Clearwater Boat Accident Attorney
Operating watercraft is different from driving a vehicle, and these differences often lead to accidents and injuries. Injured boaters should call The Reep Law Firm for assistance with their personal injury claim. A lawyer with our office can jump in to determine who has liability for the accident and calculate the full extent of your damages. Contact a Clearwater boat accident attorney to learn more.
Bringing a Claim for a Boat Accident Injury
People are hurt in all types of collisions or accidents involving boats:
- A person can slip on a wet deck or trip over something and suffer an injury when they fall.
- Falls overboard. Any collision involving the boat can send someone flying over the side and into the water, where they might drown or suffer a serious near-drowning injury.
- Burn injuries and smoke inhalation. If a fire starts while the boat is out on the water, then people can suffer serious injuries because they can’t get off the vessel fast enough.
- A boat could crash into another vessel or the dock. Other boats run aground. These sudden accidents can injure anyone on the boat, as well as people on other vessels or even on land.
Injured victims need immediate attention, which can be a real challenge when a boat is far from shore. Some of the most serious injuries include brain injuries, fractures, organ damage, burns, and back injuries.
Identifying the Proper Defendant
Most boat accident cases are based on negligence, which is the failure to use reasonable care. Boat accidents are often caused by:
- A drunk operator could fail to pilot the craft properly and misjudge distance or speed. The warm weather and beating sun can exaggerate the effects of alcohol.
- Someone who has never operated a boat before can make serious mistakes. This is a real possibility in Clearwater, where many tourists decide to rent a boat for the first time.
- Failure to perform maintenance on the craft. Whoever owns the boat must ensure it is safe to operate. Any number of mechanical issues can lead to an accident. A boat rental company might cut corners when it comes to repairs to save money.
- Boat accidents share at least one similarity with car wrecks: distracted drivers. The boat operator can become distracted by passengers, cell phones, or other communication devices. A distracted boater could easily get too close to another vessel or even run over a paddle boarder.
You might not know what happened or who is responsible for your injuries. That is why it is critical to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our office can investigate and possibly speak with witnesses. We might also ask to inspect the vessel to uncover mechanical defects which contributed to the accident.
Trust Our Experienced Clearwater Boat Accident Lawyers
Anyone injured in a boating accident should call The Reep Law Firm as soon as possible. A Clearwater boat accident attorney can go over what steps to take to improve your chance of receiving a settlement. Contact us and set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
