West Palm Beach Boating Accident Lawyer
Given that the State of Florida forms a peninsula nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it should come as no surprise that boating is a popular activity for residents and visitors to the Sunshine State. It may also come as no surprise that Florida consistently leads the nation in boating accidents. If you suffered an injury in a West Palm Beach boating accident or lost a loved one in a fatal boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss.
If you were involved in a boating accident, whether on a private boat, a personal watercraft, or a commercial cruise ship, a West Palm Beach boating accident lawyer at Demand the Limits can help you navigate the often-confusing legal system. Too often, boating accidents occur due to negligence on someone’s part. In such cases, it’s crucial to hold the negligent party (or parties) accountable and ensure that the injured parties and/or surviving family members receive the compensation to which they are entitled. We have the experience, commitment, and resources needed to identify the negligent party or parties and pursue justice for those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a West Palm Beach boating accident. Contact us today by calling (561) 600-3555 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
What Are Some Common Boating Accident Injuries?
Each year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) releases a Boating Accident Statistical Report that provides an invaluable look at boating accidents and injuries throughout the state of Florida. According to the 2022 FFWCC report, there were 457 boating accident injuries reported in 2022. The report provides a breakdown of the types and frequency of boating accident injuries for 2022 as follows:
- Lacerations (109)
- Contusions (90)
- Broken bones (75)
- Head injuries (47)
- Back injuries (29)
- Burns (26)
- Internal injuries (19)
- Sprains and strains (14)
- Teeth and jaw injuries (7)
- Neck injury (6)
- Spinal injuries (5)
- Shock (5)
- Amputation (2)
- Hypothermia (1)
Sadly, Florida once again led the nation in the number of boating accident fatalities in 2022 with 63 boating fatalities. Drowning was the most common cause of boating accident fatalities in the State of Florida in 2022.
What Causes West Palm Beach Boating Accidents?
According to the 2022 FFWCC report, Palm Beach County ranks 3rd in terms of boating accidents in the State of Florida. That same report offers important data pointing to the causes of boating accidents in the Sunshine State. The FFWCC lists the following causes of Palm Beach County boating accidents in order of frequency:
- Operation inattention
- No proper look-out
- Operator inexperience
- Hazardous waters
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
- Weather
- Alcohol use
- Carelessness
- Congested water
- Equipment failure
- Off-throttle steering jet
Florida Boating Accident Law
Florida law requires a boating accident to be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred, or the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, if applicable, when any of the following criteria are met:
- A person dies.
- A person disappears under circumstances that indicate possible death or injury.
- A person receives an injury requiring medical treatment beyond immediate first aid.
- There is at least $2,000 aggregate property damage to the vessel(s) or other property.
- There is a total loss of a vessel.
Furthermore, it is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without giving all possible aid to the involved persons and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities.
Who Is Responsible If I Was Injured in a West Palm Beach Boating Accident?
When a boating accident results in injury, anyone whose negligent or wrongful conduct caused or contributed to the accident may be held legally liable for the injuries sustained by a victim. Only an experienced West Palm Beach boating accident lawyer can evaluate the facts and circumstances surrounding your injuries; however, common examples of negligence that may contribute to a boating accident include operating a boat while under the influence, speeding, and failing to pay proper attention while operating a boat. It is not only the operator of a boat, however, who may be held liable for injuries. A boat rental or charter company, jet ski rental company, cruise line, or boat manufacturer may also be held responsible when a boating accident occurs if the company’s negligent or wrongful conduct contributed to the accident.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to in a West Palm Beach Boating Accident?
If you were injured in a West Palm Beach boating accident, or you are a surviving family member of someone killed in one, you could be entitled to compensation for your physical and emotional injuries or the loss you suffered. Compensation may be available for both economic and non-economic damages, including things such as:
- Medical bills, past, present, and future
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Damage to your boat or vessel
- Emotional trauma
- Rehabilitative care
- Scarring, disability, disfigurement
If you are a surviving parent or child of someone who was killed in a West Palm Beach boating accident you may also be entitled to compensation in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit for things such as lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and the loss of guidance and companionship.
Get Help from an Experienced West Palm Beach Boating Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries or lost a family member because of a West Palm Beach boating accident, the responsible party (or parties) should be held accountable. Moreover, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries or loss. An experienced West Palm Beach boating accident lawyer at Demand the Limits will pursue all responsible parties to ensure that you are fully and fairly compensated for all your injuries. Having an experienced West Palm Beach boating accident lawyer on your side is the key to:
- Helping you locate medical providers.
- Gathering evidence necessary to prove negligence.
- Conducting an independent investigation of the crash.
- Reaching a favorable settlement without needing to go to court.
- Fighting for you in court if an out-of-court settlement is not possible.
At Demand the Limits, our experienced West Palm Beach personal injury accident lawyers have extensive experience with bicycle accident cases. We fight hard to defend the legal rights of all West Palm Beach injury victims. Call (561) 600-3555 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation. Don’t delay – the sooner you have an attorney fighting for you, the better protected your legal rights will be.