Who Can File a Boating Accident Claim?

In Florida, boating accidents are extremely common. Florida has nearly twice as many boating accidents as any other state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. When these crashes occur, many people become injured and many of these individuals need to file a claim for compensation. There are many people that can file a claim after a boating accident. Below, our Florida boat crash lawyer explains who these parties are.

Boat Operators 

Boat operators are often blamed for crashes but they too, incur serious injuries and property damage due to the negligence of other operators. Reckless and inexperienced boat operators make mistakes far too often, and those errors are very dangerous. If you were hit by a boat operator who was distracted, drunk, careless, or inexperienced, contact us to file a claim against that at-fault boater. Boat operators can often file a claim against manufacturers of defective parts, as well.

Commercial Passengers 

Commercial passengers can also file a claim if they become injured while they are onboard. Operators of commercial vessels have a legal obligation to make sure the watercraft is seaworthy, and that everyone onboard is kept safe. Passengers of dinner cruises, charters, offshore fishing excursions, ferries, and sightseeing tours may all be able to file a claim if they are hurt onboard.

Snorkelers and Scuba Divers 

Snorkelers and scuba divers are at great risk when negligent boat operators are on the water. Divers take many steps to keep themselves safe, such as using buoys, but that does not always prevent prop strikes or run-over accidents. Injuries to scuba divers and snorkelers in these instances can sometimes be fatal. Unfortunately, we at www.888BoatLaw.com have seen such cases result in amputation and in death.

Participants in Water Sports 

Negligent boat operators also pose a danger to wake boarders, water skiers, stand-up paddle boarders, and people who participate in other water sports. Negligent boaters can cause collisions by creating dangerous wakes, or failing to watch for water sports participants on the waterways. Sometimes, participants in water sports are also hurt while they are being towed by a boat operator.

Individuals on Docks and Docked Boats 

Negligent boat operators can create risks for others on the water, but they also pose a danger to people on docks and docked boats. Boat operators who create wakes in close proximity to docks or docked boats can be very risky, and crashes that involve docked vessels are also more common than people think. If you were injured during a fall, knocked into the water, or hurt in any other circumstance, you may have legal options for claiming compensation.

Our Boat Crash Lawyer in Florida Can Assist with Your Claim 

If you have questions about filing a claim after a boat accident, contact our Florida boat crash lawyer for a free consultation. Our Florida boat crash lawyer at 888-B-O-A-T-L-A-W (888-262-8529) (The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler) has 25 years of experience helping victims recover the compensation they deserve, and we will put that expertise to work for you. Call us now or contact us online and let us know how to reach you so you can discuss your case with our experienced Boat Law attorneys today.

Sources:

myfwc.com/media/29123/2021-basr-review.pdf

law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence