How Can a Boating Accident Attorney in Tampa Help You?
Unsurprisingly, Florida is home to many boat enthusiasts. While recreational boating can be an excellent way to relax and enjoy nature, countless commercial boating operations exist in the state.
With an abundance of boats traversing Florida waterways, accidents are likely to occur. In fact, Florida has one of the highest rates of boating accidents in the U.S.
You may not know that the process of handling boating accidents is similar to car accidents. When an accident happens, the parties involved often accept fault, and the insurance companies pay a settlement.
Regardless of how much fault is your responsibility, it’s always best to hire a personal injury attorney after an accident. If you had little or no fault in the accident, an experienced Tampa lawyer may be able to advocate for a fair settlement.
On the other hand, if you share some fault, the Florida boating accident lawyers at Kinney, Fernandez & Boire fight to try and avoid accepting responsibility for more than your fair share.
Especially in the event of serious injuries, like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, you need a Tampa boating accident lawyer to help handle your boating accident claim, or you could lose out on financial compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Most Florida personal injury cases have a two-year statute of limitations, so hiring an attorney immediately after an accident is imperative to increasing your odds at a winning outcome.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
While there are many types of boating accidents, the most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Alcohol use (boating under the influence – BUI)
- Excessive speeding
- Driver inexperience, especially when in poor weather conditions
- Mechanical failure
- Vessel operator inattention or negligence
- Violating navigational rules
Although boating in Tampa Bay is an incredibly fun experience, irresponsible boaters can be behind the wheel of a water vessel, creating a dangerous situation. Thus, boat owners and passengers must take boating safety seriously to avoid accidents.
Negligence in a Boating Accident Lawsuit
Most boating accident lawsuits come forth based on negligence. Anyone injured by a negligent boat driver must prove the following:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver breached their duty of care
- Their negligence caused the sustained injury
- The act of negligence was the direct cause of the injury
Proving these four elements of negligence can be difficult without professional assistance. That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial.
Why Should You Choose Kinney, Fernandez & Boire as Your Tampa Boating Accident Attorney
At Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, our personal injury lawyers can handle boating accident cases involving all different types of vessels, including:
- Commercial vessels
- Cruise ships
- Fishing boats
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- Sailboats
- Speed boats
Our team will work diligently on your personal injury case to try to maximize your compensation for medical bills, property damage, and related expenses.
We also handle cases involving the wrongful death of a loved one and medical malpractice. If someone died due to a boating accident or you faced malpractice while receiving care for injuries sustained in an accident, we’ll help you navigate the complex legal process surrounding these cases.
Should your personal injury claim go to trial, we will fight for your justice and work tirelessly to increase your chances of a favorable verdict.
Accident victims, don’t delay; hire a personal injury attorney from KFB Law today.
FAQs About Boating Accidents in Tampa
Below, you can find answers to some commonly asked questions about boating accidents from our expert legal team.
Disclaimer: If you have specific questions about your unique situation, call our law firm for a free consultation now.
What Is the First Thing You Do After a Boating Accident?
First and foremost, never leave the scene of an accident, and do not admit any fault. Under Statute 327.30, leaving the scene when someone has boating accident injuries is a crime.
When medical attention is necessary, first call the U.S. Coast Guard.
You’ll also likely need to report the accident to the state reporting authority.
If possible, you should collect information about the accident. This includes getting the personal details and insurance information of the drivers involved. Ask for the following:
- Name
- Address
- Contact details
- Vessel identification of all boat operators
You’ll also want to collect the information of onboard passengers to gather witness statements.
Further, take photos of the crash scene, ensuring you capture all damage. Document the following:
- Boat location
- Position of the boats
- Injuries sustained
- Visible damage
Lastly, immediately contact a boating injury attorney at Kinney, Fernandez & Boire to help collect information and file a personal injury claim.
What Is the Florida Law if You Are Involved in a Reportable Boat Accident?
Florida law (under Florida Statutes Ch. 327 and 328) states that under certain conditions, a boat operator involved in a boating accident must report the accident to one of the following authorities: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the police chief of the municipality where the accident occurred.
The conditions where a report is necessary include:
- Personal injury beyond first-aid
- Death
- Disappearance of someone under circumstances that indicate death or injury
What Are Most Fatal Boating Accidents a Result of?
Most boating-related injuries and fatalities are the result of the following:
- Not wearing a life jacket or personal floatation device
- Falling overboard
- An accident
- Boating under the influence
- Capsizing, running aground, sinking, or swamping
Let Kinney, Fernandez & Boire Handle Your Case
If you were in a boat crash, you need a boating accident attorney in Tampa to help you with your personal injury claim. Having a lawyer in your corner is the only way to guarantee you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Get your free case evaluation today from the team at KFB Law to get the legal advice you need. Although our main office is in Tampa, we also have locations in Plant City, New Port Richey, Riverview, St. Petersburg, and Wesley Chapel.
Contact One of Our Offices
We would be glad to meet you in person at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Plant City, or Riverview offices or at any location that is convenient for you.
