Lehigh Acres Boat Accident Lawyer
Many of the same injuries that happen on land between two vehicles colliding or a vehicle and a pedestrian accident happen out on the water between boats, jet skis, paddle boarders, and swimmers. Furthermore, many of the same laws also apply to liability. If you were injured by a careless, reckless, intoxicated, or inexperienced boat operator, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. However, you need to work with an attorney experienced in Maritime law. Before you discuss your injuries with any other parties or insurance companies, we advise you to protect yourself by contacting our Lehigh Acres boat accident lawyer. The Maritime team here at Cardinal Law, P.A. has handled countless boat accident claims over the years, and we are confident that we can deliver the settlement or verdict that you and your loved ones are seeking.
Damages in a Boat Accident Claim
Suffering an injury in a Lehigh Acres boat accident can be an expensive endeavor. The cost of medical care alone is enough to send many people into debt, even if they have health insurance. Victims of negligence should not be left with the bill. Damages you may be entitled to include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Future cost of care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of joy of life
- Property damage
Wrongful death damages include all the above, as well as loss of consortium (loss of companionship), lost lifetime earnings, and funeral and burial expenses.
Top Causes of Boat Accidents
Virtually all of the primary causes of boat accidents involve operator error, just like virtually all traffic collisions are caused by driver error. Examples include operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, speeding, intoxication, and reckless operation. The problem with careless and inexperienced boat operators out on the open water is that there are chances of collisions from all sides, as there are no traffic lanes on a body of water. This drastically increases the chance of a collision, either with another motor vessel or a swimmer, kayaker, or paddleboarder. All water users have a right to operate their vessels in a safe and prudent manner, to obey wake zone and speed limits, to carry the appropriate number of like jackets and safety gear, to keep an eye on weather forecasts, to never operate their boat or jet ski under the influence of alcohol, to maintain a proper lookout, etc. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to serious injuries, either on their own boat or caused to another party.
Call a Lehigh Acres Boat Accident Lawyer Today
If you were thrown overboard by a reckless boat operator, hit while swimming, injured during docking, or harmed in any other way that would have and should have been avoided if not for another party’s negligent actions, you have a legal case worth pursuing. Here at Cardinal Law, P.A., our Lehigh Acres boat accident lawyer knows how to get results. Call us today at 239-610-0845 to schedule a free consultation.