Many people enjoy boating as a leisurely activity, but even experienced boat owners can make mistakes that put your safety at risk. If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be suffering greatly. Thankfully, you have legal options available during this difficult time. You may be able to seek compensation by filing a claim.
If you are interested in learning more about what you can do next following your accident, an Ocala boating accident lawyer may be able to help. Call Bogin, Munns & Munns at (352) 690-7400 today and a team member can discuss your case in detail during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Boating Accidents
Boating accidents cause a great deal of injury, loss, and even death every year in the United States. According to a report conducted by the United States Coast Guard, over 4,000 accidents occurred in 2019 alone, leading to thousands of injuries, hundreds of fatalities, and property damage amounting to millions of dollars. Depending on the details of your case, a lawyer can help you determine who could be liable for your accident.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Every accident is unique, and even the most experienced boat operators sometimes make mistakes that lead to accidents.
It is possible that your accident involved one or more of the following factors:
- Slippery Surfaces: Slipping and falling is a real threat of injury while boating and can occur both on a dock while boarding, as well as on a boat itself. It is the responsibility of the boat owner to keep the vessel and loading areas safe, and if you slipped and fell, it could have been caused by someone else’s negligence.
- Lack of Life Vests: Every passenger and crew member should have a life vest in the case of an emergency. Failure to adequately provide these potentially life-saving devices is a serious oversight and could be grounds for legal action.
- Poor Judgment: Poor judgment can come in many forms. For example, a captain or operator making the decision to go on the water during rough conditions or poor visibility can lead to an accident. Sadly, poor judgment leads to preventable accidents on the water every year in Florida.
- Speeding: While moving fast on a boat might seem fun to some people, it is also incredibly dangerous. Speeding decreases reaction time while increasing the probability of a high-impact collision.
- Distractions While Boating: The first and foremost priority of a boating operator should be safety, and any form of distraction that takes attention away from the task at hand can be a real liability. This could include engaging in conversation, looking at scenery, using a mobile device, and more.
- Alcohol: According to the United States Coast Guard, alcohol is a leading cause of boating accidents and fatalities every year. There is a reason certain intoxication levels are illegal on the water. If someone else’s intoxication played a role in your accident, you may have a case.
Your boating accident could have impacted your life in many different negative ways. Remember that it is possible to get help during this difficult time. An Ocala boating accident lawyer can help you move forward with a case. Call (352) 690-7400 to speak with a team member at Bogin, Munns & Munns.
Injuries and Losses
Your boating accident could lead to emotional, physical, and financial loss. Some examples of recoverable losses you may be able to claim include:
- Emotional: Traumatic events like boating accidents can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Physical: Physical injuries incurred while boating can cause pain, disability, and even long-term disability.
- Financial: Between medical bills, legal fees, and property loss, you could suffer financially in the aftermath of your boating accident.
If you suffered in any way following a boating accident injury, another party could have been at fault.
To consult with an experienced boating accident lawyer serving Ocala, call 855-780-9986
Determining Liable Parties
Florida law specifically outlines the duties of boat owners and operators in the event of an accident under Florida Statutes § 327.30. If you think a boat operator failed to keep you safe in any way following a collision on the water, you could have grounds for legal action and may even be eligible to seek compensation with a legal claim.
Ocala Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
Potentially Recoverable Compensation
Every boating accident has specific details that are unique to each case, but if another party is deemed liable for your accident, you could potentially seek compensation. If you were injured and received medical treatment in the past or require future treatment, you could pursue reimbursement for expenses related to your boating accident.
Emotional trauma is also not uncommon following a boating accident, and it is possible to seek a recovery for your emotional suffering, too. If your accident caused you to miss work, you could even be eligible to seek lost wages. It could be helpful to speak with a lawyer who can help you understand the compensation potentially available after reviewing your case in detail.
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Getting Legal Help
The legal process can feel confusing and intimidating, especially while you may be going through so much following your boating accident. While filing a legal claim may seem like an overwhelming endeavor, an Ocala boating accident lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can help walk you through the process step by step. Some victims can seek compensation that could make life easier during recovery while also bringing a sense of peace and closure to your case.
Our lawyers will work to make sure your case is sound and meets any necessary requirements and deadlines. This includes making sure we file your case within the two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
If you are ready to take action now or simply explore your options, Bogin, Munns & Munns is here for you. Call (352) 690-7400 to speak with a team member and begin your fight for justice today.
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