Boating has become one of the most popular warm-weather activities. It is important that you understand the significance of operating a boat safely, and your rights in the event that you were injured because of another’s negligence. Read on and reach out to our firm today to speak with our skilled Panama City boat accident attorneys about this further.

How do boating accidents occur in Florida?

There are several different causes of boating accidents. It is important to keep in mind that the largest cause can be traced back to negligence. In the state of Florida, drivers must operate their boats with care and obey all rules. If boating negligence occurs, accidents can occur as a result. Some of the various 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

What if an individual operates a boat under the influence in Florida?

Recognize that in the state of Florida, boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is treated similarly to how driving any other motor vehicle while impaired would be. 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 keep in mind 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, too.

Can I recover damages from a boating accident?

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you were injured as a result of boating negligence. In order to recover damages, you will have to file a legal claim. To recover this type of compensation, you must be able to establish 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 can demonstrate this by providing medical documents outlining your injuries sustained, pictures and videos of the accident, witness testimony, police reports, and more. You may be qualified to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. It is in your best interest to reach out to our firm today to discuss the specifics of your case with our experienced legal team.

Contact our experienced Florida firm

Our firm proudly handles injury claims, insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today.