Boating Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers

A boat accident can occur when you least expect it. If you’ve been on the wrong end of one, a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages.

A boat accident can result in serious injuries and costly property damage. Whether you were riding a personal watercraft, fishing boat, or charter vessel, the aftermath can be overwhelming.

Since 1995, Viles & Beckman has recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you’ve been in a boat accident, a boating accident lawyer in Fort Myers can help you pursue compensation.

Why Hire a Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been involved in a boat accident, a lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and determine who’s responsible for the accident.
• Handle insurance negotiations: Insurers may try to minimize your payout. An attorney can negotiate aggressively to obtain fair compensation for you.
• Represent you in court if needed: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer can fight for you in a trial.

A Fort Myers boating accident lawyer can advocate for you throughout the legal process.

What is My Boating Accident Claim Worth?

No two boat accident cases are the same. The value of your claim will depend on several factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

A Fort Myers boating accident attorney can evaluate your case and estimate your claim’s worth.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

In the wake of a boat accident, you may be eligible to recover several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can receive compensation for the income you would have earned during that time.
• Loss of earning capacity: If you’re unable to return to your previous job or work at all, you can seek damages for the accident’s impact on your future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: You can recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve suffered due to the accident.
• Property damage: You can claim reimbursement for damage to your boat, equipment, or other personal items.
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party.

A boating accident attorney in Fort Myers can help identify all of the damages you’re eligible for.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Boat Accident Claim in Florida?

According to Florida Statute 95.11, the statute of limitations for most boating accident injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as if the accident involved a government entity.

If you wait too long to take legal action, you may lose your right to seek compensation. This is why it’s important to contact a Fort Myers personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

How is Fault Determined?

To determine who’s liable for your boating accident, your attorney will investigate to ascertain whether the boat operator was distracted, speeding, inexperienced, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They’ll also assess whether navigation rules were followed and whether equipment failure or poor weather played a role.

Evidence such as witness statements, GPS data, maintenance records, and official accident reports can help establish a clear picture of what happened and who is legally responsible for your damages.

Why Choose Viles & Beckman?

At Viles & Beckman, we understand the devastating impact a boating accident can have on your life. Our firm has decades of experience fighting for injured Floridians and helping them secure the compensation they’re entitled to.

We take a client-focused approach, offering:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we win
• Personalized legal strategies
• Aggressive representation in negotiations and in court

An attorney from our team can guide you through every step of the boating accident claims process and make sure you receive the justice you deserve.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Many boating accidents are entirely preventable. Common causes include:

• Operator inattention or inexperience
• Speeding or reckless operation
• Boating under the influence (alcohol or drugs)
• Equipment or engine failure
• Poor weather or visibility
• Failure to yield or follow navigation rules
• Overloading the vessel

Common Injuries in Boating Accidents

Boat accidents can lead to serious or even fatal injuries, especially when passengers are thrown into the water or struck by propellers. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Drowning or near-drowning
• Burns from fuel fires or explosions
• Lacerations and contusions
• Hypothermia

What Should You Do if You’re Involved in a Boating Accident?

If you’ve been in a boating accident, it’s crucial to take these steps:

• Report the accident: In Florida, boating accidents must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), local police, or U.S. Coast Guard in the event of injury, death, disappearance, or significant property damage.
• Document the scene: Take photos of any injuries or vessel damage as well as the scene of the accident. In addition, obtain contact information from any available witnesses.
• Seek medical attention: Be sure to seek medical care promptly, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Do not admit fault: Be cautious in your statements and avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
• Contact a lawyer: Reach out to a boating accident lawyer in Fort Myers to discuss next steps.

Contact a Boating Accident Attorney in Fort Myers

Boating accidents can be traumatic. If you’ve been injured on the water due to someone else’s negligence, a Fort Myers boating accident attorney from Viles & Beckman can help you file a lawsuit and secure a fair settlement.

Schedule a free consultation to learn about how you can hold the party responsible for your accident accountable.