There aren’t too many things more intimidating than crashing a boat in the middle of a large body of water, especially when that boat starts taking on water. Suddenly, you feel miles away from any type of help and you’re likely injured as well.
A 2018 U.S. Coast Guard Survey revealed that Florida has the highest number of boating accidents out of all the states in the country. They also found that alcohol intoxication was a major contributor to hundreds of these accidents.
If you were involved in a boating accident in Florida, it’s important to first identify what caused your accident and what types of injuries you have. From there, you’ll want to learn about your legal options for financial recovery.
What Caused My Boating Accident?
The law in Florida dictates that every boating accident must be reported to either the sheriff in the county where the accident occurred, the police department in the area or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Once a report has been made, authorities will launch an investigation into what happened. Here’s a list of some of the most common causes of boating accidents:
- Driver intoxication
- Distracted driving
- Operator inexperience
- Speeding
- Hazardous water conditions
- Defective boat equipment
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Forceful wakes
- Flooding or capsizing
It’s important to identify what caused your accident. If the boat driver was negligent, then they’ll be held legally liable for the boat crash. The same fact holds true when another boat driver or a boating passenger caused the collision.
What Are My Options After a Boating Accident in FL?
If you were injured during a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, then you’re entitled to compensation for your losses. Your losses may be in the form of property damage, medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity or pain and suffering.
Boat operators in Florida are not required to purchase liability insurance, so if the driver wasn’t insured, then you may not be covered by an insurance policy. If that’s the case, then you’ll need to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the boat driver, boat manufacturer or the party deemed responsible for the crash. Click here to find out how boating injury lawsuits work.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Boating Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a boating accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of boating accidents in Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.