Bradenton Boat Accident Lawyer
Boat and jet ski accidents are common in Bradenton due to the year-long perfect water temperature and weather conditions. The legal doctrine of negligence applies to the water just as it does to roadway traffic. If you were injured by the negligent actions of another, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them for pain and suffering, medical costs, property damage, and more. Contact the experienced Bradenton boat accident lawyers of the Pendas Law Firm today for immediate legal assistance.
Florida Boating Fatality and Injury Statistics
Florida has, by far, the most boating fatalities of any state. With 62 fatalities in 2014, Florida has even more fatalities than Texas, which has a much larger population, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The appeal to boat in Florida is obvious, and many people fail to remember that they have a duty to act with reasonable care and caution so as to ensure the safety of themselves, their occupants, and other water users (including swimmers). Whether you are fishing, putting around in a small motor boat, or going at a high rate of speed on a jet ski, you have an obligation to follow the rules of the waterway in which you are on, as well as operate your vessel safely for others. Operator inexperience, distraction, intoxication, improper lookout, speeding, aggressive operation, and fatigue are common causes of all types of water vessels from large commercial operations down to jet skis.
The following include the top Florida water vessel accident types that cause fatalities:
- Falling overboard;
- Flooding;
- Collision with a fixed object;
- Capsizing;
- Collision with another vessel;
- Fall within the boat;
- Other; and
- Grounding.
Defining Negligence in Bradenton Water Vessel Accidents
Speed limitations, such as posted no wake zones, and illegal blood alcohol content (which is the same for cars as for boats at or above 0.08) are not the only laws that govern water vessels in Florida. Negligence can be assigned to any water vessel operator who is found to have made an error in judgement or maneuvering that caused injury, death, or property damage to another. An experienced Bradenton lawyer will ensure that a proper investigation is carried out to determine the cause of the incident, who was at fault, and what the damages were to you and your family. You may be compensated for medical damages, future medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, lost earning capacity, and more. Lacerations, broken bones, contusions, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are the most common types of injuries suffered by boating accident victims, according to the FWC, and these types of injuries can cause permanent or long-lasting damage and pain.
Call for Help Today if You Were Injured By a Negligent Water Vessel Operator
Whether you were injured in a boating incident or a family member lost their life due to another’s negligence, call the Bradenton boat & jet ski accident lawyers of the Pendas Law Firm today for legal assistance at once.