Watercraft Accident Lawyer
One of the benefits of living in Jacksonville, Florida is the access to the water. To be sure, Jacksonville sits adjacent to Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and more.
The water provides numerous opportunities for recreation, many of which involve various watercraft. While watercraft can be fun to use, and even necessary for some recreation activities and other endeavors, it can also be dangerous. In fact, in a single year in Florida, there were nearly 700 boating accidents reported, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
If you’ve been injured in a watercraft accident, give our watercraft accidents lawyer a call. We are experienced, passionate, and skilled at what we do.
Types of Watercraft Accidents
Recreational boating accidents are one of the most common types of watercraft accidents, but they are by no means the only ones. In addition to recreational boating accidents, other types of watercraft accident cases that we handle include:
- Yacht accidents;
- Speedboat accidents;
- Jet Ski accidents;
- Fishing boat accidents; and
- Sailing accidents.
We also represent swimmers and others in the water who have been injured as a result of a boating accident.
How Watercraft Accidents Happen
Watercraft accidents almost always happen as a result of negligence. While it’s true that some unforeseen and unpredictable factors can affect the risk of a watercraft accident–such as inclement weather–most accidents are completely preventable. Watercraft accidents are usually caused by:
- Operator error;
- Operator inattention;
- Operating inexperience;
- Mechanical errors;
- Reckless operation;
- Excessive speed; or
- Lookout failure/inattention.
Watercraft Accidents Can Be Devastating
A watercraft accident can have all of the force and devastation of a regular motor vehicle accident with one added factor: water. When water is involved, the risk of drowning or near-drowning is ever-present. If not fatal, a near-drowning episode can leave a person with permanent brain damage.
You Deserve to Be Compensated
Unfortunately, boat liability insurance is not required in the state of Florida, which means that if you are in an accident caused by a negligent watercraft operator, an individual operator may be held personally liable for any injuries that result from their negligence if they do not carry insurance. This can make recovering your full damages amount difficult, as an individual may not have the means to pay your claim.
Our lawyers will manage all elements of your case for you, investigating the accident, proving fault, and exploring sources of compensation. We also file, review, and negotiate your claim and settlement, too.
Reach Our Watercraft Accident Lawyers Today
There is nothing more devastating than losing a loved one in a watercraft accident, or being severely injured yourself. These types of accidents often require months or years of healing, and may leave an individual or a person with long-term harm.
When you call our watercraft accidents lawyers at the office of Douglas & Douglas, Attorneys at Law, we will work hard to improve your chances of recovering every cent you deserve. We are skilled injury attorneys with a reputation of excellence.
Please call us today to schedule your free case consultation, or send us a message online.