BOAT ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN JACKSONVILLE

It’s no secret that the “Sunshine state” of Florida is known for fun on the water. Not only our Atlantic coast and Gulf coast, we also have endless coastal waterways and countless lakes and rivers. And with all of the boating and personal water craft activity on these waters, it’s no surprise that our boat accident attorneys in Jacksonville have been retained to help so many boat and personal watercraft accident victims over the years.

While there are many boat and watercraft operators that are very experienced and know the importance of safely operating their watercrafts, there are also many that do not. And a lot of this unsafe watercraft activity is due to the fact that many boat and watercraft owners and operators have very little experience on the water and don’t know or follow the basic rules of watercraft safety and navigation. And just like with motor vehicles, when a driver drives irresponsibly or does not follow the rules of the road, or in these cases waters, accidents happen and people get hurt.

If you have been injured in a boat or personal watercraft accident that was not your fault, contact our boat accident attorneys in Jacksonville. We help victims of boat and watercraft accidents recover proper compensation for their injuries and losses of property. Below are some of the key points about the representation our experienced boat accident attorneys in Jacksonville provide.

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• • Boating Accidents
    • As the operator of a boat that is involved in an accident where there is personal injury, death, or disappearance of any person, or if there is damage to a vessel(s) and/or personal property of $2,000 or more, the operator(s) must report the accident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred or the police of the municipality in which the accident occurred. If you were injured in such an accident that was not your fault, you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries and any necessary medical care and property losses.
    • It is unlawful for an operator of a boat involved in an accident as outlined above to leave the scene of the accident without giving all possible aid to anyone injured and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities.
    • Leaving the scene of a watercraft accident that resulted in someone being injured is a felony and could result in a prison sentence of up to five years and a mandatory fine of $5,000. Leaving the scene of a watercraft accident that resulted in property damage is a misdemeanor in Florida and could result in up to 60 days in jail and a fine.
  • Careless or Reckless Operation of a Boat or Watercraft
    • Boat  and watercraft drivers that operate their vessels in an unsafe manner with a willful disregard for the safety of people or property will be cited for reckless operation which is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida. A conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If you were injured due to the unsafe actions of a boat operator, you are likely entitled to compensation for your injuries, any necessary medical care and compensation for property loses.
  • Boating Under the Influence
    • It is illegal to operate a boat or watercraft while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. If you are suspected of being under the influence while operating a boat or personal watercraft, you may be required to submit to sobriety tests and a physical or chemical test to determine blood or breath alcohol content.
    • If your blood or breath alcohol content, (BOC) is .08 or above, you will be arrested for DUI and are subject to the same fines and penalties as motor vehicle drivers. If you were injured by a boat or watercraft operator who was operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are likely entitled to compensation for your medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.

  If you were injured or suffered a loss of personal property in a watercraft accident that was not your fault, tell our boat accident attorneys in Jacksonville about your accident. The consultation is free and we will be able to explain the law and how you are entitled to full compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you were injured in a boat or watercraft accident as a result of a careless or irresponsible operator, our boat accident attorneys in Jacksonville have the experience and knowledge to assure that you are properly compensated for your losses, all of them. Call us for a free consultation and if you ask us to represent you, there is no out of pocket cost for our legal assistance. We only get paid when you get paid.