Many residents in the state of Florida enjoy boat riding as a recreational activity. The peaceful experience can be tarnished if you or someone you love is involved in an accident while on a boat. However, if the accident was caused by another party, you may be able to recover compensation.
The process of being compensated for a boat accident is very complex. An accident on a body of water opens the claim to Florida law. Working with a Pembroke Pines boat accident lawyer can be very beneficial when sifting through the complicated facets of the law. Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that could fight for you.
Laws and Regulations in Pembroke Pines
In the state of Florida, any boating accident that occurs in a public body of water falls under federal admiralty jurisdiction. This means that a boat accident can be filed in Florida federal courts and will abide by those laws. According to Florida statute, 327.33, it is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless manner.
If a person is operating a boat, they are required to consider the safety of others and the property around them. A person who fails to do so can be found guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Many operators have been known to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. This can contribute to their careless operation.
A Pembroke Pines boat accident lawyer can attempt to prove that the at-fault party did not follow this law which resulted in the person’s injuries. Doing so can further prove their liability and make them responsible for the victim’s injuries.
Typical Types of Boat Accidents
A boating accident can occur in a variety of different ways. Some examples of boat accidents by category are as follows:
- Collisions
- Falls overboard
- Fires or explosions
- Falls on the boat
- Capsizing
People who are involved in severe boat accidents can suffer from catastrophic injuries such as brain damage. This usually happens after a boat capsizes and a person is thrown under water. They can acquire head trauma from colliding with sharp rocks and debris. Some injury claimants suffer from burns from fuel fires. Anyone who was severely injured in a boat accident should speak with a Pembroke Pines boat accident attorney who is prepared to handle their claim.
Compensation in Boat Accident Cases
Anyone who was injured in a boating accident because of a negligent operator may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can assist with locating viable insurance policies to cover the victim’s injuries. If there is not any insurance, they may be compensated by the owner or operator of the boat if they can afford it. Compensation in a boat accident is similar to other personal injury cases. The victim is entitled to be made whole from the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost Wages
- Medications
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
A lawyer can collect the person’s bills, medical records, and wage information throughout the course of the case and provide this to the insurance company as evidence. This may result in a settlement to cover the cost of a person’s injuries.
How a Pembroke Pines Boat Accident Attorney Could Help
Litigating a boat accident can prove to be a complicated endeavor. You do not have to pursue the claim alone. Allow an attorney to assist you with the process.
There are time limits in place for every personal injury claim, so contact an attorney today. A Pembroke Pines boat accident lawyer can advocate for you every step of the claim.