West Palm Beach, Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
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BOATING ACCIDENTS
BOAT ACCIDENT LAWYER
A boat accident lawyer may be particularly helpful to those living in the Florida region and other coastal communities. Boat accidents can occur in a number of different ways and can be uniquely dangerous in comparison with other types of accidents. In an area such as Florida where boating, jet skiing and other water activities are popular year round, you may find yourself in need of a boating accident lawyer.
A boat accident is characterized by any collision, explosion, fire, sinking, flooding, capsize, or loss of person that occurs on a boat. Boating accidents have their own unique laws regarding standards for reporting the accident as well as liability laws. A boat accident must be reported if one of the three scenarios occurs:
- A life is lost
- There is damage by or to the vessel
- A person goes missing
- A person who is injured requires medical attention
The operator and owner of the boat has an allowed 48 hours to report the boating accident if it results in death or injury of a person. Ten days are allowed to report purely property damage related incidences.
Typically, the burden of safety lies with the boat owner and operator, making them liable for any injury or damage that occurs in or by the boat. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents are operator carelessness, speeding, inexperience, and even inebriation. The laws regarding drinking and operating a watercraft are similar to DUI laws and are strictly enforced. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident, you may wish to contact a qualified boating accident lawyer.
It is important to contact a boat accident lawyer as soon as possible after boating accident because of the statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to legally file a case. A boating accident lawsuit must be filed within four years of the accident and a wrongful death suit must be filed within two years.
There are a number of federal regulations specific to boating: these are strictly enforced. For this reason, it is important to contact a qualified West Palm Beach and Tallahassee boat accident lawyer regarding your boating accident, so that you can be thoroughly informed of the legal issues of your case.
If you or a loved on has been involved in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us today to speak to a qualified West Palm Beach and Tallahassee boat accident lawyer. Our experienced attorneys can give you a free evaluation of your case and help you determine how to best maximize your legal interests.