If you or a loved one have been involved in a boat accident, you most likely understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take. That said, our seasoned Manatee County boat accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for those who’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence on the water. Contact Becker & Lindauer, LLC today so we can get started working on your case.

Experienced Manatee County Boat Accident Lawyers Protecting Injured Boaters in Florida

Nobody ever imagines that a relaxing day out on the water will take a turn for the worst, but unfortunately, this does happen. If you or someone you love has been harmed in a boating accident due to the negligence of another, please don’t hesitate to speak with the seasoned Bradenton personal injury lawyers here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC for help.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Manatee County, Florida

Boat accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but all too often, they’re a result of boater negligence. Some of the most common causes of boat accidents that we see include the following:

Operator Inattention: Failing to stay alert for other boats, obstacles, or changing weather conditions is one of the leading causes of boating accidents in Florida. This type of negligence frequently results in collisions or serious injuries.
Excessive Speeding: Operating a boat at unsafe speeds reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in crowded waterways throughout Manatee County.
Operating Under the Influence (BUI):
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Impaired operators have reduced judgment and motor skills, often leading to devastating crashes.
Inexperienced Operators: Lack of proper boating experience or training can cause poor decision-making, especially in challenging or unfamiliar water conditions.
Failure to Follow Maritime Laws and Regulations: Disregarding boating rules—such as right-of-way, speed limits, and safety protocols—can easily result in preventable accidents.
Equipment Failure: Poor maintenance or inspection of boat equipment may lead to engine malfunctions, steering issues, or other mechanical problems. Regular maintenance is essential for safe boating.
Overcrowding and Overloading: Exceeding a boat’s passenger or weight capacity reduces stability and control, significantly increasing the risk of capsizing or collision.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Ignoring weather forecasts or continuing to operate in storms, strong winds, or rough water can quickly lead to hazardous situations.
Wake and Wave Effects: Misjudging the impact of wakes or waves from nearby vessels can cause sudden loss of balance or control, resulting in injury or property damage.

Serious Injuries Often Caused by Boat Accidents in Florida Waters

The consequences of boat accidents are often severe, as victims frequently sustain head injuries, concussions, or even traumatic brain injuries due to sudden impacts. The risk of drowning is, unfortunately, a grim reality, especially in accidents involving capsizing or passengers being thrown overboard. Broken bones, lacerations, and spinal injuries also occur in these accidents.

Who Is Liable for a Boat Accident in Florida?

Establishing liability in boat accidents isn’t always straightforward. To establish liability, you’ll need to prove negligence–whether it’s on the part of the boat operator, manufacturer, or another party. To prove negligence, our boat accident lawyers will gather and present evidence that helps illustrate exactly how the accident occurred. Some of the most useful types of evidence when it comes to boat accident injury claims are as follows:

Photos and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene or the moments immediately before and after the incident can provide powerful proof of what occurred.
Witness Testimony: Statements from passengers, bystanders, or other boaters can help confirm how the accident happened and who was responsible.
Medical Documentation: Hospital records, diagnostic reports, and physician notes help establish the extent and cause of your injuries.
Medical Bills: Receipts and invoices demonstrate the financial impact of your injuries and are essential for calculating damages.
Intoxication Test Results: Boat operator breathalyzer or toxicology results can reveal whether alcohol or drug use contributed to the crash.
Boat Condition Reports: Maintenance logs and inspection results show whether the vessel was properly maintained or had mechanical issues.
Weather and Water Condition Reports: Official data or forecasts can demonstrate how environmental factors played a role in the accident.
Operator Training and Licensing Records: Proof of the operator’s boating certifications or lack thereof can establish negligence or noncompliance.
Marine Survey Reports: Expert evaluations of vessel damage and seaworthiness help strengthen liability and insurance claims.

As long as we can successfully satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim, you should be entitled to compensation to help offset the economic and non-economic damages you’ve incurred as a result of your accident.

Contact Becker & Lindauer’s Bradenton Boat Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been harmed in a boating accident due to no fault of your own, the Manatee County boat accident lawyers here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC stand ready to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our legal team today to schedule your free initial consultation.