A boat accident lawyer in Tallahassee can explain what filing a claim for compensation means and also help you recover damages. Boat accidents can have severe consequences for the victims, such as personal injuries and property damage, besides the emotional effects of being involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
But there are many other reasons to hire a specialized lawyer as soon as possible. For instance, a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer from Fasig | Brooks can conduct a private investigation, determine liability, and calculate an appropriate compensatory amount for damages. And they can handle every aspect of your case while you recover from injuries.
Types of Boating Accidents in Tallahassee
Tallahassee is a place with many inlets and waterways, and because of that, there are many different types of boats. Recreational and commercial boats are common, but so are accidents. An experienced boat accident attorney can help if you were involved in any of these accidents:
Jet Ski Accidents
Jet skis are among the most dangerous watercrafts for a number of reasons. For instance, they are powerful and compact, which can make them difficult to handle for newcomers. But jet skis are also similar to motorcycles in the sense that they lack protective material to absorb any impact, causing victims to suffer harsher consequences.
Open Motorboat Accidents
Open motorboats are common in Tallahassee since many people use them for recreational purposes, although some of them are also available as rentals. This type of boat does not have a full cabin, and it is often involved in accidents. Open motorboat accidents are often caused by operator inexperience or overloading.
Yacht Accidents
Yachts are also involved in many accidents on Tallahassee coasts. Some of those accidents are caused by an inexperienced owner, but accidents can even involve yachts with a full professional crew.
Lack of maintenance, lack of training, or lack of personnel are some of the most common reasons for yacht accidents. If you were injured in a yacht, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney since they need to determine who is liable for the yacht accident before filing a legal claim.
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Causes of Boating Accidents in Tallahassee
When the operator of the boat you’re in is careless or shows negligence, all types of accidents can happen, and people can get hurt. However, other boat operators and other third parties can also be liable for a boat accident in Tallahassee. There are many reasons why boat accidents occur that might give you legal ground to pursue damages, for instance:
- Speeding
- Hitting a fixed object (bridges, piers, buoys, etc.)
- Ignoring bad weather conditions
- Hitting waves at high speed
- Exceeding the boat’s occupant capacity
- Lack of experience
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If the reason for your accident is not on the list, you should talk to a Fasig | Brooks accident lawyer in Tallahassee since you may be entitled to damages anyway.
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Common Injuries in Boat Accidents in Tallahassee
There are a number of injuries that can arise from a boat accident, and some of them can be catastrophic. The most common injuries our Tallahassee attorneys handle are:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Accidental amputation
- Wrongful death
Many of these injuries require hospitalization, surgeries, and long and complicated rehabilitation treatments, which come at a financial cost. And if you or a loved one were injured by a boat operator’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue damages.
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Damages a Tallahassee Lawyer Can Pursue After a Boat Accident
Damages come in different types, and while punitive damages can be granted by a jury, there is no way to determine if and how much you are entitled. However, compensatory damages can be determined by your attorney, and there are usually two types, economic damages and non-economic damages.
The amount a Tallahassee boat accident lawyer can help you recover depends on many factors, such as:
- Who is liable
- How severe are your injuries
- How severe is your property damage
- How much your medical bills are
- The cost of rehabilitation therapy
Economic and Non-Economic Damages for a Boat Accident in Tallahassee
Economic damages are losses that have associated financial costs. In other words, everything that costs money or will cost money in the future, such as rehabilitation therapy. The most common economic damages include compensation for hospital bills, property damage, lost wages, and medical treatments.
Non-economic damages compensate the victims for losses that cannot be priced so easily, such as loss of companionship, loss of consortium, or the psychological consequences of the accident, which can include developing Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. An experienced attorney can look at your case and determine which damages you are entitled to.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Boat Accident Claims
There is a time limit for filing a boat accident claim. The Florida statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years, which means victims of someone else’s negligence have up to two years to pursue damages in a Florida Court.
However, it is important to talk to your attorney as soon as possible since reaching a financial agreement with the liable party’s insurance company is also a possibility. But in order to negotiate fair compensation, your attorney needs time to investigate, determine liability and build a strong case.
Wrongful Death in a Tallahassee Boat Accident
Unfortunately, many victims of boat accidents lose their lives, either at the accident site or at a hospital, after the accident. When that happens, surviving family members can present a claim for the victim’s damages and wrongful death. Still, not all relatives are entitled to pursue legal action.
Your Tallahassee boat accident attorney needs to look at your case to determine who is entitled to claim compensation, which is, usually, the spouse, parents, or adult children. But when there is a legal representative for the victim, they can also start a legal claim.
Talk to a Tallahassee Boat Accident Lawyer
Boat accidents are common in Tallahassee’s coast and waterways, but the victims of those accidents may be entitled to sue the liable parties and claim damages. This can come in handy since astronomical medical bills and damage to property can sink an entire family into debt. If you or a loved one were involved in a boat accident in Tallahassee, our experienced boat accident attorneys can help. We can guide you through the legal process and answer all your questions on a first consultation completely free of charge. Contact Fasig | Brooks Law Offices today, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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