Maritime Accidents and Personal Injury Law in Florida

Boating is a very popular pastime in the state of Florida. With many waterways and an ocean surrounded by it, Florida has many opportunities for the avid boater to get into the water. Just like on the roads, where car accidents are prevalent, boating accidents can also happen. A boating accident can lead to serious destruction of personal property, significant bodily injuries, and death.

Figuring out how to handle a boating injury accident is a little more complex than it is for a car accident, for example. In the realm of personal injury cases, boating injury accidents follow maritime laws. Having an attorney help after a boating accident can be advantageous, but picking the right one is essential. Not just any injury attorney will do. Because of the maritime laws that govern how boating accidents are handled, it is imperative that your attorney be fully versed and knowledgeable of such laws to help you get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need for your losses.

Fulgencio Law is a Florida personal injury law firm with experienced and seasoned attorneys who can help you if you are injured in a boating accident.

Managing a Boating Injury Claims in Florida

Similar to other types of personal injury incidents, determining liability in a boating accident is a critical initial step in the boating claims process. When an investigation is done into a boating accident various details about what took place will be evaluated including the condition of the boat and if there were any mechanical failures or defects, if the driver was consuming alcohol or drugs when the accident happened, or if there are any other areas where negligence was present.

After it is determined how a boating accident happened, resolving a claim and obtaining compensation will depend on maritime laws. Primarily the following:

• The Jones Act is a federal maritime law that applies to professional seamen who suffer injuries.
• The Death on the High Seas Act applies to wrongful death boating accidents at a certain point in the ocean.
• Florida’s Boating Under the Influence Laws apply to boat operators who are inebriated.

When it comes to filing a claim after a boating accident, first you must determine who is liable. Then, the details of how the accident happened, where it happened, and who it happened to will all be pertinent when navigating what maritime laws will govern the handling of a claim.

Call Fulgencio Law Today

There are over a million vessels registered in Florida and every year Florida boating accidents cause hundreds of serious injuries and several deaths. Florida regularly ranks in the top ten states, usually at number one for most fatal boating accidents.

If you were injured in a boating accident in Florida or if you lost a loved one in a fatal accident you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses which can be substantial. For more information, you can call Fulgencio Law at (813) 463-0123 to schedule a free consultation where you can meet with an experienced injury attorney to discuss your case.