FLORIDA ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Boat Accident Lawyer Services

If you’ve been in a boat accident, contact Gallagher & Hagopian today. As experienced boat accident lawyers, we will help you achieve the best possible result.

Free Claim Review

You may qualify for significant compensation

We Can Start Helping You Today

Call: 888-280-HURT (4878)
or
Fill out this short form and we will contact you ASAP!

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone
Type of Case:*
Tell Us About Your Case:
By submitting you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy. TERMS: Although we will provide a free evaluation of your potential claim, it is understood that this service does not establish an Attorney/Client relationship. Unless arrangements are made for further consultation and a formal retainer agreement is signed by both you and one of our attorneys, our firm cannot assume any responsibility for taking any steps necessary to properly pursue your potential claim. It is also understood that the evaluation you will receive is an opinion based upon the information provided and that there may be additional information not provided by you that may change that opinion.

What We Do | FAQ’s

Experienced Boat Accident Attorneys in Bradenton

Boat accidents happen far more frequently in Florida than you might think. These accidents, just like car or truck collisions, can also result in legal liability. If someone else is wholly or partially responsible for the accident, you might be able to assert a legal claim against them. A boat accident lawyer will be able to review your situation and help explain your legal rights.

What Causes Boating Accidents in Florida?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that 800 boating accidents occured in Florida in 2020, leading to 79 deaths, the most since 2011.
In addition, United States Coast Guard data from 2019 also suggests that Florida has the highest number of recreational boating accidents of any state in the U.S. It is also home to the most deaths that occur on the water.
The most common cause of recreational boating accidents is operator error. Other common causes include:

Negligent boat operation
Operating a boat while intoxicated
Boat maintenance problems
Failure to follow boating rules and regulations

If someone else has made an error while operating a boat, they (or their insurance company) could be liable for damages. Therefore, if you’ve been injured as a result of boat operator error, you could be eligible for financial compensation.

Call Us Now! 888-280-HURT (4878)

What Does a Boat Accident Lawyer Do?

In order to receive compensation in a boat accident case, a victim needs to prove that the accident occurred because someone else was negligent. “Negligence” is a legal term that generally means the same thing as carelessness. When someone operates in a boat in a way that a reasonable person would not handle it, and it causes damage, that person is considered negligent.

Everyone on the water has a duty to follow the rules and regulations regarding boating in that area. When a boat driver recklessly operates their boat, exceeds the area speed limit, or drives the boat drunk, they put everyone else around them at risk.

The first step towards proving your legal case is to gather evidence and information about why the accident occurred. That information will be provided to the relevant insurance companies during settlement negotiations or presented at trial.

A boat accident lawyer will not only investigate the accident on your behalf but will also help you follow the required rules to protect your legal rights effectively. This includes negotiating with any and all insurance companies involved in the accident claim.

It’s also important to realize that Florida has unique maritime laws and boating regulations. An experienced boat accident attorney will be familiar with these specific laws and regulations, which they can use to your benefit when negotiating or arguing for damages.

For example, many people do not realize that some boating accidents are governed by federal law because of the location where the accident occurred. These federal laws can be very complicated, meaning that a case must be documented and asserted in a certain way in order to be valid. Fortunately, an experienced boat accident lawyer can help boating accident victims navigate this potentially complex legal process.

Call Us: 888-280-HURT (4878)

When Should I Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer?

The sooner you contact a boat accident lawyer after an accident, the better. Talking to an attorney right away increases the chances of a successful outcome in your legal case.
At Gallagher & Hagopian, we explain all your legal rights after a boating accident. We will travel to your home or even to the hospital to discuss your case and get the legal process started right away. Our team of aggressive attorneys has won more than $300 million for our clients and is ready and waiting to fight for your rights. Learn more about our services and how we can help by calling our team today: 888-280-HURT (4878)

What should I do directly after a boat crash?

We Can Help You Today Call Us: 888-280-HURT (4878)

Boat Accident FAQs

What should I do directly after a boat crash?

If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, you should immediately report the incident to law enforcement. The paperwork the officer fills out will provide part of the required documentation for any claims you may make in the future. Avoid negotiating a settlement with the other party or the other party’s insurance company (or your insurance company, for that matter).

Other advice includes:
Speak to the investigating officer to ensure they have filed complete paperwork and have reported all the essential facts of the case. After speaking with law enforcement, contact your insurance company right away to report the incident. Your insurance company will also need to know if the other party is insured or uninsured, as they may attempt to directly pursue compensation from the liable party.

Does my insurance need to make a payout, even if I didn’t cause the accident?

In Florida, the state’s No-Fault law requires that all accident victims (whether at fault or not) need to seek damages from their own insurance company first. This means that even if you didn’t cause the accident, you must file for medical and wage loss benefits with your own insurance provider.

As a boater in Florida, do I need insurance?

As a result of Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law, all Florida State residents need a minimum amount of coverage to legally operate a boat. This shows the government that you’ll be able to take financial responsibility for accidents or incidents involving your boat.
Even if you do not use your boat, if you own a boat with a state license plate you must cover it with the minimum liability insurance requirements. If you plan to sell or otherwise dispose of your boat, you’ll need to return your license plate to a license or tax collector’s office to legally cancel your insurance policy.

How much insurance coverage do I need if I caused a boating accident?

Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law includes several minimum coverage requirements for boat owners. This includes:
– Bodily injury liability insurance:
– $10,000 per person minimum
– $20,000 per crash minimum

– Property damage liability insurance:
– $10,000 property damage liability per crash

Personal injury protection coverage:
– Limit of $10,000 per person per crash