Orlando Boating Accident Attorneys

Florida has more boating accidents every year than does nearly any other state in the nation. Because of its hundreds of miles’ worth of gorgeous coastline, boating is one of the most popular pastimes in Florida. However, the more boats on the water, the higher the risk of a boating accident.

When a boating accident occurs, the outcome can be devastating. If you have been involved in a boating accident in Florida, or lost a loved one in this accident type, it is important that you hire an experienced Florida boating accident attorney to handle your case and improve your chances of getting your maximum compensation amount.

Top Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents occur for a number of reasons. These reasons include, but are not limited to:

  • Intoxicated/impaired operation of a boat;
  • Lack of lookout;
  • Speeding;
  • Operator inexperience;
  • Inattention/distraction of operator;
  • Dangerous waters/bad weather;
  • Boat equipment failure; and
  • Failing to adhere to navigational/boating rules.

Sadly, most of the causes of boating accidents provided on the list above are also preventable acts of negligence. While some accidents – like those caused by harsh waters – may not always be avoidable, accidents caused by unsafe behaviors certainly are.

Injuries from Boating Accidents

The injuries from boating accidents may be very similar to injuries caused by accidents involving other vehicle types. In addition to broken bones, internal injuries, head injuries, spinal injuries, burn injuries (in the event of fire or explosion), and amputation injuries, boating accidents also prevent another serious risk: drowning. If a person is knocked overboard and is injured, is unconscious, or is unable to swim, they are at serious risk of death by drowning. This is especially true if they are not wearing a life vest at the time of the accident.

Who Is Liable for a Boating Accident?

When negligence leads to a boating accident, victims of that accident have the right to seek compensation for their losses by holding the negligent party liable. Depending upon the cause of the accident, the liable party may include:

  • The operator of another boat;
  • The operator of the boat on which the victim was a passenger at the time of the crash; or
  • A third party, such as the owner of the boat or the boat’s manufacturer.

Your Right to Compensation

When you are injured in a boating accident or lose a loved on in this accident type, you have the right to recover compensation for all of your losses. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, damage to the boat, loss of companionship or quality of life, medical expenses, and more.

Boating Accident FAQs

What Steps Should I Take After a Boating Accident in Florida?

After a serious accident on a boat, you need to take immediate action to protect your health, safety, and rights. First and foremost, try to help in stabilizing the situation and getting medical support for anyone who needs it. 

If you suffered an injury, you need to get yourself a medical evaluation. Not only do you need to protect your well-being, but you will only be able to bring a boat accident injury claim after you have seen a doctor. Finally, you should call an experienced Orlando boating accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will help you build a case. 

Should I Make a Statement to the Insurance Company after a Boat Accident?

In most cases, boat accident injury claims are handled by insurance companies. If you were injured on a boat — whether on a boat owned and operated by a commercial company or on a boat owned by an individual — you may get a phone call from an insurance company representative relatively shortly after the accident. Do not make any statements to the insurance adjuster without first speaking to an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are not on your side. They are looking for information that can be used against you; either to reduce your boat accident settlement offer or to deny your claim outright. A lawyer will protect your rights. 

What Types of Damages are Available in a Boating Accident Claim?

Under Florida law, injured victims have a right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of their damages from the negligent party. If you are making a claim against a boat owner or boat company, you should be compensated for the complete value of your losses. 

Unfortunately, in the real world, defendants and their insurers are not interested in paying the full value for boating accident claims. You need an experienced attorney who knows how to hold negligent parties and their insurance company accountable and who can maximize your financial recovery. Specifically, our Orlando boat accident lawyers can help you seek financial support for: 

  • Emergency room care;
  • Other medical bills;
  • Physical therapy;
  • Loss of wages;
  • Loss of earning capacity;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Long-term disability;
  • Disfigurement; and
  • Wrongful death. 

Similar to other personal injury claims, most boating accident cases are settled outside of litigation. Still, there are exceptions. If a full and fair settlement is not offered, you can hold the negligent party liable through a lawsuit. 

Can I Afford an Orlando, Florida Boating Accident Attorney?

Yes — no matter your financial circumstances, you can afford to hire a top-rated boat accident injury lawyer. At Moses & Rooth, Attorneys at Law, our Orlando boating accident attorneys handle claims on contingency. We only get paid when you get paid. You will not be required to pay anything up front or out of your own pocket. Never let worries about the cost of legal representation deter you from pursuing a boating accident claim. You can afford a lawyer.

We Are Here to Support You

Boating accidents are more common than they should be, costing people their lives, and causing injuries, every year in Florida. If you are involved in a boating accident and want to learn more about your legal option, please contact our experienced boating accident attorneys at the law firm of Moses & Rooth. A consultation with our lawyers is completely free, and we never charge you out of pocket fees.