Florida Boat Crash Lawyer
Florida has the busiest recreational boating industry in the United States, and it is responsible for a large portion of the tourism industry in the state. There are many different types of boats on the waterways in the Florida and they all provide a great way to spend an afternoon, or to get to work and other destinations.
Even though Florida is one of the best places to spend the day on the water, these trips come with their own risks. Boats can become involved in a number of different accidents and when they occur, catastrophic injuries are sustained. Below, our Florida boat crash lawyer explains how to obtain compensation for these injuries.
What Types of Boat Crashes Happen in Florida?
The majority of boat crashes that happen in Florida involve two vessels colliding with each other. Still, there are other types of boat crashes that occur and they include:
- Crashes into fixed objects
- Grounding
- Crashes caused by fires and explosions
- Hitting underwater objects
- Crashes that cause someone to fall overboard
What are the Laws and Boating Regulations in Florida?
Many people assume that because boating is so popular in the Florida, that the industry would also be regulated heavily. Sadly, this is not true. The boating laws in the Florida are quite relaxed. State law does not require boat operators to be of a minimum age, and boat operators who are 30 years of age or older are not required to carry a boating license or take a boating safety course. Boat crashes are always very serious but when they involve an inexperienced boat operator, the consequences are going to be even more severe.
Boat crashes that happen on public waterways fall under federal jurisdiction, which means admiralty and maritime laws will apply to an accident case. A Florida boat crash lawyer who is experienced with the unique procedural rules that apply to these cases can advise on your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.
- Clearwater Boat Crash
- Fort Myers Boat Crash
- Pensacola Boat Crash
- Sarasota Boat Crash
- St. Petersburg Boat Crash
Liability After a Boat Crash
Most boat crashes are the result of a boat operator’s negligence. Negligence is the legal term for carelessness. Boat operators are negligent when they boat while impaired or distracted, boat recklessly, or in another manner that would not reasonably keep other people safe. In some cases, a boat operator’s negligence may not even result in hitting another vessel, but that does not mean they are not liable for the crash. For example, if a boat was operated in such a manner that it created a dangerous wake and a boat crashed due to that wake, the negligent boat operator can still be held liable.
Nonetheless, negligent boat operators are not the only potentially liable parties after a boat crash. Manufacturers can be held liable if a defective or faulty part caused a crash, and government entities may also be responsible if improper signage or poorly maintained waterways, marinas, or ports caused a crash.
Our Boat Crash Lawyer in Florida Can Help You Claim Damages
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, our Florida boat crash lawyer at The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A. can advise on your case and help you claim the full and fair damages that are justly yours. Call us today at 888-262-8529 or contact us online to speak to our knowledgeable attorney.
