Boat Accident Lawyer In Fort Lauderdale, FL

Boat Accident Lawyer In Fort Lauderdale, FL

Florida is one of the busiest states in America when it comes to recreational boating. Unfortunately, the state has to deal with a rising number of boat accidents due to the large number of watercrafts operating on Florida’s waterways.

In 2013 alone, there were 1,000 boating crashes in Florida that resulted in 450 injuries according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. From 2007 – 2013, close to 5,000 boating accidents claimed over 500 lives. Regular accident reports released by the U.S. Coast Guard also highlight these shocking statistics. In 2016, 80% of boat accident deaths were as a result of drowning, while 83% of the victims that died didn’t have a lifejacket.

If you suffered injuries in a Florida boat accident, there are laws that apply to boat crashes. Contact our Fort Lauderdale boat accident team to start working on a case right away.

Get in Touch with a Boat Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Personal injury boating laws have been implemented to help injured people injured in accidents seek compensation after being involved in unexpected boat crashes that they did not cause. If a family member or even yourself has been injured or suffered wrongful death in such an accident, speak with our boat accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale immediately.

We offer our clients effective advocacy and seek the highest possible settlement amounts allowed under the rule of law. Our team of legal professionals offers free case evaluations so contact us for legal advice from the local boating accident experts.

Common Causes of Florida Boat Accidents

Colliding with another boat is the leading cause of boat crashes according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, injuries caused to boats that are being towed are also high on the accident list. The major causes of boating accidents in Florida include:

  • Boating while intoxicated
  • Failure by boat operators to follow protocol and rules
  • Improper boat maintenance
  • Speeding
  • Falling overboard
  • Overloaded boats
  • Colliding with other boats
  • Colliding with fixed objects
  • Explosions or fuel fires
  • Wake damage

Boat Accident Injuries

Boat crashes can cause injuries and even death. Drowning is the leading cause of death, with falling overboard being the second most common type of boating accident injury in Florida. Other boat accident injuries include:

  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Fractures
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Burns
  • Shock and hypothermia
  • Amputations
  • Neck and back injuries

Boating Crash Injury Damages

Damages you may recover from a boat accident aren’t very different from any other crash that causes personal injury. They include:

  • Suffering and pain
  • Lost income during recovery
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of companionship in the event of wrongful death
  • Loss of earning potential due to severe injuries

The At-Fault Party in Boating Accidents

A boat operator may be held responsible for fatalities or injuries resulting from a boating crash. Below are scenarios that may lead to boat operators being held liable for injuries suffered in a boat accident:

  • Boat operator being distracted due to speaking with a passenger or chatting on the phone while driving, causing him/her to miss a potential hazard
  • Inexperienced boat operator that hasn’t undergone a boat safety class which is a requirement in Florida
  • Boat operator failing or ignoring to fix mechanical problems such as malfunctioning equipment
  • Boat over speeding, making it difficult to notice hazards that lead to boat collisions

Ways in Which the At-Fault Parties Try to Avoid Compensating Boat Accident Victims

In Florida, it is not necessary for boat operators to carry insurance. However, liability insurance is strongly recommended. Moreover, if you suffered injuries in a boat crash, your insurer may fail to pay your medical bills if you aren’t covered properly.

For this reason, you should seek legal advice in case you’ve sustained injuries in a boat crash in order to protect yourself against boat operators/owners as well as insurance companies who may refuse to pay claims.

This is very important since in Florida you will only get the percentage of incurred damages the at-fault party is considered liable for.

Seek Settlement for Boating Crash Injuries

If you suffered injuries in a boat crash caused by a distracted or inexperienced boat operator, our Fort Lauderdale boat accident attorneys will evaluate your case to ensure can file for full compensation. Our team of legal professionals will litigate your claims in accordance to federal admiralty laws. We also offer legal advice on liability and insurance issues commonly experienced in Florida after a boat crash. Call us now on 305-928-2909.