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Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Attorney
Have you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boating accident? Our Fort Lauderdale boat accident lawyers can help you fight for compensation for your medical bills, missed paychecks, and ongoing therapies.
With over 30 years of experience representing successful boating injury cases, we will advocate for you, provide legal guidance, and walk you through your boat accident claim every step of the way.
Call our Fort Lauderdale boat accident attorney at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation today.
Boating Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, boating offers adventure and relaxation, as well as a way to make a living. However, an unexpected event can happen on the water, turning a lovely day into a dangerous disaster.
These accidents encompass a wide range of incidents, from collisions with other vessels to capsize events, fires, and various other mishaps. The consequences of boat accidents can range from minor injuries and property damage to catastrophic events that lead to serious injuries or even loss of life.
In 2023, Florida had more boating fatalities than any other state, and 65 lives were lost. The majority of those incidents involved collisions with a stationary object, and interestingly enough, most of these accidents happened in a river or a creek. [1]
Types of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can take various forms, each presenting unique dangers and potential consequences. The most common cause of a boating injury in Florida in 2023 was a collision with another boat. [2]
Here are some types of boating accidents our Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorneys have seen:
- Capsizing – This is when a boat overturns or turns on its side, often caused by improper weight distribution, sudden shifts in weight, or adverse weather conditions.
- Collision with Another Vessel – This is an accident involving two or more boats colliding, which can result from operator error, impaired navigation, lack of proper lookout, or mechanical failures.
- Collisions with Fixed Objects – This accident involves a boat hitting stationary objects such as docks, piers, rocks, buoys, or bridges. These collisions can cause significant damage to both the boat and the object.
- Drowning – This is a tragic accident where individuals are unable to stay afloat or swim to safety. Drownings can result from various boating-related incidents.
- Electrocution – An accident involving electric shock due to faulty wiring, lightning strikes, or improper use of electrical equipment on the boat.
- Fires and Explosions – This is when boats experience fires or explosions due to fuel leaks, electrical issues, or improper storage of flammable materials.
- Flooding – Similar to sinking, flooding occurs when a boat takes on excessive water due to leaks, breaches, or mechanical failures.
- Grounding – This occurs when a boat runs aground, hitting the bottom of a body of water. This can be due to navigational errors, low water levels, or poor visibility.
- Propeller Accidents – These are accidents caused by contact with a boat’s propeller, often during boarding, swimming, or water sports activities.
- Sinking – This happens when a boat takes on water and becomes partially or fully submerged. This can result from hull damage, equipment failure, or adverse weather conditions.
In 2021, the total damages caused by boating accidents in the U.S. reached almost 68 million U.S. dollars. [3]
Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can occur due to the following factors, which often result in fatal injuries and property damage.
- Operator Inexperience - Inexperienced boat operators often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate safely, increasing the risk of collisions and other mishaps.
- Alcohol and Drug Use - Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Weather Conditions - Weather condition plays a significant role in boating accidents. Rough waves, strong winds, and storms can make it challenging to control a boat, increasing the likelihood of collisions or capsizing.
- Equipment Failure - Equipment failure is another common cause of boating accidents. Malfunctioning pumps, faulty wiring, and other equipment or machinery failures can lead to accidents and even fires or explosions.
- Navigation Errors - Misinterpreting navigational markers, getting lost, or failing to follow maritime rules and regulations can result in collisions or grounding.
- Overloading - Overloading a boat with passengers or cargo beyond its capacity can lead to instability, capsizing, or sinking.
- Lack of Safety Equipment - A lack of safety equipment, such as life jackets or fire extinguishers, can leave boat occupants vulnerable in the event of an accident.
- Lack of Maintenance - Poorly maintained boats can experience mechanical failures and malfunctions that contribute to accidents.
Table of Contents
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Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Attorney
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Boating Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
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Types of Boating Accidents
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Causes of Boating Accidents
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Common Injuries Sustained in Boating Accidents
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What Can I Expect from a Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Attorney?
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Get a Free Consultation From a Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Related Information
Common Injuries Sustained in Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Here are common types of injuries that boating accident victims often suffer from:
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious condition that can occur in boating accidents when individuals are exposed to cold water for extended periods. In such situations, the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerous drop in body temperature.
Symptoms may include shivering, confusion, loss of coordination, drowsiness, and pale or blue-colored skin. As hypothermia progresses, the person may become unconscious and experience a weak pulse and shallow breathing.
Fractures
One common type of fracture that can occur in boating accidents is a closed fracture. This occurs when the bone breaks but remains within the skin.
The causes can vary, including the forceful impact of colliding with another vessel or being thrown overboard and hitting a hard surface. Symptoms of a closed fracture for most boat accident victims may include severe pain, swelling, and deformity of the affected area.
Another type of fracture that can occur is an open or compound fracture. This happens when the bone breaks and pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Open fractures in boating accidents can result from severe trauma, such as getting caught between two vessels or being crushed by heavy equipment. Symptoms of an open fracture may include visible bone protrusion, bleeding, and intense pain.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common boat accident injury, typically caused by the sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision may also be experienced.
In watercraft accidents, whiplash can happen when a person is abruptly jerked forward or backward due to a collision or sudden stop. This can cause the neck to hyperextend or hyperflex, straining the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck.
If you sustain whiplash in a boating accident, seek medical attention promptly. Even if the symptoms seem mild at first, they can worsen over time if not properly addressed.
Internal Injuries
Boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. One such internal injury is internal bleeding, which can occur when a person is thrown around or struck during a crash. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
What Can I Expect from a Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Attorney?
Our dedicated legal team has decades of experience handling boat accident cases and providing comprehensive legal assistance to our clients.
When you work with our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers, you can expect various services and assistance.
- Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and property damage.
- A Fort Lauderdale boat injury lawyer from our firm will clarify your legal options and guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and the steps involved in pursuing a boating accident claim.
- We will handle all communication and paperwork, relieving you of the burden and stress of navigating the legal complexities.
- Our law firm will help you hold the liable parties accountable for their reckless actions.
- We will carefully evaluate the extent of your damages and losses and fight to secure the best possible outcome for you !
Get a Free Consultation From a Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Boat Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Don’t let the aftermath of a boat accident overwhelm you. By choosing Goldberg & Loren, you can have peace of mind knowing that our dedicated team will handle your case with compassion and expertise, ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced boat accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards recovering from your Fort Lauderdale boat accident.
Sources:
[1] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (n.d.). Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report (pp. 26–35). https://myfwc.com/media/ehjj1pll/2023-basr-fatalities.pdf
[2] Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report. (2023). In Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report (pp. 36–39). https://myfwc.com/media/yekgx022/2023-basr-injuries.pdf
[3] Damage value of boating accidents in the U.S. 2021 | Statista. (n.d.). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/240641/recreational-boating-accidents-in-the-us-total-damages/
If you've been injured in a boating accident in Fort Lauderdale and want to pursue compensation, reach out to us. We'll assess the details and determine the viability of your case. Don't wait, contact us today!
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