While boating is popular in Coral Springs and throughout Florida, it can also be dangerous when negligent operation and poor vessel maintenance occur. Boating accidents often result in significant injuries or even fatalities to victims, which is why it’s so important to follow best practices for safety.
Understanding the common causes of boating accidents, who may be liable, and what steps to take after an accident is essential for victims seeking compensation. If you suffered an injury in a Coral Springs boating accident, contact Tomlinson Law Group today for a free consultation with one of our experienced injury lawyers.
Types and Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents happen for various reasons, often involving someone’s negligence. Common types of boating accidents include:
- Collisions with Other Vessels – Distracted or reckless boating can result in collisions with other vehicles, leading to significant injuries.
- Capsizing – Boats can flip over due to poor weather conditions, improper weight distribution, or operator inexperience.
- Grounding – Boats can run aground on rocks or sandbars, causing injuries to passengers.
- Overboard Falls – Vessel passengers and crew members can fall into the water, leading to drownings and other injuries.
- Fires – Vessel fires can occur due to fuel leaks or electrical malfunctions, putting those on board at risk of injury.
Operator inexperience, speeding, alcohol use, poor weather conditions, and a lack of proper safety equipment contribute to many boating accidents and injuries.
Who Is Liable After a Boating Accident in Coral Springs?
Determining liability after a boating accident is a crucial part of any investigation. Some of the parties most commonly found liable after accidents are:
- Boat Operators – The person driving the boat may be liable if they were negligent. This includes driving recklessly, failing to follow posted speed limits or operating the boat while under the influence.
- Boating Companies – The company that owns the boat, whether it’s a boat tour or boat rental company, may be liable if its employees or lax safety measures contributed to the accident or injuries.
- Maintenance Providers – Vessel maintenance providers may be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturers – Vessel or safety equipment manufacturers could be liable if a defective part contributed to the accident or injuries.
What Compensation Is Available for Florida Boating Accident Victims?
Victims of boating accidents in Florida can seek compensation for various losses, including:
- Medical Expenses – The cost of medical treatment, including surgeries, prescription medications, and physical therapy, can be substantial after a boating accident.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to seek compensation for your lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
- Disability Accommodations – Long-term or permanent injuries may necessitate home or vehicle modifications, such as ramp or lift installations.
- Loss of Consortium – If your injuries impact your relationship with your spouse, they may be able to seek compensation for their loss of companionship and support after the boating accident.
- Property Damage – If your personal property, such as a boat, fishing equipment, or electronics, was lost or damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation to replace or fix it.
Steps to Take After a Coral Springs Boating Accident
If you were in a boating accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your legal right to compensation:
- Follow Up with Medical Treatment – Always seek immediate medical care and follow up with your treatment. By continuing to go to your checkups and following your treatment plan, you’re showing the insurance companies that your injuries are real and worthy of the compensation you’re seeking.
- Keep Your Medical Bills – Keep all medical bills you receive connected to your injuries. Your lawyer will use these bills when calculating your medical expenses.
- Write Down What You Remember – While the accident is fresh in your mind, write down everything you can remember. These notes will help you keep your story straight throughout a potentially lengthy personal injury lawsuit process.
- Avoid Making a Statement – Do not speak to insurance adjusters or lawyers for the at-fault party until after you’ve spoken with a lawyer of your own. Florida has a law of modified contributory fault, which reduces your potential compensation by your degree of fault. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys will try to get you to admit fault to reduce their liability and the liability of their clients.
- Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer – The best way to protect your right to seek compensation is by hiring an experienced boating accident lawyer to handle your case.
Deadline for Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit
Under Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury, victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file their lawsuit. Failure to file within this period may result in the courts barring you from being able to recover compensation for your injuries.
How a Florida Boating Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced boating accident attorney can provide valuable assistance throughout your case, including by:
- Investigating the Incident – Your lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to identify the liable parties and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Filing Your Lawsuit – Your lawyer will help you file your lawsuit within Florida’s time limit for personal injury cases.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement covering all your expenses.
- Representing You at Trial – If the insurance company doesn’t agree to a fair settlement, your lawyer will present your case before a judge and jury at trial and seek the maximum compensation.
Contact a Coral Springs, Florida, Boating Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a boating accident in Coral Springs, Florida, it’s essential to seek legal counsel to protect your rights. Contact Tomlinson Law Group for a free consultation. One of our experienced boating accident attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and walk you through the timeline of a personal injury lawsuit.
