Alafaya Boat Accident Lawyer
Florida, which is known for its balmy weather and beautiful beaches, plays host to thousands of boaters every summer. Unfortunately, many people forget that as motor vehicles, boats can be dangerous, especially to those without the proper licensing and training to operate them. The injuries sustained in boat accidents also tend to be severe, leaving accident victims to face mounting medical debt, physical pain, and extreme stress and frustration. It is, however, possible to recover compensation for these losses, so if you or a loved one were recently injured in a boating accident, please reach out to one of our experienced Alafaya boat accident lawyers to learn more about your legal options.
Boating Accidents Caused by Careless Conduct
Most boating accidents can be attributed to some form of careless conduct, such as:
- Operator inattention;
- A failure to keep a proper lookout;
- Operator inexperience;
- Machinery or equipment failure; and
- The use of excessive speed.
This type of negligent conduct can have significant ramifications for boaters, resulting in collisions with other boats or fixed objects, capsizing, grounding, and even falls overboard. Adverse weather conditions, failing to comply with navigation rules, excessive alcohol use, and congested waters can also contribute to the likelihood of a boat accident. If, for instance, there is significant boat traffic on the water, an operator who is speeding is much more likely to be involved in a collision.
Boat Accident Liability
Of the many types of accidents a boater can be involved in, collisions with other boats are the most common. Unfortunately, these kinds of collisions also result in the most serious injuries, although falls overboard are technically the most deadly. Typical boat injuries include everything from crushed bones and amputations to head trauma and electrocution. Fortunately, it is possible for injured boaters to recover compensation for their losses from the boat’s operator if:
- The driver’s negligence led to a collision with another vehicle;
- The accident was the result of the boat striking another vessel’s wake;
- The driver failed to ensure that proper safety equipment, like life jackets, flares, throwable life rings, navigational lights, and fire extinguishers were on board;
- He or she was driving recklessly and struck another object; or
- The driver’s intoxication caused the accident.
In other situations, an accident could be attributed not to driver error, but to a defective vehicle part, in which case, the boat manufacturer could be held liable for accident-related damages. Depending on the negligent party’s degree of liability for an accident, an injured boater could recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, although it may be necessary to file a claim in court to do so.
Consult With an Experienced Boat Accident Lawyer About Your Case
If you were injured in a boat accident through no fault of your own and you need help seeking compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, please contact the experienced Alafaya boat accident lawyers at Israoui Law by calling our office at 407-381-4529 or by completing one of our brief online contact forms.
