When an accident occurs at sea, the consequences can be serious. If you’ve been in a boating accident, a Pineland personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages. A boat accident can result in severe injuries and costly property damage. If you’ve been on the wrong end of one, you deserve to be compensated.
The attorneys at Viles & Beckman have recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you’ve been involved in a boat accident, a boating accident lawyer in Pineland can help you obtain compensation.
How Can a Pineland Boating Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, a lawyer can provide more than just legal representation. Specifically, they can:
- Investigate the accident: An attorney can gather accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to determine what happened and who is liable.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but a lawyer can fight for a fair settlement.
- Calculate your damages: An attorney can identify all of the economic and non-economic damages for which you qualify to determine the true value of your claim.
- Represent you in court: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can advocate for you in court.
A Pineland boating accident lawyer will handle every aspect of your case.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Can I Afford a Boating Accident Attorney?
Most Pineland boating accident lawyers, including those at Viles & Beckman, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything up front. Instead, your lawyer will collect an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or award.
What is the Average Boating Accident Settlement?
Since every boating accident case is different, there is no average settlement. Payouts can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Your claim’s value will depend on factors such as:
- Injury severity
- The extent of the property damage
- Lost wages
- Degree of negligence
- Available insurance coverage
A Pineland boating accident attorney can make sure you’re fairly compensated.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
If you’ve been injured in a Pineland boating accident, you may be entitled to numerous types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: You can claim wages you lost during your recovery and potential future earnings if your injuries impact your career.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your boat or personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: You can receive punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were reckless or intentionally harmful.
A boating accident attorney in Pineland can calculate your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Boating Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including boating accidents) is typically two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this filing window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. A personal injury lawyer can help you file your claim as quickly as possible.
What are My Odds of Winning a Boating Accident Lawsuit?
Every boating accident case is unique. Your chances of success will depend on factors like the strength of your evidence, the clarity of liability, and the experience of your attorney. While no lawyer can promise a win, having legal representation will greatly improve your odds.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents occur for many reasons, such as:
- Operator inattention: When the person steering the boat isn’t paying attention, accidents can happen quickly.
- Excessive speed: Traveling too fast increases the risk of collisions and loss of control.
- Boating under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction times, and coordination.
- Inexperienced operators: Lack of proper training or familiarity with the boat can lead to dangerous mistakes.
- Weather conditions: Sudden storms, high winds, or rough waters can create hazardous situations.
- Equipment failure: Mechanical problems or lack of maintenance can cause breakdowns or loss of control.
What is the First Action Required After a Boating Accident in Pineland?
Florida law requires anyone involved in a boating accident to stop their vessel at the scene. Once you’ve stopped, you should:
- Ensure everyone’s safety: Check for injuries and provide assistance to anyone in danger.
- Report the accident: If there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or local law enforcement.
- Exchange information: Trade names, contact information, and vessel identification numbers with all other parties involved in the accident.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of vessel damage, other property damage, and any visible injuries.
Once you’ve completed these steps, contact a boating accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Contact a Boating Accident Attorney in Pineland
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. A Pineland boating accident attorney from Viles & Beckman can investigate your crash, deal with the insurance companies, and fight to secure the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Schedule a free consultation to start building your case today.