Boating Accident Lawyer Serving Palm Beach County, FL
Protect your rights with an experienced attorney after a boat accident in Florida
Boating is more than just a hobby in the Sunshine State; it’s a passion for many, thanks to Florida’s abundant coastlines, waterways, and lakes. However, just like cars and trucks, boats can be involved in collisions, encounter hazards, or experience malfunctions, leading to devastating accidents on the water.
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. is committed to protecting the rights of Florida’s boating community. With a comprehensive understanding of state maritime laws and watercraft regulations, Mr. Shomo is an experienced personal injury attorney in Palm Beach County who is equipped to construct a compelling case aimed at securing the maximum compensation you are entitled to under Florida law. Offering compassionate yet assertive representation, you can depend on our law firm to navigate your case to a favorable outcome.
Types of boating accidents
On Florida’s waters lurk the potential dangers of boating accidents. There are different types, each with its own risks. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or jet skiing on vacation, boating accidents can potentially happen. Some of the types of boating accidents our firm handles include:
- Watercraft collisions
- Jet ski, waterskiing, and tubing accidents
- Grounding
- Sinking
- Capsizing
- Overboard
- Drownings
- Propeller Accidents
- Fires and explosions
Common boating accident causes
Due to Florida’s various bodies of water, it’s no surprise that boating accidents are common here. There are many factors and different ways boating accidents can happen. Some of the most common cause include:
- Excessive speed: When a boat is operated at speeds beyond safe limits, it can lead to loss of control, collisions with other vessels or objects, and difficulty in reacting to unexpected hazards.
- Boating under the influence (BUI): Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering everyone on board.
- Captain error: Mistakes made by the person in charge of navigating the boat, such as improper maneuvering, failure to follow navigational rules, or misjudgment of distances, can lead to collisions, groundings, or other accidents.
- Operator inexperience: Lack of sufficient boating knowledge or training can result in errors in navigation, difficulty in handling the boat in challenging conditions, and failure to respond appropriately to emergencies.
- Congested waterways: Navigating through crowded or congested waterways, such as busy harbors or popular boating destinations, can increase the risk of accidents due to limited space, proximity to other vessels, and heightened traffic density.
- Defective parts/mechanical errors: Malfunctions or failures in essential boat components, such as engines, steering systems, or navigational equipment, can lead to accidents, loss of control, or stranded vessels.
- Lack of safety gear: Failure to carry or use essential safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, or distress signals, increases the risk of injuries or fatalities in an accident.
- Weather conditions: Adverse weather, including high winds, rough seas, thunderstorms, and fog, can significantly impact boating safety, leading to accidents, capsizing, or loss of visibility.
- Distractions: Diverted attention from the operation of the vessel due to activities like texting, socializing, or attending to electronic devices, increases the likelihood of accidents or errors in judgment.
Common injuries
Boating accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma. Some common injuries victims may suffer in boating accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Dislocation
- Sprains and strains
- Facial injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputations
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
Unfortunately, in some tragic cases, boating accidents can result in fatalities. The combination of negligence, the unpredictability of water conditions, and other factors can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Determining liability
Determining liability in a boat accident in Florida involves proving certain key factors. Here’s a breakdown of what needs to be established:
- Negligence: To hold someone liable for a boating accident, it must be shown that they acted negligently. This means they failed to exercise reasonable care, such as operating the vessel at an unsafe speed or under the influence of alcohol.
- Duty of Care: The person accused of negligence must have owed a duty of care to others on the water. This duty includes following boating regulations, maintaining a lookout for hazards, and operating the vessel safely.
- Breach of Duty: It must be demonstrated that the accused breached their duty of care by engaging in careless or reckless behavior, such as ignoring navigational rules or failing to maintain proper lookout.
- Causation: There needs to be a direct link between the breach of duty and the accident. In other words, negligent actions must have directly caused or contributed to the collision or incident.
- Damages: Finally, it must be shown that the accident resulted in damages, such as personal injuries, property damage, or financial losses. These damages are essential for establishing the extent of the harm caused by the negligent party.
In a Florida boating accident case, proving who is responsible is key to getting compensation. This means gathering witness accounts, accident reports, and expert opinions to show what went wrong and who’s at fault. And having a good lawyer by your side can make all the difference in making sure your rights are protected.
Get results with an experienced boating accident lawyer in Florida
If you’ve been in a boating accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. However, proving negligence and holding the responsible parties accountable can be challenging. That’s where The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. comes in. With a track record of proven results and over $85 million recovered for clients, Mr. Shomo has the experience and dedication to protect your rights. Don’t navigate the legal waters alone – contact us today to discuss your case and get the compensation you deserve.