Many boating accidents are caused by the negligence of another party. These accidents often lead to serious or fatal injuries. If you want to file a personal injury claim after a boating accident, it is important to consult with a boating accident attorney who can determine if you are entitled to compensation for any injuries or loss.
Types of Boating Accidents and Injuries
Boating accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but the two most common are an inexperienced boat operator and a distracted/inattentive boat operator. In addition, weather and water conditions can also contribute to a boating crash.
Boat accidents are usually the fault of a negligent boat operator, and these crashes can cause serious injuries and significant property damage. Common types of boating accidents include:
- Collision. An inattentive boat operator may collide with an object in the water, another boat or watercraft, or a person. Collision accidents can result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, concussions, or broken bones.
- Capsizing. Capsizing happens when the boat turns on its side or upside down while in the water. A capsizing accident can result in water-related injuries such as drowning, hyperthermia, or an injury from a boat propeller.
- Grounding. Grounding happens when the water isn’t deep enough to float the boat, and the bottom of the boat makes direct contact with the lake or ocean floor, rocks, or a sandbar. This can cause a passenger to be thrown around the boat and suffer serious injuries to the back or spinal cord. It may also result in a passenger to be being thrown overboard.
- Run-over accident. Being run over by a boat or watercraft can result in serious, often fatal injuries. The operator of the boat may not have seen a swimmer in the water, or a person may have been thrown off the boat and run over. These accidents commonly occur in high traffic areas of the water.
- Propeller accident. The propellers of a boat run at a high speed and are extremely sharp. The operator may not see people in the water behind the boat or fail to shut off the boat motor when needed. Coming into contact with one of the blades can cause severe lacerations or limb amputations.
- Slip and fall. Slip and fall accidents can happen onboard, especially if the boat has a slippery floor, wet surfaces, or obstructions. Injuries such as broken bones or head injuries can often result.
- Lack of safety equipment. An accident may result due to the lack of safety equipment on the boat such as adequate personal flotation devices for each passenger, fire extinguishers, or proper lighting and safety signals.
How a Boating Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were injured in a boating accident in Florida, there are several things to do after the accident, including seeking immediate medical attention and filing a report with the police or Coast Guard. It is also important to consult with a skilled boating accident attorney. An attorney can help determine if you should file a claim against the party who was negligent.
The types of damages you may be entitled to receive for boating accident injuries may include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Loss of wages or future earnings
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
Call Browning Law Firm
If you were injured in a boating accident and need legal advice, contact Browning Law Firm. As a former Florida State Trooper, Attorney Coy Browning understands the components of an accident case and what evidence is needed to prove another party’s negligence. To set up a free, no obligation consultation, fill out our online contact form, or call us today.
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