Ocala Boat Accident Lawyer
Florida’s good weather and abundance of waterways makes it great for boating; however, distraction and intoxication, in addition to operator inexperience, make Florida’s rivers, lakes, oceans, and everglades relatively danger-prone. In recent years, there have been close to 800 boating accidents per year. In 2017, 67 people lost their lives in Florida boating incidents—the same exact number as the year before, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The most common injuries include burns, lacerations, back injuries, broken bones, contusions, internal injuries, hypothermia, and traumatic brain injuries, according to the FWC. As a victim of a boating accident that another party caused, you have the right to financial compensation. Here at The Pendas Law Firm, our Ocala boat accident lawyers can help you recover what you are owed.
What Can I be Compensated For?
- Medical expenses;
- Future medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Emotional distress;
- Lost wages and earning capacity; and
- Property damage.
On top of the above damages, those who have lost a loved one can pursue compensation for the following as well:
- Loss of consortium;
- Loss of a financial provider; and
- Funeral and burial expenses.
The Most Common Causes of Boat Accident in Florida
A lot of boat operators assume that once they step out of their car and onto a boat, the rules of physics somehow do not apply, and they quickly forget about adhering to basic safety regulations like going the speed limit, staying sober, or providing life jackets for their guests. Negligent operation is the leading factor in boating accidents, which is no different than most traffic collisions caused on land. The leading contributing cause of boating collisions are inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout. The top cause of death is falling overboard and drowning—often caused by capsize or colliding with another boat or object.
Other contributing factors to boating accidents, in addition to distraction and improper lookout, include excessive speed, alcohol consumption, falling asleep at the wheel, operator inexperience, and reckless operation.
Helping Kayakers, Canoers, SUPs, SCUBA Divers, and Swimmers File Lawsuits
Non motorized personal watercraft, as well as swimmers and waders, are unfortunately at the mercy of motorized jet skis, fishing boats, and motor boats. Being run over is a serious risk for those in personal watercraft and those already in the water. With nothing to protect them during an impact, people using Stand Up Paddle Boards, kayaks, and canoes, as well as SCUBA divers, snorkelers, and swimmers often sustain life-threatening injuries if struck by a reckless or distracted motorboat operator.
An Ocala Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You Sue for Maximum Compensation
Victims of boating accidents deserve to be compensated fully for their extensive damages. Only an experienced attorney can make that happen, as the other party and their insurance provider are sure to put up a fight, and may potentially even blame you for somehow causing the incident. Our Ocala boating accident attorneys aggressively pursue civil justice so that you are not a victim twice. Reach out to the lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm today at 1-844-200-0000 to schedule a free consultation at your soonest availability.
