With nearly one million boats legally registered in Florida, boaters are on the waters at all times. Accidents can happen, whether you are out enjoying the sun and sea in the peak summertime season or boating during the quieter times of the year. If you have been injured in a boating accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our Florida boat accident lawyers are well-versed in the state’s boating laws and regulations. We believe accident victims deserve full and fair compensation for any related losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Continue reading to learn what to do if someone hits your boat.
According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida leads the nation in both the number of registered vessels and the number of reportable boating accidents. In 2020, officials noted a total of 836 Florida boating accidents cases. As a result of those accidents, there were 534 injuries and 79 deaths, including five missing persons presumed dead.
While there is a multitude of contributing factors to consider when determining the cause of a boat accident, there are specific common causes to be aware of, including the following:
After a boat accident, the actions you take can significantly impact your ability to recover total compensation for your losses. Consider the following steps:
Per Florida law, if you are injured in a boating accident because of someone’s negligence, you are entitled to a monetary award called damages. To receive that compensation, you need to be able to prove the other boater was at fault for the accident.
Negligence is defined as another person’s identifiable failure to behave with reasonable caution and care. In Florida, an injured party may only file a claim against another operator when the injured person is less than fifty percent liable for the accident.
Determining fault isn’t always straightforward, so your attorney will consider a number of factors, including:
Depending on the situation, a thorough investigation may be required. Your lawyer may recommend an accident reconstructionist if your claim is particularly complex. However, the goal will ultimately be to prove you were wronged because of the other boat operator’s actions, and that you deserve compensation as a result. Your liability claim could result in compensation for all injury-related medical expenses, lost earnings and loss of future earning capacity, personal suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, and more.
The boat accidents lawyers from Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd have been helping injured victims seek compensation for their losses for over 30 years. If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, we are here to fight on your behalf to ensure you have the best possible chance at recovery.
The sooner you get in touch with our lawyer first after your accident, the better. Upon meeting, we will review what you have been through and determine how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances. Call us at (866) 460-1990 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Get an estimate for the value of your injuries
"*" indicates required fields
Complete our confidential evaluation form to have your case reviewed for free by our attorneys and staff.
An attorney or intake specialist will contact you directly to discuss your case at no cost to you.
From the moment you hire us, we will stand behind you, fighting to get the results you deserve.
Get the answers you need. We’ll review your case today, for free.
"*" indicates required fields