Tampa Boat Accident Attorney

Handling Commercial and Recreational Boating Accidents

In 2019, there were 4,168 boat accidents, resulting in 2,559 injuries and 613 deaths. Far too many of these accidents, injuries, and losses were the result of negligence (or carelessness) on and off the water. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident that wasn’t your fault, Four Rivers Law Firm may be able to help. We are dedicated to providing fast and effective legal representation that is individually tailored to meet your needs.

Call us at (813) 773-5105 today to discuss your rights and legal options.

Types of Boating Accidents

Any time you are on a boat, there is a risk of accident or injury. Nevertheless, most boating accidents can be prevented. Boat accidents can occur on commercial or recreational vessels, and commercial and recreational crashes are the 2 main types of boating accidents. You could be injured while aboard a ferry or cruise ship, or on a motorboat, yacht, sailboat, pontoon, or personal watercraft (Jet Ski or Wave Runner). In Florida, you could also be harmed on an airboat navigating swamps or the Everglades. The term “boat accidents” may even apply to kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes.

Just like car accidents are different from truck accidents, each type of boating accident is handled slightly differently under the law. In recreational boat accidents, you will likely handle the matter with private insurance companies, but you may have to go up against big corporations and face confusing insurance issues in commercial boat accidents.

No matter the situation – when you experience a commercial or recreational boating accident and suffer harm as a result, our Tampa boat accident attorney is here to help.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Mundane events can cause the most serious boating accidents when operators fail to take the appropriate care. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents we see at our firm include:

  • Operator inattention
  • Improper lookout
  • Operator inexperience
  • Excessive speed
  • Speeding at night
  • Lack of safety gear
  • Boating under the influence
  • Equipment failure
  • Violating navigational rules
  • Weather
  • Failing to consider water conditions

Boating safely requires a great deal of care and attention. If someone fails to take this care and attention and harms you as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.

What To Do After a Boating Accident

A boating accident can be just as scary as a car accident, if not more so. After an accident, check to make sure no one has fallen overboard and take stock of any injuries. Call 911 immediately for any serious injuries. Everyone should be wearing a life jacket already, but you can also double-check to make sure everyone is safe if the boat begins sinking. Anchor your boat so you don’t drift into more trouble.

Once you are safe, call the authorities for assistance. If you do not have cell reception, you can make a distress call on channel 16 of your VHF radio. Nearby boaters may also hear your call and offer assistance.

While you wait for help to arrive, write down the make, model, and registration number of the boat that hit you, and get contact information from the boat’s operator. If you have a camera or a cellphone, take pictures of both boats, the locations, and any damages or injuries that may have occurred. Try to talk to witnesses and copy down their contact information, as well. Remember, you must report your accident even if you don’t call emergency services.

As soon as you are safely ashore, notify your insurance company. Before you give a recorded statement, you may want to talk to an attorney.

Call Four Rivers Law Firm for a Free Consultation

At our firm, we are committed to justice, advocacy, and fairness for all. We help ensure you do not have to face the consequences of your boat accident alone, and we do everything with compassion and kindness. The law is designed to protect people like you, and we are here to make sure it works as intended. Our representation is affordable and effective.

Call us at (813) 773-5105 today for a free consultation or contact us online – we’ll have you back on the water in no time.