Navigating Troubled Waters: Legal Recourse for Victims of Boating Accidents in Florida

two boats close to colliding

For victims of boating accidents in Florida, recovering just compensation can be a critical step in the recovery process. Injuries from boating accidents can result in significant medical costs, pain and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses, and these losses can be far more than what most people can bear on their own.

If you need to seek legal recourse for a boating accident in Florida, what can (and should) you do?

The short answer is that you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. When you’ve been seriously injured in a boating accident, asserting your legal rights starts with determining who (or what company) is responsible for the accident. Depending on the circumstances involved, there could be several possibilities, and you need to make sure you file the right claim (or claims) in order to recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability for a Boating Accident in Florida

When you engage a personal injury law firm to represent you, the firm should promptly investigate your boating accident in order to determine who (or what company) was at fault. Some examples of parties that you may be able to sue after a boating accident in Florida include:

  • A boat captain (either the captain of the boat in which you were a passenger or the captain of another vessel)
  • An owner of a boat involved in the collision (if the captain was not the owner)
  • A passenger who distracted one of the captains or was otherwise negligent in causing the accident
  • A company that owns or operates a commercial vessel involved in the accident
  • A manufacturer of a defective component or piece of equipment that caused (or contributed to causing) the accident

Just like auto accidents, seeking just compensation after a boating accident in Florida usually involves dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company. While boat insurance isn’t required by law in Florida, many recreational boat owners purchase insurance voluntarily, and lenders often require that owners pay for coverage. Commercial maritime operators and boat manufacturers typically have liability insurance policies that cover accident-related claims as well. If you are entitled to insurance coverage, your law firm can deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf and work to obtain a settlement that fairly compensates you for your injuries.

Determining How Much You Are Entitled to Recover

Along with determining liability for your boating accident, another key step in pursuing legal recourse is determining how much you are entitled to recover. This is based on your present and future losses—including (but not limited to) your:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost earnings
  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

The financial and non-financial costs of a boating accident can be substantial, so it is critical that you do not settle for less than you deserve. An experienced Florida boating accident lawyer will be able to help you make informed decisions with your long-term best interests in mind.

Contact Us for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Do you need to seek legal recourse after a boating accident in Florida? If so, we can help. Call 239-649-6555 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

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