Recreational boating can be a fun, relaxing activity. The incredible feeling of the crisp breeze on your skin as you glide through the water is unmatched. With the abundance of springs such as Weeki Wachee, canals, and large scalloping community in the area, it is no surprise that many residents in Spring Hill and throughout Hernando County enjoy spending time on the water with friends and family.
While boating may seem simple, any small mistake or change in the weather could turn this pleasant activity into a severe accident. From slip and falls on deck to collisions with other watercrafts, boat operators and passengers are vulnerable to many types of potential hazards.
Hancock Injury Attorneys has represented clients in personal injury accidents for over thirty years. With Attorney Mike Hancock’s background in insurance defense, he knows exactly how the insurance companies will try to devalue your case and what to say to combat them.
If you or a loved one was harmed in a watercraft accident, our compassionate personal injury attorneys can help you seek compensation from the person responsible. Get in touch with a Spring Hill boat accident lawyer for help with your claim. At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we will support you throughout the entire legal process, so you and your family can focus on your physical and emotional wellbeing.
What at the Common Types of Boat Accident Injuries?
Whether you were riding on a motorboat, pontoon boat, kayak, jet ski, or large ship, any type of accident can lead to devastating injuries. Some of the common types of injuries related to watercraft accidents include:
- Drowning
- Fractured and broken bones
- Whiplash
- Lacerations and other skin injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
These types of injuries are often preventable. Many boat crashes are caused by inexperienced or intoxicated boat operators, lack of safety equipment, and defective parts. If any of these factors led to your watercraft accident, our attorneys can help you identify the at-fault party, assess your damages, and pursue compensation.
What are Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Spring Hill?
There are a number of reasons why a boat accident might occur while you are out on the water in Hernando County but the most common causes include:
- Boating While Intoxicated- Drinking has basically become synonymous with boating despite it not being legal to drink while operating a motorized vessel. The US Coast Guard has pointed to drinking as the number one cause of boat accidents.
- Speeding- Like car accidents, boat accidents are often caused by drivers not adhering to speed limits on waterways. Another vessel might appear too fast for you to slow down or change course.
- Novice Experience- Boating is a fun activity but one that requires training and practice, it is not just something you should try to do without proper instruction.
Proving Liability in Spring Hill Watercraft Accident Cases
Negligence is defined in multiple areas of state law, including Florida Statute § 768.81. Negligence occurs when a person or entity breaches the duty of care they owe to another party, causing that party to suffer injuries.
Boat operators have a legal duty to operate their vessels in a reasonable and safe manner to avoid injury to others. Anyone who fails to do that can be held liable for an accident. There are also specific boating laws that, if violated, may constitute negligence per se, proving the defendant is at fault.
Once you establish the breach in the duty of care, you must prove you suffered injuries and show the costs associated with those injuries. The dedicated lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys can help you gather enough evidence to prove fault in your boat accident case.
What if a Defective Boat Part Caused the Injury?
The party responsible for a watercraft collision is not always an individual. When boat parts do not operate as expected and intended, they can cause serious harm to the occupants of the vessel. For example, issues with the boat’s motor can cause fires and explosions.
Additionally, improper welding or other methods of sealing the boat’s hull can cause it to sink. Defective navigation products can also cause a boater to get lost and suffer great injury. If a defective boat part caused the accident, you and your lawyer can hold the designer or manufacturer responsible for your injuries.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Boat Accident Case?
Boat accidents often lead to serious injuries. Those severe conditions may require specialized medical treatment, which can lead to high medical bills and time lost at work. Additionally, you may suffer a great deal of emotional pain.
When dealing with all of these hardships, you may not have the energy to handle a legal claim. A skilled Spring Hill lawyer can take the lead in your boating accident case by gathering evidence and filing paperwork. We can also represent you in court or settlement negotiations to help you get the amount of compensation you deserve.
Let a Spring Hill Skilled Boat Accident Attorney Help You
When a boat accident causes you or a family member to suffer an injury, you do not have to face the consequences alone. The lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time. Call our firm today to set up a free consultation with a Spring Hill boat accident lawyer.