Top Boating Accident Lawyers To Get the Compensation You Deserve
Boating is one of the most enjoyable activities but you never know when an accident will strike. Were you or your loved one injured during your boating trip? Then it is time to call Boating Accident Lawyers who can help you receive due compensation for your injuries and pay for your damages. Such accidents are mostly the result of negligent and reckless behavior of boating drivers and can leave you with catastrophic injuries that demand emergency care.
At Alpha Law Group, we are here to fight for your rights if you have fallen victim to boating injuries at the hands of a liable party. Our attorney understands how maritime laws work and can steer you through the legal process to build a compelling case against those responsible for your injuries. Whether you were injured on a commercial ship, a recreational boat, or a cruise ship, our top accident lawyers are well-prepared to hear your case and take it to the next stage.
Does Florida Have Specific laws for boating Accidents?
Florida has strict laws for boating accidents that place liability on the owner or operator of a vessel that caused injuries and damages. No matter whose fault it is, the owner and operator cannot escape their liability. If the recklessness of another person contributed to the accident, victims are entitled to claim compensation for their personal injuries to afford the resultant injuries. If the driver of a boat responsible for an accident leaves the scene of a vessel, this is categorized as a third-degree felony punishable by law if it leads to a personal injury case. If only property was damaged with no human loss, this comes under the class of second-degree misdemeanor.
Florida is governed by Statutes Section 327.301 which stipulates the specific conditions that qualify as a boating condition and which require you to report them in Florida.
- Collision in water or while entering or leaving water
- Capsizing and Sinking
- Personal injuries requiring medical attention more extensive than first aid
- Death
- Disappearances or missing parties
- Property damage estimated to be worth more than $2,000
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover Through a Defective Product Injury Claim?
If a boater is at fault in an accident, victims can claim compensation for the expenses they paid out of their pocket as well as those that are likely to be paid in the future. Compensation not only includes economic damages but also non-economic damages for the emotional and physical effects of an accident like Loss of support, companionship, love, and protection, reduced quality of life even loss of enjoyment of life.
1. Medical Expenses
If a boat accident causes severe injuries, this will drastically increase your medical expenses which can be compensated. YOu can get compensation to cover bills for initial emergency care, surgeries, medication, and long-term care to facilitate rehabilitation.
2. Lost Wages and Future Earnings
A serious injury can force you out of work for the foreseeable future, incurring a significant loss in your wages. Compensation can account for this time off work as well as any impact on your future earning potential if a permanent disability occurs.
3. Pain and Suffering
An injury is not limited to physical pain but can also be traumatic for the victim. This can also form part of your claims.
4. Property Damage
This includes the expenses to repair a damaged boat or any other equipment on board or get it replaced.
5. Wrongful Death Claims
if a boating accident caused the loss of life of a loved one, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to cover a range of unexpected costs like funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of consortium.
What Are Some Steps I Should Take After a Boating Accident?
If your boat encountered an accident and you ended up injured, here are the steps you should take to minimize damage and strengthen your claim.
1. Seek Medical Attention
Boat injuries are mostly of a serious nature that requires immediate medical care. Even if the injury seems minor, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor as this is necessary to create a medical record for future reference.
2. Report the Accident:
You should notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the U.S. Coast Guard about the accident so that they can initiate an inquiry into the accident.
3. Document the Scene
There is a possibility that you will lose critical evidence within days and hence it’s important to gather all relevant evidence right away from the scene of the accident including photos of the accident, your injuries, and damages to the vessel. The eyewitness forms an integral part of the overall evidence to prove liability for an accident and therefore you should obtain their contact details for future testimony.
4. Do Not Admit Fault
The period right after an accident is highly sensitive in legal terms and anything you say might be used against you. Avoid discussing the case with anyone unless you have a lawyer with you.
5. Consult a Boating Accident Lawyer
if you were injured in a boat crash, you should get in touch with a boating accident attorney as soon as possible who can tally your losses and attend to the legal requirements.
What Are The Common Causes Of Boating Accidents?
Boating is a year-round activity in the US but the risk of boating accidents remains quite high. Florida alone is known for having the highest rates of boating accidents among all US states with 619 accidents reported in 2023. As per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), there were accounts of 65 fatalities most of which were the result of collisions or falls aboard.
- When the boat driver is negligent or drives under the influence of alcohol, the boat can collide with other vehicles. In Florida, alcohol has been the leading cause of boating fatalities.
- A manufacturing defect can cause a malfunction on the way and eventually lead to an accident.
- A boat operator who is driving negligently can come into contact with a propeller that can cause serious injuries and at worst amputations.
- Being forced out of the boat at high speed can result in a high-impact accident and contribute to debilitating injuries such as dislocated shoulders, brain trauma, broken bones, or internal damage.
- A high-speed vehicle is not only more difficult to control, but it is also vulnerable to crashes with fixed objects on the way like docks, buoys, or submerged objects.
- A fire or explosion can stimulated by the presence of a leaking fuel or a faulty electrical connection.
- Hazards aboard a cruise ship such as wet floors, discarded objects, and structural collapses
- Failing to keep proper safety equipment on board such as life vests, flares, and rafts
What our Accident Personal Injury lawyers can do for you?
Unlike car accidents, boating accidents are defined by several factors that make them different. Firstly, the scope for evidence is the law as no cameras could show the accident in action and it can be difficult to trace eyewitnesses. In the aftermath of a boating accident, you need a skilled lawyer by your side who can help you find the best course of action for the highest possible compensation to make up for your financial losses. Our boat accident lawyers offer comprehensive legal support, including:
- Case Investigation: Our lawyers will launch an in-depth investigation to discover key evidence on the site of the accident to support your claim including witness statements, and accident reports.
- Conduct Negotiations: Our lawyers will negotiate with the at-fault parties and guarantee that your legal rights are preserved and a fair settlement is reached that reflects the full extent of your damages.
- Litigation Support: If negotiations don’t work, our boating accident attorneys are geared to take your case to trial and provide top-notch legal representation to yield a desirable result.
- Fair Settlement: Our lawyers know what it takes to get you the maximum compensation for the injuries inflicted by a boat accident.
How to Book a Consultation With the Best Boating Accident Lawyers?
The path to a fair settlement after a boating accident is not an easy one but a lawyer by your side can make it a lot less stressful and more manageable. If you are looking for Boating Accident Lawyers near me, it’s simple to book an appointment with our top accident lawyers. Call us at 941-304-1500 to speak with a boating accident lawyer directly or you can fill out an online form by providing us with your details and a brief description of your case. We offer a free evaluation of your case with good accident lawyers who will inform you about your legal options.
What Are the Common Types of Boating Accident Cases We Handle?
Our lawyers have experience dealing with a wide array of cases wherein we have represented both passengers and crew members who got injured during a boating or cruising trip. Our lawyers can assist with accidents that take place on boats as well as following related cases;
- Yacht Accidents
- Jet Ski and Waverunner Accident
- Personal Watercraft Accident
- Parasailing Accidents
- Cruise Ship Passenger Accidents
- Cruise Ship Rape & Sexual Assault
- Cruise Ship Overboard & Drowning Accidents
- Seafarer and Crewmember Injuries
- Ship Asbestos Claims
Why Choose Boating Accident Lawyers From Alpha Law Group?
At Alpha Law Group, we boast a high success rate in securing a favorable verdict for our clients so that they can control the long-term consequences of boating accident injuries. Here’s what makes us the best choice:
- Decades of Experience: We possess proven expertise in the legal area thanks to our extensive experience, particularly in dealing with thousands of boating injury-related cases.
- Proven Results: Our lawyers are well-versed in the legal framework governing boat accidents and leverage effective legal strategies to deliver maximum compensation for our clients.
- Contingency-based Services: The best part about our legal services is that we don’t charge anything upfront which means that you only need to pay once we win compensation for you.
- Ongoing legal Help; We don’t just do standard legal paperwork or file a lawsuit but review your case to offer personalized legal guidance every step of the way.
FAQs for Cases With Boating Injuries
1. How long do I have to file a boating accident claim in Florida?
Under Florida laws, there is a 4 year period for filing personal claims but it is reduced to three years when you want to make boating accident claims.
2. Can I still receive compensation if I am partially at fault?
Yes. Florida follows the comparative negligence rule which makes you eligible to recover damages as long as your degree of fault is less than 51%. The higher the percentage of fault, the lower will be your compensation but if your fault exceeds 51%, your case will be dismissed.
3. How long does it take to settle a boating accident case?
It varies from case to case but generally, it takes around 6 months to a year to resolve a boating accident lawsuit. The length of time it takes for a final resolution is higher in the case of a trial.
4. Who can be held liable in a boating accident?
Multiple entities can be held liable for having caused the boating accident including the boat operator and the rental company where you booked your ride. You can even file accident claims against the boat manufacturer if an accident occurs due to some manufacturing defect or if government entities fail to maintain waterways.
5. Are federal and maritime laws applied differently in boating accident cases?
If an accident occurs on waters not used for interstate commerce, then local regulations influence how liability is to be determined in the event of an accident. However, federal law will precede law if the accident occurs on navigable bodies used for interstate commerce.
Contact Seasoned Accident and Injury Lawyers at Alpha Law Group
A boat accident can kill the joy of boating and even endanger your life if the driver turns out to be inattentive or negligent. Most boating accidents can be avoided simply by exercising care and adhering to applicable laws and regulations. That said, if you or your loved one find yourself caught up in an accident, we will help you fight your legal battles and passionately advocate for your rights for the compensation you deserve. Contact our boating accident lawyers near me today to get much-needed financial relief and justice for your injuries.
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