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Been Involved in a Boating Accident in Florida?

Boating can be a fun and adventurous activity; it’s a great way to enjoy the open waters or spend a weekend at the beach with friends, family and loved ones. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous when negligence is involved and lead to serious or even fatal boating accident injuries. When this happens, you should contact a legal professional, such as a boating accident lawyer in Orlando. As a personal injury law firm in Orlando, we can help you pursue litigation and garner fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering.

Accident Stats & Types

Most people tend to associate a boat accident with an actual boat; however such accidents can also include jet skis, water runners, ferries and other types of ships. Additionally, boating accidents can also involve different types of water activities, including diving, fishing or water skiing.

According to the United States Coast Guard, an estimated 8,000 boating accidents occur every year, resulting in more than 3,000 injuries and over 700 deaths. Common boating incidents involve collisions, sinking, floods, fires, natural disasters, explosions, equipment malfunctions, ship capsizing or passengers falling overboard. Injuries that result from boating accidents typically include passenger disappearance, death, ship damage or lost vessels.

Filing a Report

A boating accident report must be filed when the following occurs:

  • Someone loses their life due to the accident
  • The victim’s injuries requires medical attention beyond first aid
  • When there is boat or other property damage
  • When someone disappears with a possible link to death or injury

Furthermore, federal law requires a report to be filed within 48 hours of someone getting killed or injured in the accident. If the boat incurs damages exceeding $500, the accident report must be filed within a period of 10 days.

Boat Accident Laws

Boating accidents can also occur with cruise ships, navy vessels and other marine crafts. The following rules and regulations apply: if the accident occurs on navigable waters, then admiralty and maritime laws may be enforced. However, if the accident happens in non-navigable waters (lakes, rivers, canals etc.), then the laws of that particular state would apply. If the accident results in death, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Sadly, boating accidents can often place a heavy financial burden on family members, due to medical expenses, treatment costs and other types of damages that may have been inflicted on the boat. This is why an experienced boating accident attorney in Orlando should be contacted right away.

Call the McKeever Law Firm today for a free consultation, and speak with a qualified legal professional about your case. We can also assist you in other areas of Orlando personal injury settlements. In addition to protecting your rights, and helping you claim damages, we work hard to fight for the financial compensation you are entitled to receive.