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Support Walk Like MADD, or Mothers Against Drunk Driving, on Sept. 28. The event included 162 runners, 191 walkers, 18 dogs, 65 volunteers and two goats who took 3.514 million steps. But it’s not over. Donations to support Walk Like MADD will remain open until Nov. 28 to reach the goal of $60,000. You can still join 32 teams and 16 financial sponsors to help support victims and fund awareness programs for 15,000 students a year (In fact, donations are welcome all year long). Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman Rice & Purtz have sponsored the walk for the past two years and has committed to sponsoring next year’s walk planned for Sept. 26, 2020. “As a personal injury firm, we deal with terrible tragedies from drunk driving, and this is really our chance to give back to MADD, help MADD help those who are involved as victims as well as try to prevent drunk driving,” said Christopher Smith, partner and firms team leader for the event. The team through individual participants raised $1,500 in addition to the firm’s presenting sponsorship. The Support Walk Like MADD event, which included honoring survivors, 48 victims and 79 members of law enforcement, featured canine Deputy Chance and search and rescue dogs Maggie and Mercy, important in drunk or drugged driving crashes because the dogs can search for the offender and help find victims who may have been ejected from their vehicle. Support Walk Like MADD Established in 2013, MADD SWFL provides free programs to over 15,000 people annually in the Southwest Florida community through its underage drinking prevention initiatives, its campaign to eliminate drunk driving, tie one on for safety campaign and DUI offender education. In addition, the local MADD chapter supports law enforcement, hosting an annual law enforcement recognition program and free DUI training benefiting over 300 local law enforcement professionals. Most importantly, MADD SWFL supports victims and survivors of drunk, drugged and substance-impaired driving crashes, providing over 1,500 free services annually, facilitates grief and community groups and holds an annual a tribute event. CLICK HERE for information on how to donate.

Florida is known for its beautiful coastline and love of recreational boating, but it also has the highest number of boating accidents in the country. In 2023, Florida reported 56 fatal boating accidents and 59 deaths. Understanding the top causes of these tragedies is essential for prevention and safety on the water. For a free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 239-500-4878 today! Primary Causes of Fatal Boating Accidents Drowning remains the number one cause of death, accounting for half of all fatalities. Shockingly, nearly 80% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. Collisions with fixed objects —like docks, channel markers, and seawalls—were responsible for nearly 30% of fatal accidents. These often happen due to speeding or lack of attention from the boat operator. Falling overboard is another major contributor, representing 25% of deaths. In many cases, these falls result in drowning when the victim isn’t wearing a life jacket or cannot swim. Alcohol and drug use played a role in 23% of boating deaths. Impairment on the water can be just as dangerous as drunk driving on the road. For a free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 239-500-4878 today! Who’s Most at Risk? In 2023, the data showed some clear trends in who is most likely to be involved in fatal boating accidents: 73% of operators in fatal accidents were age 36 or older. 83% of them had no formal boater education. 88% of all boating fatalities involved male victims. 55% of fatal accidents occurred on boats that were 21 feet long or smaller. These stats underline the importance of proper training and safety gear for all boaters—regardless of experience level. For a free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 239-500-4878 today! Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. offers four attorneys who are board certified by the Florida bar in civil trial law, business litigation and construction law, as well as attorneys who are certified in civil trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. How to Stay Safe on the Water To prevent future tragedies, follow these simple but critical boating safety guidelines: Always wear a life jacket—especially on small boats. Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep a proper lookout and stay alert for obstacles and other vessels. Take a state-approved boater safety course, even if it’s not required. For a free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 239-500-4878 today! Legal Help After a Boating Accident If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating accident, it’s important to know your rights. Whether it was due to operator negligence, faulty equipment, or unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced boating accident lawyers understand the complexities of maritime and personal injury law in Florida. We’ll guide you through your legal options and fight for the justice and recovery you deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 239-500-4878 today! Frequently Asked Questions What’s the most common cause of death in Florida boating accidents? Drowning, especially when boaters are not wearing life jackets, is the leading cause of death. How does alcohol use affect boating safety? Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment. It’s a leading factor in nearly one out of four boating deaths in Florida. Are smaller boats more dangerous? Yes, boats under 21 feet are involved in over half of fatal accidents, largely due to increased risk of capsizing or falling overboard. Does boater education really make a difference? Absolutely. Over 80% of fatal accident operators had no formal safety training. Taking a course can significantly reduce your risk. What should I do if I’ve been in a boating accident? Seek medical attention, report the accident, and speak with a qualified boating accident lawyer to understand your legal rights and next steps.

Drinking while boating does not go together well like water and whiskey might. Why? Because not all drunk driving happens on the road. According to the United States Coast Guard, drinking while boating is a contributing factor in boating accidents that result in death. Also, alcohol is one of the top five contributing factors in boating accidents that result in injuries. While places to go boating in Florida have not increased, the number of boat owners has, making Florida the top state for boaters. In 2021, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) noted 1.01 million recreational boats were registered in Florida. Three years earlier, there were 950,000 registered recreational boats. Lee County had the third-most boat registrations across 67 Florida counties. In a 2020 report, the U.S. Coast Guard found that nearly seven people died in boating accidents for every 100,000 recreational vessels registered throughout the country. This was an increase from 5.2 deaths per 100,00 registered recreational vessels in 2019. More boats seem to equal more accidents. Lee County ranked No. 4 in Florida and Collier County No. 8 for boating accidents in 2021, according to the FWC. “With more boats on the water, we want to spread the word about boating safety to both residents and visitors enjoying Florida’s year-round boating season,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, Boating and Waterways Section Leader for FWC. “A safe day while boating is a great day. Nothing can ruin a fun and memorable experience on the water faster than a boating accident.” In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, the same as operating a vehicle. Why Drinking While Boating is a Bad Idea The impact drinking has upon driving a vehicle on land is well-studied. However, less is known about how drinking while boating impacts ability. For example, motion, the effect of waves and engine noise can intensify effects of substances. Water, sun and wind can impact how alcohol is absorbed. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, these stressors can make a boater’s coordination, judgment and reaction time decline even faster with alcohol. Also, boats don’t have brakes and operate a lot more like an airplane in some ways than a car. Boat US Foundation did a test to understand the impact of alcohol consumption on boat operations. Two men and two women were asked to perform a slalom course, a steerage-speed run and a docking test. After two 1-ounce drinks of 80-proof vodka or rum, all four did poorly on standard DUI field sobriety tests. However, they appeared more relaxed and confident for the on-the water tests. After three drinks, with a BAC of .08% to .12%, boat speed varied greatly. Two boaters hit the dock and one hit a buoy. After the fourth round of drinks, a male and female test subject had reached .15% BAC, nearly twice the legal threshold in many states. They experienced great difficulty trying to accomplish the water test. Safe Boating Tips The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters: Take a boating safety course. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988, is required to have a boater ID card. Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition. Always let someone on shore know where you are going, when you plan to return, and make sure they have your boat type and registration number. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. Use an engine cut-off device – it is the law. It will stop the boat’s engine should the captain fall overboard. Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion. Know what is going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2020 were caused by operator inattention or lack of a lookout. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed. Help Us Stop Drinking While Boating We are passionate supporters of MADD and the firm is a presenting sponsor for Southwest Florida’s Walk Like MADD 5K at JetBlue Park in September. Our attorneys have seen the impact of drunk driving personally, as well as through the clients we represent, reinforcing our advocacy for MADD. You can support our team, or form a team of your own to help MADD ensure there are no more victims. The sad truth is that drinking while boating or driving can injure or kill people. It is against the law to operate a boat while drinking. If you are injured in a boat accident, we are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation.

Have you recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida? Learn about the 5 things to know about a boat wreck, then call our attorneys now. 1) Selecting a Boat Accident Attorney There are very specialized laws and circumstances that come into play when folks are injured out on the water. You want to find the right attorneys that deal with these cases not just once a month, not just once a year but continually over time. We handle boating accident cases from the very early stages all the way through trial. We are very experienced in putting together the certain factors that need to come into play to maximize the value of your boating accident injury case, and choosing the right attorney is making sure you have someone you can trust, that you know has experience in these areas. 2) Mistakes After a Boat Accident Claim The most common mistake we see with people in a boating accident injury case in Florida is not wanting to blame your friends. Let’s be honest. More times than not, boating accident injury cases occur when you’re out and about with friends, family members, and you’re out having a good time trying to enjoy the water, and you ultimately are severely and permanently injured by a simple mistake made by an acquaintance of yours often that is operating the vessel. A lot of people seem to believe that that’s not something that they should seek justice for because it’s their friend or a family member. We certainly understand that, and we can understand the apprehension that comes along with that kind of event. At the same point in time, this is an event more times than not that is going to affect you for the remainder of your days, weeks, and years on this planet, and these injuries can be very severe. So, instead of having the initial thought of “I don’t know if this is the right path to take for me” what we would suggest is contacting an attorney. In addition there, too, boating accident and injury cases generally involve multiple different facets. There can and more likely than not are multiple parties that are at fault, not including you, the injured party, for the incident occurring. For example, someone renting a boat to someone else requires duties and obligations. What we can do in addressing any of those concerns that you may have in your boating accident case is look at other potential avenues of recovery that are available to you. Simply because you’re injured and you may be a little bit apprehensive, we suggest you don’t sweep it under the rug and just think you’ll get better. These are going to be things that you’re going to deal with more often than not for the remainder of your years, and they’re certainly things you did not sign up for. 3) Taking the First Boat Accident Settlement Offer In a boat accident injury case, it is typically not advisable to take the insurance company’s first offer. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to move files off their desk and simply get you, the injured party, out of the way so they can deal with the many other claims that they have. A lot of times the first offer from an insurance company is not taking into account the full extent and amount of your damages because a lot of times you’re still working your way through your medical care and treatment. A lot of times the first offer is not really given with the full investigation underway into a conclusion, so taking the first offer more times than not is the insurance company’s attempt to get you out of their way. Don’t let the insurance companies win. 4) Boat Accident Attorney Fees For your boat accident injury claim, hiring us at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz costs you absolutely nothing. We are happy to evaluate your claim, talk to you first, and then hopefully sign you up as our client to pursue justice for you without any cost to you initially. You will never see a bill from us. We will never ask you to write us a check. What we do, and what we’re certainly happy to do, is work your case, develop your case, put together a comprehensive damages packet analysis for the insurance companies and try to get your case resolved, otherwise we go try your case. We’re happy to do that as well, but you do not owe us anything unless we are successful for you. We work on what’s called a contingency fee basis, which means a certain percentage of what we recover as a result of your injuries and damages would come to us for the work that we performed on your case. You also do not owe us anything for the costs associated with the case. That’s not something we would ask you to write us a check for up front. We incur those costs on your behalf, and later based upon the amount of the settlement or the judgment, we can recoup those costs based upon money that we have secure and achieved for you, so ultimately the idea is if we are not successful for you in your case, you will not owe us a dime. 5) Boat Accident Case Going to Trial Boat accident injury cases sometimes go to trial. More often than not, they settle short of trial, but certain circumstances, depending on the facts of the case, may entail your boating accident injury case to make its way all the way through the court system to a jury trial, but ultimately, there will be settlement offers along the way as long as you’ve hired the right attorneys to put the pieces together for you but also for presentation to the insurance company. Getting the case resolved can happen at any point in time along the way. There are cases that resolve very early. There are cases that resolve on the courthouse steps just before the trial begins. It all depends on the certain facts and circumstances in the case measured against your wants and desires as the client seeking full justice for you. Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about the 5 things to know about a boat wreck? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Have you experienced an injury in Florida and have questions about boat accident lawyer fees? Watch this video, then call our lawyers today. Question: How much does it cost to hire a boat accident attorney in Southwest Florida? Answer: For your boat accident injury claim, hiring us at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz costs you absolutely nothing. We are happy to evaluate your claim, talk to you first, and then hopefully sign you up as our client to pursue justice for you without any cost to you initially. You will never see a bill from us. We will never ask you to write us a check. What we do, and what we’re certainly happy to do, is work your case, develop your case, put together a comprehensive damages packet analysis for the insurance companies and try to get your case resolved, otherwise we go try your case. We’re happy to do that as well, but you do not owe us anything unless we are successful for you. We work on what’s called a contingency fee basis, which means a certain percentage of what we recover as a result of your injuries and damages would come to us for the work that we performed on your case. You also do not owe us anything for the costs associated with the case. That’s not something we would ask you to write us a check for up front. We incur those costs on your behalf, and later based upon the amount of the settlement or the judgment, we can recoup those costs based upon money that we have secure and achieved for you, so ultimately the idea is if we are not successful for you in your case, you will not owe us a dime. Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about boat accident lawyer fees? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Were you injured in Southwest Florida and have questions about boat accident claim timeline? Check out this video to learn how long a case can take. Question: How long will my boat accident claim take in Southwest Florida? Answer: Resolving a boating accident injury claim in Florida can under certain circumstances take some time. There are other circumstances where once the pieces are all put together early and we tie a tight, nice little bow around the facts of the case, how the accident occurred, your injuries, your damages, ultimately what this meant for you – documentation is obviously key, so the earlier on you get an attorney involved, the more likely your case is to resolve at some point in time early in the process. That’s not to say they all do, but documenting and getting the right folks attorney-wise involved in your case early on helps you try and put the case to bed before jumping through all the legal hoops that come along with filing a lawsuit and working through a court system in order to potentially try your case in front of a jury if we can’t get it settled at any point in time along the way. It depends on so many facts and so many variables, but getting the right attorneys involved like us at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz goes a long way to hopefully getting this put behind you at some point in time early on in the process as opposed to letting it drag out for years and years, which can occur working our way through the court systems. Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about boat accident claim timeline? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Are you choosing a boat accident attorney? Learn what you should look for in an attorney in this video. Then, call our Florida lawyers to get started. Question: How do I choose a boat accident attorney in Southwest Florida? Answer: Finding the right boating accident injury attorney is paramount in Florida. There are very specialized laws and circumstances that come into play when folks are injured out on the water. You want to find the right attorneys that deal with these cases not just once a month, not just once a year but continually over time. We at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz handle boating accident cases from the very early stages all the way through trial. We are very experienced in putting together the certain factors that need to come into play to maximize the value of your boating accident injury case, and choosing the right attorney is making sure you have someone you can trust, that you know has experience in these areas. Being in southwest Florida here locally where we all practice, we see cases like this, and we handle cases like this from our local offices. They don’t go out of our office to be handled by other firms or other offices in other parts of the state. You’re going to have an attorney on the ground with you to handle your case from the very beginning all the way through trial if that’s necessary, and you need to have those attorneys that have the experience to deal with the multifaceted claims and issues that arise in a boating accident case. Have you or a loved one recently been injured in a boat accident in Florida and have questions about what to look for when choosing a boat accident attorney? Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boat accident lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Like us on Facebook

Lee and Collier counties top the list as the most high-trafficked spots for dangerous boating accidents in Florida, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Division. Dangerous Boating Accidents: Statistics A study of 2019 accidents by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Law Enforcement division of boating accident statistics showed that 61% of accidents happened in 10 Florida counties. Lee County ranked fourth and Collier County ranked ninth in that list. During 2019 in Florida, there were 29 fatal boating accidents, 191 accidents with injury and 223 accidents without injury. Of the 65 boating accidents reported in Lee County in 2019, most of them happened near the Punta Rassa boat ramp at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. In 2019, Lee County had nine fatal boating accidents, 20 accidents with injury and 18 accidents without injury. The two primary causes of dangerous boating accidents in Lee County in 2019 were distraction (11 accidents) and excessive speed (eight accidents). Operator inexperience and alcohol use resulted in six accidents each. Most of the accidents were collisions with other boats or a fixed object. Collier County had no fatal accidents, 10  accidents with injuries and 11 accidents without injuries in 2019. Lack of attention and operator inexperience were tied at five accidents each, also primarily collisions with another vessel or fixed object. No dangerous boating accidents in Collier County in 2019 were attributed to alcohol use. Why Dangerous Boating Accidents Matter Understanding when and how boating accidents happen is increasingly important for law enforcement for the coming year. Like other outdoor pursuits during the pandemic, boating has increased, with boat rentals on the rise. In a survey by the marine industry, 70% of boat dealers reported retail growth during May. Used boat sales are also up, with 74% of dealers reporting sales growth in May. Boat and yacht listing websites like Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com increased their web traffic and leads, with a 56% increase in traffic and a 177% increase in leads over last year. Boating accidents typically increase during the summer months, but experts expect accident numbers may be even higher with more boats on the water. In addition, alcohol sales have increased during the pandemic. According to boatingundertheinfluence.org, a person boating while drinking is 10 times more likely to die than a sober boat operator. Motion, vibration, noise, sun, wind and spray intensify alcohol’s affects. Thirty-four percent of fatal boat accidents are alcohol related. Safe Boating Tips from the National Safety Council – Wear life jackets. About three-quarters of boating deaths are due to drowning and more than 80% of victims are not wearing a life jacket. Even good swimmers need them. – Take a safe-boating course and be familiar with state boating laws. – Get a free vessel safety check available from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. – File a float plan, so someone will know where you are planning to go and when you are expected to return. You can get a template here: http://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/. – Wear sunscreen and eye protection. – Exercise good judgment. Do not drink, watch for weather changes and follow navigational rules. Next Steps After a Boating Accident? In case of a boating accident with injuries, Florida law requires boaters to file a report with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement or local police within 48 hours of the accident. Boating accidents have a different set of laws than accidents that take place on land, with different filing deadlines and pleading requirements. Another difference in how your claim will be treated is if you are a guest or employee on the boat. While not all cases are going to be the same, you may be entitled to payment of your medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering damages. The road to recovery after a boating accident can be long and challenging. If you have been in a boating accident, it is important that the proper authorities are notified, and your medical needs are addressed. When you are involved in a boating accident, you should not talk about the accident with anybody other than your attorney. About the Author Christopher Smith is a managing partner at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. If you have been in a boating accident, it is important that you hire an experienced local law firm that understands boating accident cases and can maximize your recovery.

Boating Accidents from Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Boating accidents are common. Florida’s subtropical climate in the north and tropical climate in the south make it home to many boat enthusiasts. With ideal boating weather and water located on 3 sides and throughout the state, boaters can enjoy the luxury of year-round boating. Unfortunately, boating is oftentimes enjoyed with alcoholic beverages on hand. It is important that boaters be aware of the laws and dangers pertaining to Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Dangers of Boating Under the Influence A person boating under the influence is 10 times more likely to die than a sober boat operator (See Boating DUI Law below for Limits) 34% of fatal boat accidents are alcohol-related External conditions (motion, vibration, noise, sun, wind, spray) intensify alcohol affects Motor skills such as those used to drive a car (coordination, reaction time, judgement etc.) become diminished Boating DUI Law Illegal to operate Vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol Breath alcohol level of .08 or higher presumed under the influence (over 21 years old) Under 21 years old – .02 alcohol level or above is a violation of Florida Law BUI Penalties BUI Penalties can include but are not limited to: Suspension or Revocation of Driver’s License Fines Jail Probation Who to Call If you or someone you know are involved in a BUI or BUI accident it is important to seek experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, and Purtz, have over 50 years experience in dealing with boating accidents due to a boat operator boating under the influence of alcohol, and other boating accident related offenses. Contact us today for a free consultation.