Manatee County Boat Accident Lawyers

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.

Boat Accident Lawyers | Here for 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 Boat Accidents

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: Neglecting to watch for other boats, obstacles, or changes in weather conditions often leads to accidents. This form of negligence is one of the most common causes of boat accidents.
• Excessive Speeding: Operating a boat at high speeds reduces reaction time and increases the risk of collisions, especially in crowded waterways common in Manatee County.
• Operating Under the Influence: Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but highly dangerous, impairing the operator’s judgment and motor skills, leading to serious accidents.
• Inexperienced Operators: Lack of experience in handling boats, especially in challenging conditions like those found in Manatee County’s diverse waterways, can result in poor decision-making and accidents.
• Failure to Follow Maritime Laws and Regulations: Ignoring boating laws, such as right-of-way rules and speed limits, is a significant contributor to accidents on the water.
• Equipment Failure: Negligence in maintaining and inspecting boat equipment, leading to malfunctions such as engine failure or steering issues, can cause accidents. Regular maintenance and checks are essential for safe operation.
• Overcrowding and Overloading: Exceeding the boat’s capacity with too many passengers or excessive load affects the boat’s stability and maneuverability, increasing the risk of capsizing or accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Not paying attention to weather forecasts or ignoring signs of bad weather can lead to accidents, especially in Manatee County where weather can change rapidly.
• Wake and Wave Effects: Failing to account for the impact of large waves and wakes from other vessels can result in loss of control and accidents.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Boat Accidents

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.

Determining Liability in Boat Accidents

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:

• Pictures or videos of the accident as it happened
• Witness testimony
• Medical documentation
• Medical bills
• Boat operator’s intoxication test results
• Boat condition reports
• Weather and water condition reports
• Boat operator training and licensing records
• Marine survey reports

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 Our Florida Boat Accident Lawyers Today

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.