Panama City Boating Accident Attorneys

Helping You Seek Compensation for Your Injuries

Florida has more recreational boats than any other state in the country. With its hundreds of miles of coastline and numerous rivers and lakes, it is easy to understand why. Unfortunately, the popularity of boating in Florida also means that boating accidents are relatively common. Our team at Perry & Young, P.A. has helped many boating accident victims in Panama City and throughout the state recover from their injuries.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at (850) 215-7777.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Like accidents involving cars and trucks, boating accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include the following:

• Inexperience – Operating a boat safely requires some degree of experience. Unfortunately, many people do not have the skills or knowledge necessary to safely operate a boat.
• Intoxication – Boating and alcohol do not mix. In fact, the Coast Guard reports that alcohol use is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents.
• Inattention – Boating requires constant attention to the water, weather, and other vessels. When a boat operator is not paying attention to what is going on around them, serious accidents can occur.
• Equipment Failure – Just like cars and trucks, boats can experience equipment failure. When this occurs, it can cause the boat to lose control, collide with another vessel, or even sink.
• Recklessness – Just like drivers, boat operators have a duty to operate their vessels in a safe manner. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.

What Kind of Injuries Do Boating Accidents Cause?

Boating accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. In many cases, these injuries are severe enough to require medical treatment and keep victims out of work for an extended period of time. Some of the more common injuries that people sustain in boating accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Catastrophic injuries
• Fatalities

Boating accident victims are often entitled to significant compensation for these and other losses. The best way to ensure that you recover the full value of your losses is to retain an attorney who is familiar with handling boating accident cases.

Common Types of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can occur in a variety of ways, some of which may not even involve a collision. Some of the more common ways that people are injured in boating accidents include:

• Collisions with other boats – Collisions between boats can occur for a variety of reasons, including operator error, equipment failure, and bad weather.
• Collisions with fixed objects – Boats can also collide with fixed objects, such as docks, piers, and other structures.
• Grounding – When a boat runs aground, it can cause serious injuries to those on board.
• Slip and falls – Boats are often wet and slippery, which means that it is easy to slip and fall on them. When these accidents occur while a boat is moving, it can cause serious injuries.
• Jet ski accidents – Jet skis can cause serious injuries when they collide with other boats or watercraft or when they hit a swimmer.

These are just a few examples of the kinds of boating accidents that can occur. If you have been involved in a boating accident and do not see the type of accident you were involved in listed above, you should still contact an attorney as soon as possible.

How a Panama City Boating Accident Attorney Can Help You

If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Unfortunately, obtaining this compensation is often easier said than done. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay claims, and they know that boating accident victims who are not represented by attorneys are often willing to accept less than their case is worth.

For these and other reasons, you should not try to handle your boating accident case on your own. Instead, you should call an experienced boating accident attorney as soon as you can.

Some of the specific ways that a boating accident lawyer can help you with your case include the following:

• Evaluating your claim – To recover compensation, you must be able to prove that someone else was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. An attorney can review the facts of your case and let you know whether you have a claim.
• Communicating with the insurance company – After a boating accident, you will likely have to deal with the insurance company that represents the person or party that caused your accident. An attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, which will allow you to focus on your recovery.
• Negotiating a settlement – In many cases, boating accident cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement. An attorney can review any settlement offers you receive and let you know whether they are fair. If they are not, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to try to get you more money.
• Filing a lawsuit – In some cases, the insurance company will refuse to make a fair settlement offer. When this occurs, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
• Representing you in court – If your case goes to court, you will need to present evidence and make legal arguments. An attorney can represent you in court and help you obtain a favorable result.

Contact us today at (850) 215-7777 to discuss your case with our team.