Boat Accidents
Boat Accident Lawyer In Miami, Florida
Florida is a great state for recreational boating and has more vessels registered than any other state in the country. Although boating on lakes, rivers, and the ocean can be a lot of fun, some boat operators are negligent behind the wheel, and boating accidents happen all too often on the water.
Our boat accident attorneys have extensive experience helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve and can help you with your personal injury related needs.
Boating Accidents in Florida
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are more than 900,000 vessels registered in Florida as of 2015. That same year, more than 900 boating accidents were reported.
Florida boating law
Section 327.395 of the Florida State Code mandates that “a person born on or after January 1, 1988, may not operate a boat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, unless said person has in his or her Possession on board the vessel a photographic identification and a boater safety identification card, issued by the commission, showing that you have completed a commission approved boater education course that meets the minimum requirement of 8 hours of instruction established by the National Association of State Administrators of Navigation Laws [and] has passed a course equivalency exam approved by the commission. “
Violation of this law is considered a non-criminal offense that carries incremental fines of between $ 50 and $ 1,000 for each successive violation. If the boat operator does not have a license and caused a person’s injury during the accident, the violation rises to a criminal offense with the possibility of a civil lawsuit.
Compensation for Florida Boating Accident Victims
Most people are not aware of the costs that can be offset in a boating accident, and insurance companies will try to take advantage of this fact to get victims to accept amounts less than their claims. An experienced boating accident attorney knows the level of compensation that is actually owed, and usually includes.
- Past and present medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Impaired earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Scars and disfigurement
- Long-term care costs
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
… And other costs related to the damage caused by the boat accident.
Call a boat accident attorney now
What is supposed to be a fun day can quickly turn into a horrible experience when a boating accident occurs. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida boat accident, let our experienced boat accident attorneys help you. Call the office or contact us today for a free private claims consultation.