Lakeland Boat Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for Your Lakeland Boat Accident Case?

Our law firm has six experienced attorneys and 36 support staff members to assist you. We understand the complexities of Florida personal injury and maritime law and how these laws apply to marine accidents.

Our attorneys analyze your case to identify the at-fault party and the options for holding them responsible for your injuries.

We’ll take an aggressive stance against at-fault boat operators and insurance companies by preparing every case for trial. This process ensures we have the ammunition to negotiate a full and fair settlement or fight for a just damage award from a jury.

In our practice, we take a client-first approach. We treat clients like family, handling stressful insurance and legal processes so you can focus your energy on healing.

The Unique Complexities of Florida Boating Accidents

Boating accidents are very different from Florida auto accidents. Boats and other vessels are governed by a complex mix of state laws, federal and international maritime laws, maritime customs and principles, and insurance rules.

One of the most significant distinctions between boats and cars is that, under Florida law, boat owners are not required to carry boat liability insurance and are not covered by Florida’s no-fault insurance system.

As a result, innocent victims of boat crashes must often bear the medical bills and income losses resulting from another boat operator’s negligence.

There is no natural path for boat accident victims to pursue injury compensation after an accident. However, an experienced Lakeland boat accident lawyer can often identify a range of legal options if the boater is uninsured.

Finally, determining whether state or federal law applies to a crash will require a detailed analysis. A Lakeland personal injury lawyer with experience in both maritime and personal injury law can identify where to file the case and which laws will apply.

Common Causes of Lakeland Boat Accidents

Boat accidents include collisions with other vessels and fixed objects, such as docks. Vessel collisions include crashes with other boats, personal watercraft, water skiers, and swimmers. The consequences of these crashes can include injuries, swamping, and boaters overboard.

These accidents sometimes result from environmental or mechanical factors. Adverse weather, unmarked water hazards, and mechanical failures can all cause crashes. These conditions are sometimes amplified by poor decision-making, substandard vessel maintenance, and inexperience.

However, the most common causes of boating accidents arise from operator negligence and inexperience.

Inattentive Operation

Inattentive boaters can inadvertently cause collisions. Unlike motor vehicles, boats do not have brakes. A careless operator can cause a crash after even a brief distraction.

Boater Inexperience

Boating requires skills and knowledge. Inexperienced boaters can cause accidents by failing to leave adequate clearance, disobeying customs and rules, and failing to control their vessel.

Drug or Alcohol Use

Drugs and alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, perception, and coordination. As a result, intoxicated boaters often make poor decisions or react slowly in dangerous situations.

Careless Operation

Boat operators must exercise reasonable care while maneuvering their vessels. A careless operator might misjudge the speeds or distances of other vessels, overestimate or underestimate their vessel’s capabilities, or control their vessel unskillfully.

Severe Injuries From Watercraft Collisions

Watercraft collisions can cause serious injuries. Boats often have open decks and lack seat belts. During a collision, operators and passengers can fall down within vessels. Worse yet, boaters can be ejected from their vessel and go overboard.

The following injuries can result from boating accidents:

• Drowning or near-drowning
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Propeller-related lacerations
• Fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries

When these injuries occur in remote locations, victims may require emergency medical airlifts. Moreover, victims may require expensive ambulance transportation, emergency treatment, hospitalization, and long-term physical therapy.

What To Do Immediately After a Boating Accident

After a boating accident, consider taking the following actions:

• Ensure everyone’s safety, including rescuing anyone who went overboard.
• Contact the authorities.
• Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not have any apparent injuries.
• Document the crash, including photos of vessel damage.
• Gather evidence, such as witness names and statements.

Under Florida law, you are also required to report to the FWC, police department, or county sheriff’s office all accidents that cause the following:

• Death
• Personal injury requiring medical care beyond first aid
• Disappearance of any person
• Damage to any vessel or property of at least $2,000

After the accident, do not talk to any insurance adjusters without an attorney. Moreover, you should never sign a waiver or give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without first consulting a Lakeland boating accident attorney.

Proving Liability and Recovering Compensation

A Florida boating injury attorney from our law firm will investigate fault to prove your case. We will review witness statements, analyze GPS data, and request the police boating accident report. We will also seek the results of any drug or alcohol tests administered by investigators.

We can then seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include your current and future medical costs and wage losses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses in your enjoyment of life.

Under Florida’s statute of limitations, any personal injury lawsuit seeking these damages must be filed within two years of the accident.

Can Passengers and Swimmers Recover Compensation?

Victims of boat accidents include all water users, such as passengers, swimmers, kayakers, and water skiers. These victims often have standing to pursue claims. Moreover, users of rental boats can often pursue claims, even after filing a liability waiver at the marina if their injuries resulted from gross negligence or mechanical failures.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Lakeland Boat Accident Lawyer

Were you injured on the water in Polk County? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now. Our firm is available 24/7 to discuss your accident during a 100% free and confidential case evaluation. We charge no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for your boating accident injuries.

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