Plantation Boating Accident Lawyers Fighting For Florida’s Injured
Our attorneys can help you recover compensation for your boat accident injuries
With its prime location near the coast, this area of Florida is a hot spot for occupational and recreational boating activities. Fishing boats, cruise ships, sport boats, and pontoons are common sights throughout the region. However, it only takes one act of negligence to put people at risk and leave them seriously hurt.
A boating accident can leave you with serious injuries, but recovering financial compensation can be complicated. The boating accident attorneys at Feingold Posner Draizin in Plantation, FL, know how to build strong cases that hold negligent parties accountable and fight back against insurance company attempts to pay you less than you deserve.
In Broward County, people often take their boats on the Intracoastal Waterway, the New River, and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many rules and regulations that must be followed when boating. But when someone is negligent, accidents can happen.
What causes boating accidents?
Boating accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, often involving human error. Common causes include:
- Operator inattention – Distracted boat operators who fail to keep a proper lookout can easily collide with other vessels, objects, or swimmers.
- Operator inexperience – Lack of proper training and experience can lead to poor decision-making, inability to handle emergencies, and general mishandling of the boat.
- Alcohol use – Boating under the influence of alcohol significantly impairs the operator’s judgment, reaction times, and coordination, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
- Excessive speed – Operating a boat at high speeds reduces the operator’s ability to react to obstacles, navigate safely, and stop the vessel in time to avoid collisions.
- Violations of navigation rules – Ignoring or not knowing boating navigation rules can result in dangerous situations, including collisions and groundings.
- Overloading – Exceeding the boat’s capacity for passengers or cargo can affect stability and handling, leading to capsizing or swamping.
- Mechanical failures – Poor maintenance or sudden mechanical failures can lead to loss of control, engine breakdowns, or other malfunctions that cause accidents.
What types of injuries do people suffer in boat accidents?
Boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the incident and the conditions involved. Common injuries include fractures and broken bones, often caused by the force of a collision or falls on slippery decks. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also seen, occurring when victims strike their heads against hard surfaces or are thrown from the vessel.
Victims can also suffer injuries to the head, neck, or back. Other serious injuries in boating accidents include drowning and near-drowning incidents, as well as lacerations and abrasions from sharp edges, propellers, or debris.
Who can be held liable for a boating accident?
Determining liability depends on the circumstances of the accident and the actions of those involved. Potentially liable parties include the following:
- Boat operator – The person operating the boat at the time of the accident is often the primary party held responsible, especially if they were negligent, reckless, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Boat owner – If the boat owner is different from the operator, they may be held liable if they fail to maintain the boat properly, allow an inexperienced or impaired person to operate the boat, or fail to provide necessary safety equipment.
- Rental company – Companies that rent boats can be held liable if they fail to maintain the vessel properly, do not provide adequate safety instructions, or rent the boat to someone who is not qualified or adequately trained.
- Boat manufacturer – If a defect in the boat or its equipment contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable for producing a faulty or unsafe product.
- Marina or dock owner – If unsafe conditions at a marina or dock contributed to the accident, the facility’s owner or operator might be held liable. This includes hazards like inadequate lighting, poorly maintained docks, or lack of safety signage.
How can a lawyer help after a boating accident?
A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine its cause and identify all liable parties. This includes gathering and preserving evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony. A lawyer can then build a strong case for financial compensation.
A lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim to ensure a fair settlement. Insurance companies often use many methods to attempt to minimize payouts. That’s why you need an experienced attorney who knows how they operate.
We used to work for the insurance companies. We know how to deal with them.
All of our attorneys used to represent insurance companies in personal injury claims. Now, we put our experience to work for the injured. We know how they approach these cases. We know their strategies and tactics and how to fight back to recover the financial compensation you deserve for the injuries you suffered.
If you were hurt in a boating accident in Broward County or anywhere in Florida, we can help. Talk to one of our experienced Plantation boating accident attorneys. We can review the details of what happened and discuss your legal options. Get the information you need so you can decide what to do next. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.