Boating Accident Injuries - Pinellas County, FL

Boating Accident Injuries - Pinellas County

On the ocean, lakes, and waterways, particularly during the warm summer months, recreational boating is an extremely popular activity. Unfortunately, many boaters are inexperienced at piloting speed boats, jet skis, and other personal watercraft, which puts both themselves and others on the water at greater risk of serious injury and even death.

You should consult with an experienced personal injury law firm that specializes in boating and jet ski accidents to help you recover financial compensation for your injuries. An experienced boating accident laywer can help evaluate your claim by preserving critical evidence, examining the boats or personal watercraft involved in the accident, investigating the accident scene and all navigational laws which may apply, and by having knowledge about whether State or Maritime laws apply.

Recreational Boating Accidents

Every year, hundreds of people are seriously injured or killed in recreational boating accidents on United States waterways. In 2006 alone, there were 710 reported boating-related fatalities, according to the United States Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the thrill of piloting a speed boat or other watercraft across a patch of crystal blue ocean water is far too often shattered by a tragic, sometimes deadly boating accident.

If you or someone you know has been injured on the water, contact an experienced boating accident attorney from our established personal injury firm to schedule a free consultation and evaluation of the incident. The injured party may be entitled to recover financial damages as compensation for their injuries.

It is important to note that injuries from a boating accident are usually more serious than those sustained in car accidents. Most speed boats are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 miles per hour on the water, so when they collide with other vessels, the shoreline, or navigational markers, the driver and passengers, who are without the benefit of air bags, seat belts, or other life-saving measures, can suffer significant physical injuries.

Victims of boating accidents that result from the negligence or carelessness of another party may be able to receive financial compensation from the other party for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. You need an experienced boating accident attorney that will evaluate your case and discuss what monetary damages you may be eligible to receive.

Jet Ski Accidents

Jet skis and similar personal watercraft have been popular with recreational boaters for decades. In the event of a jet ski accident, our attorneys will ensure that your legal rights are protected while fighting for the highest possible compensation.

One alarming aspect of jet ski accidents is how often alcohol plays a part in the incident. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment, vision, and reaction times in the same way that it can affect the driver of a car on the road. For this reason, most states prohibit piloting a jet ski, boat, or other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you suffer an injury, a jet ski accident attorney from our office can review the circumstances of your jet ski accident, determine the cause of the accident, and discuss in detail what monetary damages you may be able to recover for your injuries.

Jet ski accidents can result in significant physical injuries to the driver and any passengers, because the riders are more likely to be directly exposed to the force of impact without the benefit of air bags or other life-saving measures. For that reason, jet ski passengers are far more likely to suffer more serious injuries than passengers on a boat or other vessel.

Some parents make the mistake of letting young children pilot jet skis on their own, without a responsible adult riding along. However, jet skis and other powerful personal watercraft are most often not suitable for young children, who lack the physical strength and maturity to control such a powerful vehicle. Parents should always be careful to follow their state’s laws regarding the riding of jet skis and other personal watercraft by children.

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