As the state with the most coastline in the country second only to Alaska, boating is an extremely popular form of recreation in Florida. While boating can be a fun and relaxing way to spend your time, it also exposes people to the risk of sustaining significant injury in the event of an accident. Boating accidents have the potential to cause issues such as traumatic brain injury, disfigurement, amputations, and may even be fatal. As a result, it is advisable for anyone who has been involved in a boating accident to discuss their case with an experienced Clearwater boating accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney familiar with handling boating accident cases will be able to review the facts of your case and help you determine whether and against whom you may have a claim.
Common Causes of Clearwater Boating Accidents
According to a report published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 704 reportable boating accidents in 2012 resulting in 386 injuries. This figure resulted in a rate of injury of 42.8 injuries per 100,000 vessels. These accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons, some of which may implicate legal liability on the part of another party or parties. Some of the most common causes of Florida boating accidents include:
- Boater inexperience
- Distracted boating
- Impaired boating
- Defectively designed boats or equipment
- Failure to account for weather conditions
- Reckless boating
- Failure to yield
- Congested waters
- Excessive speed
- Overloaded vessels
After a boating accident, it is important for victims to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will seeing a physician ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, but it will also generate an official record connecting your injuries to the accident. This can be extremely helpful in establishing liability should your claim become contested.
Contact a Clearwater Boating Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Victims of boating accidents and their families may be entitled to substantial compensation after an accident. The types of damages available in a Florida boating accident case include compensation for property damage, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income, among others. The Clearwater attorneys of the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, are dedicated to helping victims of boating accidents recover for their losses, and are dedicated to obtaining the highest possible settlement or award in every case we handle. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys,
call our office today at (727) 451-6900.