×
yachts in the marina

Panama City Boat Accident Attorney

Panama City’s location on the Gulf of Mexico attracts boaters from around the country. Unfortunately, with such a high volume of boats, accidents are bound to happen. If you have been involved in a Florida boating accident, it is important to consider your legal options, as you are likely suffering from a variety of physical, emotional, and financial burdens. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Manuel & Thompson understand how devastating the impacts of a boating accident can be and are here to help. We are ready to fight on your behalf to recover the compensation you need. Our firm has proudly served clients in Panama City and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. For effective legal guidance in your boating accident case, contact the boat accident attorneys at Manuel & Thompson today to schedule a free consultation.

Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida

There are a number of ways that a boating accident can occur. In many cases, negligence plays a major role in these accidents. Some of the many causes of boating accidents include the following:

  • Operator inexperience
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Collisions with an object, including other boats
  • Lack of safety equipment on board
  • Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Rough waters
  • Speeding

Boating Under the Influence in Florida

The state of Florida treats boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol similarly to how they treat driving any other motor vehicle while impaired. If a person who is operating a vessel has a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher, they can be charged with boating under the influence. You should also note that if a boat operator refuses to submit to a chemical breath test, they will automatically be subject to a revocation of both driving and boating privileges. If a boat operator is under the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol content of 0.02 percent or higher, they can be charged with boating under the influence as well.

Recovering Compensation After a Boating Accident

If you have been seriously injured by a boat operator’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation. This compensation is referred to as damages. To recover such compensation, you must prove that the negligent party was not operating in the same manner that a “reasonable boater” would and that these actions ultimately resulted in your injuries. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact Our Florida Boat Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a boat accident, it is important to consider your legal options. The experienced attorneys at Manuel & Thompson are here to help you navigate every step of the personal injury claims process and are dedicated to acting as your advocate. When you are facing physical, emotional, and financial burdens after a Panama City boat accident, you can put your trust in us because we have been helping injured clients just like you for years. Contact the dedicated boat accident attorneys at Manuel & Thompson today to learn more about how we can help.