Wesley Chapel Boat Accident Attorney
Florida is known for its coastline, and riding in a boat is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening while enjoying the fresh air. But an enjoyable time out on the water turned into a nightmare for the 534 people who were injured in Florida boat accidents in 2020. These statistics are kept by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and possibly underestimate the number of people injured in boating accidents each year.
If you were injured, there is good news. Florida law protects those hurt by someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Contact our Wesley Chapel boat accident attorney at Moore Law today.
Analyzing Whether You Have a Claim
Being injured on a boat or watercraft is not proof, by itself, that you have a valid claim for compensation. Instead, we need to analyze whether someone else is legally responsible for your injuries:
- Was someone negligent in how they operated or maintained the boat?
- Was the boat or something on the boat hazardous or unreasonably dangerous?
- Was the boat operator distracted or intoxicated?
- Were you injured because you failed to follow proper water safety, such as wearing a life vest?
In many cases, a person has a claim because the operator was negligent in how they operated the vessel. For example, they might have:
- Powered the boat at excessive speeds
- Carelessly struck another boat or pier or run ashore
- Chose to operate the boat in bad weather or low visibility
- Overloaded the vessel with people
- Hit a wave which caused people to lose balance or fall overboard
- Accidentally caused a fire on board the vessel
The law of negligence states that someone who injures a person by failing to act reasonably is responsible and can be sued.
Seeking Compensation for Our Clients
Boat accidents can cause serious injuries—fractures, concussions, burns, and nerve damage. Some people nearly drown and suffer brain injuries as a result of the loss of oxygen. To recover from these injuries, our clients pay thousands of dollars in medical bills. Many also cannot work as they struggle to return to normal.
No one injured should be forced to pay these expenses when someone else is to blame for the accident and injury. Accordingly, Moore Law has sought money damages for the following expenses:
- Medical care, including future medical care for permanent injuries
- Lost income, including lost future earning capacity
- Property damage (e.g., someone struck your boat)
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
If a loved one died in the accident, then family members can seek different damages for their losses. Consult with an attorney to review what you need to prove in a wrongful death case.
Call Moore Law Today—Our Wesley Chapel Boat Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help
Don’t let an insurer toss your injury claim overboard. Instead, hire the right attorney to represent you in negotiations. At Moore Law, our team has decades of experience holding boat operators and other entities accountable when they harm our clients. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.