Boating Accidents

Florida Boating Accidents: Protecting Your Rights and Pursuing Compensation in All Florida Counties

Whether due to a jet ski accident, an injury on a cruise ship, a diving accident, a boat collision, or another type of boating accident, these complicated personal injury cases involving maritime law can present injured people and their loved ones with many difficulties beyond the pain and suffering in the immediate aftermath. When these unfortunate incidents involving boating injuries occur, it is important to work with an experienced legal team of boating accident attorneys familiar with personal injury claims for damages sustained on the water throughout Florida.

If you or your loved ones have experienced a boating accident in Florida, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is here to fight for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you need. Contact us today at (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555 to discuss your case during a free case evaluation, and let us guide you on the path to recovery.

Common Injuries in Florida
Boating Accidents

Florida boating accidents can lead to severe injuries, causing physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Understanding the common injuries associated with these accidents is crucial when seeking compensation for your damages. Some of the injuries victims may experience include:

• Head Injuries: Boating accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other head injuries due to impacts with the boat, the water, or other objects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: High-velocity collisions or falls from boats can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, or other permanent disabilities.
• Bone Fractures: The force of a boating accident can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or other bones, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Drowning and Near-Drowning: In severe boating accidents, individuals may suffer from drowning or near-drowning incidents, leading to brain damage, organ failure, or even death. In fatal boating accidents caused by another party’s negligence, we can pursue a wrongful death case.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Burns: Boating accidents can lead to cuts from sharp objects, lacerations from propellers, or burns from explosions or fires onboard.

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges faced by boating accident victims. In boating accident cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, it is imperative to pursue proper immediate and follow-up attention. Our compassionate attorneys will fight relentlessly to seek the compensation necessary to cover your medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and other damages.

Potential Hidden or Internal Injuries — Seek Medical Attention

Boating accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. These hidden or internal injuries can pose serious health risks if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention following a boating accident. The following are a few examples of such injuries:

• Internal Bleeding: This can occur when the force of impact damages blood vessels within the body. While there may be no visible signs of injury, internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
• Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can be caused by the force of a collision or sudden stop, even without any direct impact to the head. Symptoms may not appear immediately, making it crucial to seek medical evaluation.
• Punctured Lungs: A hard blow to the chest can cause a punctured or collapsed lung. This injury might not be immediately noticeable but can lead to serious complications if not treated.
• Organ Damage: The force of a boating accident can cause damage to internal organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen. These injuries may not be immediately evident, but they can have severe consequences.
• Spinal Injuries: These can occur due to the force of impact during a boating accident and may not show immediate symptoms. However, they can lead to long-term disability or paralysis if not treated promptly.

Given the potential for these hidden injuries, it’s important that anyone involved in a boating accident seeks immediate medical attention, even if they feel fine initially. Early detection and treatment of these injuries can significantly improve the prognosis and prevent long-term complications. Coordinate with an experienced boat accident lawyer when seeking additional treatment. The importance of this step may far exceed the medical bills you seek to cover through your boating accident claim.

Types of Boating Accidents in Florida

Boating accidents in Florida can occur in various ways. Here are some of the types of boating accidents commonly reported in the area:

• Collisions with Fixed Objects: This includes accidents where boats crash into stationary objects like sandbars or drawbridges.
• Collisions with Other Vessels: These accidents occur when two or more boats collide on the water. They can lead to significant damage to the vessels involved and serious injuries to passengers.
• Passenger Falls: Passengers can fall overboard due to sudden movements of the boat, slippery conditions, or lack of safety equipment. These accidents can lead to drowning or other serious injuries.
• Capsizing: This happens when a boat overturns in the water, which can be due to overloading, poor weight distribution, or rough waters. Capsizing is one of the leading causes of fatalities in boating accidents.
• Accidents Involving Water Sports: This includes accidents where individuals participating in water sports such as jet skiing or diving are struck by boats. Jet ski accidents often lead to serious injuries.

It’s essential for boaters to follow safety guidelines and regulations to prevent these types of accidents.

Causes and Factors Involved in Florida Boating Accidents

Boating accidents in Florida can occur due to a variety of causes and factors. Each factor might have different implications for proving negligence and fault in a boating accident case. The following are some common causes:

• Operator Inattention: When boat operators fail to pay attention to their surroundings, accidents can happen. Proving this negligence requires evidence of distraction or failure to monitor conditions.
• Excessive Speed: Boating at high speeds can lead to collisions and rollovers. Evidence of speed can be used to establish negligence.
• Alcohol Use: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is a leading cause of accidents. This is illegal, and proof of impairment can strongly support a negligence claim.
• Improper Lookout: Every boat should have someone responsible for watching for potential hazards. Failure to do so can lead to accidents and may constitute negligence.
• Operator Inexperience: Inexperienced operators are more likely to make errors that lead to accidents. Lack of proper training or certification can be used to establish negligence.
• Machinery Failure: Accidents can occur due to mechanical issues with the boat. If the operator did not properly maintain the boat, it could be seen as negligence.
• Running Out of Gas: This can lead to a boat being stranded in potentially dangerous conditions. Negligence might be established if the operator failed to check fuel levels before setting out.

Given these potential causes, it’s crucial for anyone involved in a boating accident to collect as much evidence as possible to support any subsequent claims of negligence.

Important Steps to Take Following a Boating Accident

If you’re involved in a boating accident in Florida, there are several important steps you should take to ensure your health and safety, protect your legal rights, and strengthen your potential compensation claim. Be sure to remember these crucial steps:

1. Call Emergency Services: Always contact the authorities immediately after a boating accident. This is not only for your safety but also serves as an official record of the incident, which can be valuable in any subsequent legal proceedings.
2. Check for Injuries and Provide First Aid: Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, provide first aid until medical professionals arrive. Seek immediate medical treatment, even if you believe you’re not injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
3. Document the Accident Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including damage to the boat and visible injuries. This visual evidence can be crucial in establishing the extent of damages and proving negligence.
4. Gather Information: Collect information from all parties involved in the accident, including names, addresses, and boating registration and insurance details. Also, gather contact details of any witnesses. Their testimony could be valuable in supporting your claim.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault: It’s important not to admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as such. Any admission could potentially be used against you in a legal proceeding.
6. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Be cautious about what you say during this conversation, and avoid admitting fault or making definitive statements about injuries and damages.
7. Consult with a Boating Accident Attorney: An experienced Florida boating accident attorney can guide you through the complex legal process, help you understand your rights, and work towards seeking the compensation you need.

The aftermath of a boat accident injury can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Types of Damages You Can Recover Under Florida Law

Florida law allows boating accident victims to seek various types of damages. Understanding these types of damages is essential to pursue a comprehensive claim. Here are the common types of damages you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to your boating accident injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and the potential future earnings you will miss out on due to your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Boating accidents can cause significant physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. You may be eligible for compensation for these intangible losses.
• Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your boat, was damaged or lost in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs, replacement, or fair market value.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a boat accident leads to a fatality, the family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

It’s important to consult an experienced boating accident lawyer. Contact Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers to evaluate the specific details of your case and determine the damages you may be eligible to recover under Florida law.

Why Hire a Lawyer After a Florida Boating Accident?

Dealing with the aftermath of a Florida boating accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries and facing legal complexities. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer from Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Legal Knowledge and Experience: Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Florida personal injury law and will ensure your case is handled in accordance with the state’s regulations.
• Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation, gathering crucial evidence, consulting with expert witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene if necessary.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our legal team will handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement that covers your losses.
• Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial lawyers will vigorously advocate for your rights in court, presenting a compelling case on your behalf.
• Peace of Mind: By entrusting your case to us, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities and fight for the maximum compensation you need.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Boating Accident Lawyer at Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers in Jupiter, Florida

At Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in Florida boating accident cases. Our record demonstrates our unwavering dedication to seeking justice for accident victims.

We serve residents in all Florida counties. Call us today at (561) 835-5555(561) 835-5555 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation, and let us be your voice in the legal process.

Time is of the essence in personal injury cases, so don’t delay—reach out to Britto & Herman Injury Lawyers today. We are here to provide you with support, navigate the legal process on your behalf, and protect your rights after a Florida boating accident.

The Voice for Florida Injury Victims