boating accidents

Boating is a common pastime in Florida, but the popularity of this activity means that boating accidents are common, too.

Jed Main - Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer

Orlando Boat Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, sometimes, a fun day on the water can turn into a tragedy. With Florida’s many lakes, rivers, and oceans, it is all too common to see boating accidents, jet ski accidents, and waverunner accidents occur.

Boating accident statistics indicate that the top five primary factors in boating accidents are operator inexperience, operator inattention, alcohol, excessive speed, and improper lookout. This means that most boating accidents are avoidable – many of them simply by paying attention and being a responsible, attentive driver. As in driving a car, having a driver who is distracted, impaired, or inexperienced makes it much more likely that an accident will occur and, if one does, that it will be a serious accident.

A boating accident can change your life in an instant. Usually, these types of accidents leave victims with severe injuries that can cause you or a loved one to face a mountain of medical expenses while being unable to work. If the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you should not be responsible for the financial hardship it creates.

Common Causes of a Boating Accident

Boat accidents can be especially dangerous because of the lack of safety restraints and the additional dangers that Florida waters pose. What are the most common causes of boating accidents in the state?

  • Excessive speeds contribute to a large number of boating accidents

  • Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or other substances is illegal and causes many boating accidents in Florida

  • Driver inattention or distracted boating

  • Boat machinery or equipment failure causes hazards like sinking, stalling, and inoperable lights that lead to accidents

Responsible boaters should be able to enjoy Florida’s waters without the risk that irresponsible boaters pose.

Medical Bills And Expenses

At Main Law Firm, our Orlando boating accident law firm is experienced in advocating on behalf of individuals who are injured in these types of accidents. Our primary objective is to remove concerns about medical bills and other expenses by maximizing the amount you receive through a personal injury claim. We handle the insurance companies, the paperwork, and the fighting while you worry about getting better.

We aggressively pursue compensation for all expenses, including:

  • Medical costs
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost or reduced wages
  • Loss in earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
Medical costs

In some instances, it may also be possible to file for punitive damages to punish the defendant for his or her reckless and egregious actions, especially in situations involving alcohol.

Orlando Jet Ski Accident Attorneys

Orlando Boat and Jet Ski Accident Attorney Who Is Committed To Their Clients

We will work diligently to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable and that you or your loved one receives fair compensation for your injuries. Some personal injury lawyers follow a cookie-cutter formula and rush to a settlement so they can recover their share. We recognize there are multiple layers to most personal injury cases, and we take the time to examine them. We routinely discover methods to stretch an insurance policy in order to maximize the amount that our clients collect.

We attempt to resolve each case as quickly as possible, but we prepare each case as if it will go to trial, and we are prepared to argue it in court if it’s in a client’s best interest.

If you have questions for an Orlando boating accident lawyer, call Jed Main and his team at 407-442-3030 or contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis. So, you only pay for legal services if we reach a settlement or win a verdict for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get medical help, report the incident when required, gather information from the boat operator and witnesses, and take photos of the vessel, injuries, location, safety equipment, and water conditions if possible. Boating accident evidence can change quickly if the vessel is repaired, moved, cleaned, or inspected by someone with an interest in the claim. Early preservation matters.

Responsibility may fall on a negligent boat operator, boat owner, rental company, tour operator, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or another party. Common issues include excessive speed, alcohol use, inexperienced operation, failure to follow navigation rules, lack of safety equipment, poor maintenance, or unsafe rental practices. The responsible party depends on what caused the accident.

Yes. Boating accident cases can involve different safety rules, insurance issues, rental agreements, waterway conditions, vessel maintenance, operator training, and questions about alcohol or safety equipment. They may also require experts who understand boating safety and accident reconstruction on the water.

Important evidence may include photos of the vessel, GPS data, rental agreements, maintenance records, operator information, witness statements, law enforcement or agency reports, weather conditions, safety equipment, and any photos or video from passengers. The boat itself may also be important evidence if a mechanical issue, defect, or maintenance problem contributed to the incident.

Yes, depending on the facts. A rental company or tour operator may be responsible if it failed to maintain the vessel, ignored safety rules, provided inadequate instructions, rented to an unsafe operator, failed to provide required safety equipment, or operated the vessel carelessly. These cases require a close look at company records, policies, training, and the condition of the boat.

Visit Personal Injury Lawyer in Winter Park, Mount Dora, Lake Mary, Apopka, and Clermont

Experience You Can Trust, Representation You Can Count On

Boating presents a uniquely dangerous possibility for devastating accidents when boaters do not use safe and responsible practices. If you or your loved one have been injured in a boating accident caused by another boater’s negligence or recklessness, our firm is here to help you hold them accountable. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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