their fancy, enjoying a weekend on the water or making a living out of the waterways or both. However, just like the roadwayss and highways, the waterways have risks that boaters need to constantly be aware of. These include hidden underwater obstacles, above water risks, water currents, the weather, and most importantly, other boaters and water recreation users.

Without a doubt, several extensive medical, legal, financial and emotional considerations are involved requiring immediate attention after you have been involved in an auto accident. If you fail to pay attention to any one of these different components after your accident occurs, you might find out later that the mistake could prove to be quite costly in terms of your well-being and recovery for years down the road.

The body isn’t designed to be able to hold up against the impact and force brought on from an auto accident. Regardless of whether it is a slow impact collision or not, you could end up finding yourself struggling with any number of serious injuries. Not all of these injuries are going to be visible at first, which is why it is imperative that you seek the attention of a medical professional right away. 

BUI, or boating  under the influence, is responsible for a staggering number of arrests, accidents and deaths in Florida every year. It’s a significant crime and you should avoid it.

Hitting the water in your boat with a supply of your preferred beverage for an afternoon of fishing, skiing or swimming is a very popular thing in Florida. And because the state doesn’t outlaw drinking while boating, it’s become very common, as well. However, like driving a car, there are consequences to operating a boat under the influence. What should you know about these consequences?

Renting jet skis is a great way to ensure you have an afternoon of fun on the water. However, there are some potential problems here that can have a dramatic effect on you.

Spending a day on the beach and enjoying Florida’s beautiful waters is always an enjoyable experience. Renting Jet Skis has become a popular pastime on the state’s beaches, as well. They’re fast, compact, require no license to operate and are widely available throughout the state. However, before you decide to rent from any company, there are some things that you’ll need to know.

1. Always research a company’s reputation first. This can be difficult to do, particularly if you’re visiting the state. However, you can inquire with the hotel or resort staff about any company in the area and find out if they’re recommended or not.

A fishing trip turned deadly Tuesday morning when an airboat capsized in the Rodman Reservoir.
The 64-year-old operator of the boat was killed in the accident, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Joy Hill said. His 50-year-old fishing companion received minor injuries.