Boating accidents are an unfortunate reality, and they happen frequently in Florida. When a boating accident happens, people can be hurt or even killed. Sometimes these accidents can be prevented. If that is the case with your accident, and it happened because of someone else’s negligence, you could be owed compensation for injuries and losses you have suffered.
Bogin, Munns & Munns has a Saint Cloud boating accident lawyer on our team to help you. Call for a free consultation today at (407) 556-3994. You can discuss the details of your accident with a member of our team and learn about your options. When it comes to personal injury cases, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not owe us anything out of pocket unless we win your case. Your consultation is free.
Boating Accidents in Florida
Boating can be a fun outdoor activity for the whole family, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Anyone driving a boat has to remain focused and sober to prevent accidents. Florida tops the list of boating accidents per state. In 2019, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) reported that Florida had more accidents and more deaths because of boating accidents than any other state. Florida regularly has the most boating accidents and fatalities in the United States.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) tracks boating accidents in the state. Accidents must be reported if they meet a set of criteria. Of the reported accidents in 2019, FWC recorded 453 injuries. Some of the injuries suffered include:
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
These injuries can come with thousands of dollars in medical bills and months or years of recovery time.
When it comes to fatalities, the most common cause of death in a boating accident is drowning, according to the USCG. Most drowning victims were not wearing life jackets when they fell overboard.
To consult with an experienced boating accident lawyer serving St. Cloud, call 855-780-9986
Some Accidents Can Be Prevented
Many risk factors can be mitigated with knowledge and responsible behavior. The USCG reports that alcohol is a top factor in fatal boating accidents. Operating a boat while intoxicated is just as dangerous as operating a motor vehicle while drunk. This is an action that can be prevented, and driving a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is negligent. It is also a criminal offense.
Another preventable accident risk factor is operator inattention. Anyone driving a boat needs to keep their mind alert and aware of what is going on around them. It is crucial that a boat operator keeps their eyes ahead of them and has a lookout who is paying attention.
Knowledge of boating laws and regulations in the area is also critical to keep accidents from happening. Most boaters who were in accidents in 2019 did not have any formal boat training, according to the FWC.
If the other boater in your accident was not following the law or was otherwise negligent, they could owe you compensation. A strong case will depend on the evidence you have that they were the responsible party in causing the accident. Bogin, Munns & Munns, and a Saint Cloud boating accident lawyer from our team can help you build your case. We can handle the legal aspects of your case and assist with tasks such as examining accident photos, interviewing witnesses, and communicating with insurance.
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns today at (407) 556-3994 for a free case evaluation.
St. Cloud Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me 855-780-9986
Compensation Could Be Yours
Florida Statutes Section 95.11 outlines the statute of limitations for both personal injury cases and wrongful death cases. You have two years from the time of the boating accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. For wrongful death cases, this statute of limitations still applies, but the countdown begins from the date of your loved one’s passing.
If the other boater was the one who caused the accident, and that can be proven, they could owe you damages. These damages are a way to make you whole again after the accident. They cannot take away the pain you have felt or the trauma you experienced, but they can ease the financial burden. Some of the damages you can pursue include:
- Medical bills for doctor visits, specialist appointments, and other medical professionals
- Lost wages for work that you have already missed and diminished earning capacity for when your injuries preclude you from earning the same salary as you did before the accident
- Hospital bills for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery costs, and more
- Rehabilitation costs such as physical therapy, medication, and medical equipment
- Noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering, inconvenience, humiliation, and emotional distress
If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you can also recover the funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and other damages. For instance, a person who has lost their spouse can sue for the loss of that person’s contributions to their household as well as the loss of affection and intimacy they had with that person.
Some of these damages come with an easily determined dollar value. Others are a little more difficult to figure out. This is just one area where a lawyer can help you and your family. The team at Bogin, Munns & Munns can examine your case and tell you which costs can be included and what an appropriate overall amount is to pursue.
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Call Us Today to Learn More
Recovering from a boating accident that was not your fault can be painful, lengthy, and frustrating, not to mention expensive. If you were injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, give us a call today. You can begin the process of seeking compensation now. You and your family should not have to suffer alone. We want to be on your team.
Bogin, Munns & Munns has a Saint Cloud boating accident lawyer on our team to help you with your case. Call a team member today at (407) 556-3994. We can offer you a free consultation about your accident. You will not owe anything unless we win your case. Get the process started now.
Call or text 855-780-9986 or submit our Consultation Request form today
