The state of Florida is a boating paradise. It has large oceans, lakes and rivers. The choices for fun in the sun are limitless. Although a day on the water is commonly a great stress reliever, sometimes accidents occur. If you have been hurt in a boating accident caused by due to another’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation with the help of a Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorney.
The last thing you want to think about is dealing with an injury while boating. You may be acting safe and responsible. However, it can be hard to avoid the careless or reckless actions by those around you.
A boating accident injury can range from minor to catastrophic. Similar to automobile accidents, victims of negligence have the right to file suit against the offending party.
You will likely be going after compensation from defendants or insurance companies. They are trying to protect their own interests. An aggressive and forward-thinking lawyer is essential. Our Fort Lauderdale boat accident lawyers handle every element of the case personally. We gather evidence to argue for you in court. We offer strong, comprehensive representation.
Serving Accident Victims in Broward County & Southeastern Florida
We are a Broward County based practice. Our firm proudly represents individuals and families throughout Southeastern Florida. This includes Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miramar, Sunrise, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, and Weston, among others.
Injury Victim
We will get started on your case immediately following a free and confidential consultation. Contact us to schedule a meeting to go over your boating accident case in detail with a qualified Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorney. Please call (954) 256-1820 or send an online message today.
Common Injuries of Boating Accidents in Florida
Considering lack of protection on most boats, the potential for serious injury is quite high if an accident occurs. The causes of injuries can vary widely, from reckless operation and excessive speeds, to boating while under the influence. As for the resulting issues from these negligent actions, some of the most common injuries resulting from a boating accident include:
- Back or spinal cord injures
- Brain or head injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Contusions
- Disfigurement
- Internal organ injuries
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Loss of limb
- Whiplash
- Blunt force trauma
- Burns
- Nerve Damage
Types of Compensation in Boating Accidents
‘Damages’ is the legal term for the measure of actual harm and injuries, and the costs associated, caused by the accident. This can be both direct and indirect costs. A boating injury will likely include both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages – These damages are awarded to the injured party for all financial losses they have incurred or will incur in the future as a result of a boating accident:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses.
- Loss of income.
- Diminished earning capacity.
- Loss of job.
Non-Economic Damages – These damages are awarded to the injured party for damages and losses they have suffered as a result of the boating accident, including:
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish and emotional stress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium.
Fort Lauderdale Car Accident FAQs
What Is Comparative Negligence in a Florida Car Accident Claim?
When you’re injured in a car accident as the result of someone else’s negligent actions, Florida personal injury laws allow you to seek compensation for the damages resulting from these injuries. However, in some cases the question of “Who is to blame?” for an accident isn’t entirely one sided.
Florida law also allows judges and juries to apply “comparative negligence” when awarding damages in a personal injury case, including car accidents. So if, for example, you’re found to be 10% at fault for the accident, then the amount of damages you may recover will be reduced by 10%. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you will not be able to recover damages.
How Can a Broward County Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
Often times after a car accident, the other party’s insurance company will offer a quick settlement. Because of this, many car accident victims aren’t sure why they would need an attorney. Unfortunately, most people who choose to accept a settlement without consulting an experienced attorney get far less than they deserve.
Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney Lisa Levine helps her client in many ways. Our firm makes sure you are receiving proper medical treatment for your injuries; communicates directly with the insurance companies; and fully investigates your accident. We compile and analyze evidence such as witness statements, photographs, police reports, medical records and expert opinions.
Our firm will evaluate and value your injuries and other damages so we can seek maximum compensation. We will negotiate your claim and, if necessary, fight at trial to achieve the most favorable ruling possible.
Can I Post on Social Media after a Car Accident?
Social media is a part of daily life for many of us. However, when you’ve been injured in an accident and are looking for compensation from the negligent party, the other party’s attorney may try to use your social media posts to disprove your claim.
Read more about what accident attorney Lisa Levine advises when it comes to social media and personal injury claims in Fort Lauderdale.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Broward County?
The steps you take immediately after a car accident will be crucial in protecting yourself and your legal rights. First, always stop at the scene. Move out of traffic, turn on your flashers, and call the police. Document the scene as much as possible, get the other driver’s contact information, and call your insurance company.
Read more about these steps and what else you should do after a car accident
Florida Boating Rules and Regulations
According to the Florida Conservation Commission, the operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident where there is personal injury beyond immediate first aid, or if there is damage to the vessel(s) and/or personal property of at least $2,000, must by the quickest means possible, give notice to one of the following:
- the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,
- the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred, or
- the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, if applicable.
It is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without giving all possible aid to the involved persons and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities.
Anyone who operates a vessel with willful disregard for the safety of persons or property will be cited for reckless operation (a first-degree misdemeanor).
All operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag, and other circumstances so as not to endanger people or property.
Failure to do so is considered careless operation, a civil infraction. A violation of the Federal Navigation Rules is also a violation of Florida law.
Boating Accident Resources
United State Coast Guard – Boat Safety – This link sends you to the primary boating safety page within the USCG web site. It contains information of practicing safety, regulations, recalls and safety defects, multimedia resources and statistics.
National Safe Boating Council – Clicking here will send you to the home page of the NSBC. The goal of the council is to enable safer boating through education, outreach and training. It has information on boat training, boat control, news, resources and proper safety techniques and equipment.
Florida Boating Regulations – This link sends you to the boating regulations page of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It contains all the relevant Florida laws and regulations concerning vessel registration, boating accidents, reckless operation, boating under the influence and equipment and lighting requirements.
Finding an Experienced Broward County Boat Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured while boating in Broward County, you need to align yourself with a qualified and experienced auto accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has the knowledge and legal resources to effectively represent you during the litigation process.
Our Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorneys have handled boating accident cases throughout Florida and can bring this insight and experience to your case. We are ready and willing to take personal injury litigation as far as it needs to go, be it a settlement, arbitration or trial. Our legal strategies involve analyzing facts and developing a claim based on objective evidence.
Our firm is strongly committed to protecting your rights, and will fight against the selfish interests of defendants and insurance providers until you receive the compensation you deserve. As a Broward County practice, we gladly extend our service to individuals and families throughout Southeastern Florida, including the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Davie, Plantation, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and nearby areas.
Get Help Now from a Fort Lauderdale Boating Accident Attorney
With the help of a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney, you can move forward with personal injury case efficiently. Our legal team at Lisa S. Levine P.A. has been handling boating accident cases for many years. We have developed a strong understanding of Florida law regarding these claims.
In addition to this, we also provide great value by offering our legal services on a contingency basis. This means that we will only collect lawyer fees if you win your case. A serious injury will likely be a major strain on your finances.
We offer free meetings for all who believe they have a boating accident claim in Florida. To schedule a free consultation with a qualified attorney at our firm, please call (954) 256-1820 or send an online message today.
