Can You Sue if an Impaired Boat Operator Caused a Crash?

Florida leads the nation in boating accidents and many of these crashes are caused by impaired boat operators. Due to the fact that the state has more recreational boat operators than any other state, Florida’s boating under the influence (BUI) laws are very strict. Anyone convicted of a BUI will face serious penalties including possible jail time, high fines, and even loss of employment. However, these penalties will not provide you compensation if you have been hurt. Below, our Florida boat DUI accident lawyer outlines how to claim the damages that are justly yours.

Boat DUI Accidents and Negligence Per Se 

Unlike in many other states, boat operators in Florida can consume alcohol while operating watercraft. However, boat operators cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater, and they must never be impaired in any way while they are in control of a vessel. Even when a boat operator’s BAC is below the legal limit, they may still show signs of impairment and therefore, be in violation of the law.

In most personal injury cases, accident victims must prove that a liable party was negligent, or that they acted carelessly. Victims must also prove that the act of negligence caused their injuries. In Florida, with its hundreds of miles of coastline it is important to hire a boating accident attorney who handles these types of cases every day. Maritime law, and not Florida law applies in most boating accident cases in Florida. If you choose an auto-accident attorney to handle your boating accident case you are placing your case at risk. This is your case, make a wise decision on hiring a boating accident attorney who specializes in boating accidents.

Filing a Lawsuit Against Impaired Boat Operators 

An accident caused by an impaired boat operator can cause very serious physical and emotional injuries. It is important to take legal action against the liable party to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation for your injuries and other losses, such as a loss of income.

In boating accident cases involving BUI drivers, some of the best pieces of evidence in these cases are as follows:

• Police reports that indicate the defendant was impaired, including the results of BAC tests,
• Eyewitness statements,
• Medical records, and
• Expert witness testimony

The above evidence is very difficult to collect while you are suffering from serious injuries. Our lawyers will conduct a full investigation and know how to gather the most important evidence that will allow you to maximize your damages.

Our Boat DUI Accident Lawyer in Florida Can Handle the Legal Aspects of Your Case 

The injuries sustained in a boat accident can be catastrophic and if an impaired operator caused your crash, you may be facing a long recovery. At www.888BoatLaw.com, The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A., our Florida boat DUI accident lawyer can handle all of the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on getting better. We dedicate ourselves to helping victims of boat accidents, and will put our expertise to work for you. Call or text us now at 888-BOAT-LAW or chat with us online to request a consultation and to learn more.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0327/Sections/0327.35.html