Whether you have been hurt in a boat accident on your favorite lake, or you suffered an injury on a cruise ship, you know the accident was not your fault. But the insurance company does not see it that way, and you’re having a hard time obtaining the compensation you deserve. What can you do?
You can get in touch with a Keller Swan Miami boat accident lawyer. Our personal injury attorneys have a lot of experience in this area of the law, and we also have an extensive track record of helping our clients get every penny we have coming. We’ll work hard to do the same for you. Contact us as soon as you can for a free consultation.
Boating Accident Causes
There are many potential causes of boating accidents, including:
Operator Error
Boating accidents often result from the operator of the vessel making mistakes or behaving negligently. For example, the operator might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, might be speeding, or might be operating the boat in a reckless or careless manner.
Mechanical Failure
An accident can also be caused by mechanical failure of the vessel or its equipment. This might include engine failure, steering failure, or failure of other critical systems.
Poor Weather
Severe weather conditions can cause an accident as well, particularly if the operator of the vessel is unprepared or unable to handle the conditions.
Navigation Errors
Boating accidents can also be caused by navigation errors, such as running aground, colliding with other vessels, or the operator losing their bearings because they’re in unfamiliar waters.
Lack of Safety Equipment
If a vessel is not equipped with the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets or flares, the chances of an accident can increase significantly.
An attorney in Miami could review a boat accident to determine the cause.
Common Injuries From Watercraft Collisions
A Miami lawyer understands the financial impact boat crash injuries cause and accounts for all losses in a claim. Boat accidents can lead to a lot of different kinds of severe injuries, including:
Head Injuries
Boats can be hit by other boats, collide with fixed objects, or capsize, resulting in head injuries that can include concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and others.
Spinal Cord Injuries
These are particularly injuries that can result from falls or collisions. They can be so bad that they cause paralysis or other serious disabilities.
Broken Bones
Falls or collisions can also result in broken bones, including fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
Possible Liable Parties in a Boating Wreck
In a boat accident in Miami, there may be multiple parties who could be held liable for damages or injuries sustained. Some possible liable parties in a boat accident could include:
The Boat Operator
If the operator of the boat was behaving negligently or recklessly, they may be held liable for the accident.
Owner of the Boat
The owner could have allowed someone to operate their vessel who was not competent or sober. They may be held liable for the accident as a result.
The Manufacturer of the Boat or its Components
If the boat or one of its components was defectively designed or manufactured, the manufacturer could be held liable for the accident.
The Person or Entity Responsible for Maintaining the Boat
If the boat was not properly maintained and this contributed to the accident, whoever was responsible could face liability.
Other Boats Involved in the Accident
If another boat was involved in the accident and its operator was behaving negligently or recklessly, they may be held liable for the accident.
Steps to Take After a Boating Crash
If you are involved in a boating accident, you will need to take the following steps as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Attention
If anyone has been injured in the accident, call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Gather Information
This may include taking pictures of the scene, getting the names and contact information of any witnesses, and writing down any details about the accident that you can remember.
Contact an Attorney
If you believe that someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation. A boat accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and advise you on the best course of action.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If you have been injured in a boat accident and believe that someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to recover damages. The types of damages that may be available to you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, but some common types of damages that may be recoverable include:
Medical Expenses
These include whatever medical treatment you needed as a result of the accident.
Lost Wages
If you cannot work due to the accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for the wages you lost. If you cannot work for an extended period of time, you may also be able to obtain compensation for lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
You have probably had to deal with an incredible amount of pain and suffering due to the injury. While this type of damages might not be easy to calculate, a skilled boat collision attorney in Miami will be able to do just that.
Hire a Miami Boat Accident Attorney
An experienced boat accident attorney can help you in a lot of ways. Here are just a few of the more important ones.
Protecting Your Rights
An attorney can help you understand your rights and make sure that they are protected throughout the process.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out after an accident. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Gathering and Presenting Evidence
Your lawyer will work to gather and present evidence to support your claim, including witness statements, accident reports, medical records and much more.
Working To Get the Best Possible Settlement
An experienced Miami boat accident lawyer will know how to build a strong case and negotiate a settlement that covers all of your damages and losses. If we are not successful in helping you obtain compensation, you will not pay anything.
Get in touch with a Keller Swan attorney to learn more about how we may be able to help. Call for a free evaluation of your case.
