Jupiter Boat Accident Lawyers
Choose a Firm with the Experience & Compassion You Need
In a state that’s surrounded by water and 20% water flowing throughout the interior, you’re probably not shocked to learn the frequency of boat accidents in Florida. According to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), around 60 people are killed and 411 victims suffer injuries aboard all kinds of watercraft. Almost all of these incidents are preventable and only occur because of careless, reckless misconduct on the water.
Fortunately, Florida law does provide you with remedies if you were hurt or lost a loved one in a boating accident. Some of the basic legal concepts are similar to those that apply to motor vehicle crashes, so you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Our team at Smith, Ball & Báez can assist with the process, so please contact our office to set up a no-cost case assessment with a Jupiter boat accident lawyer. You can also check out some important information about these cases.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
In general, the primary factor behind these incidents is carelessness by those who are driving or otherwise in control over the watercraft and areas nearby.
Specific causes of boat accidents include:
- Not complying with the regulations covering operation of boats in navigable waters
- Failure to recognize and adhere to rules regarding navigation signals, buoys, and markings
- Drinking or using drugs while operating a boat
- Neglecting to ensure that proper safety equipment is on board
- Heading out when small craft advisories or warnings have been issued
- Boating in other dangerous conditions
Liability in Boat Accident Cases
While the specific causes of an on-the-water incident vary, they’re similar in the sense that they happen because of careless or reckless acts. In legal terms, this misconduct is called negligence. To recover compensation, you must prove that the responsible party breached the legal duty to exercise reasonable care.
The first step after a boating accident will usually be filing an insurance claim and attempting to resolve it through settlement. If the insurer refuses to settle for a fair amount, you may need to take your case to court. Our team at Smith, Ball & Báez will be at your side throughout the process, from preparing the necessary paperwork to negotiating with the insurance company to filing litigation.
We’ll ensure you get sufficient compensation to cover your losses, including:
- Costs of medical treatment
- Your lost wages, if you were unable to work because of your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact a Jupiter, FL Boat Accidents Lawyer About Your Rights
This overview of your options may be helpful, but it’s important to realize that there are many other laws and legal concepts that apply to boat accident cases. Instead of trying to tackle the challenges on your own, count on our attorneys at Smith, Ball & Báez for assistance.
For more information on our legal services for clients throughout Palm Beach County, please contact our firm today. You can schedule your free consultation by calling (561) 500-HELP or visiting us online.
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