Estero Boat Accident Lawyer
Florida has more waterways and coastlines than almost any other state. To attract tourists to the area, Florida also has some of the weakest boating safety laws in the country. Most people can legally rent and operate boats even if they’ve never set foot on a watercraft before. Additionally, once again to encourage tourism, the laws on the books are sporadically enforced, at best. Serious boating accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, mostly because the victims are so far away from the nearest hospital.
The experienced Estero boat accident lawyer at Cardinal Law routinely handles these matters in Lee County and nearby jurisdictions. Our legal team knows the law, and we know how to make it work for victims. Additionally, we know all the local rules of evidence and procedure, including the unwritten ones. So, we’re well-suited to obtain maximum compensation for your serious injuries. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic loss, such as pain and suffering.
Boating Injuries and Estero Boating Accident Lawyers
Collisions, onboard falls, and man-overboard drownings are among the most common boating injuries in Florida.
Inexperienced operators often assume that operating a boat is like operating a car. But cars have tires and brakes. They turn tightly and stop quickly. In contrast, a rudder steers a boat, and the motor vehicle must drift to a stop. If a boater misjudges the distance between the boat and another object, perhaps because the tortfeasor (negligent driver) had been drinking, a serious collision could result.
Rough waters often contribute to collisions as well. Similarly, bad weather, wet decks, and other adverse conditions also contribute to onboard falls. It’s very hard to keep one’s balance on a rolling, pitching deck. Bad weather may contribute to a fall, but the operator’s negligent failure to maintain the deck or supervise passengers substantially causes such injuries.
Some unfortunate victims slip and fall off the deck and into the water. These victims could drown even if they’re wearing life preservers. Given the lax enforcement of boating safety laws, as mentioned above, most people don’t wear life jackets.
All these incidents usually cause serious injuries which, in many cases, are permanent. An Estero boat accident lawyer can obtain compensation for both prior and future medical expenses.
Liability Issues
This compensation is available if negligence, or a lack of care, caused the victim’s injuries. Most boaters have a dual safety responsibility. They must safely operate the watercraft while supervising guests to ensure their safety. Most people don’t fulfill this double duty.
Comparative fault and its companion defense, assumption of the risk, is the most common insurance company defense in these matters.
As mentioned, most people rent boats. The vehicle’s owner could be vicariously liable for damages in these situations, under the negligent entrustment rule. This doctrine applies if the owner allows an incompetent operator to use his/her motor vehicle.
Contributory negligence shifts blame for an accident from the tortfeasor (negligent operator) to the collision victim. Assumption of the risk could apply if the victim ignored a boating safety rule, like the lifejacket requirement.
Count on a Diligent Lee County Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced boat accident lawyer in Estero, contact Cardinal Law, P.A. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.
