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No one wants a day on the water to end in a visit to the hospital, but, if this is your unfortunate circumstance, be sure that you have an experienced and aggressive attorney working for you. Grall Law Group has decades of experience getting our clients the compensation that they deserve.
We understand that mistakes can happen, but you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s error. If you were injured in a boating accident, or other water sport activity, consider the benefits of speaking with the compassionate, family law firm — Grall Law Group.
Not everyone is going to have sympathy for you; insurance adjusters and guilty parties may try to pay as little as possible leaving you, the victim, with more bills and suffering than what is fair.
Although we strive to settle all claims before they ever enter a courtroom, we have the skill and firepower if you need it. Be confident that your personal injury attorney has the experience you need working for you.
Types of Cases We Handle
Florida has thousands of miles of coastline—it is a water sport haven. With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, Grall Law Group has seen it all and handled all different types of personal injury cases. Whether you were injured in open water, on the bay, in a river, or canal, we are ready to hear your case. We have experience with the following types of water sport accidents:
- BUI
- Boat safety
- Boat maintenance
- Jet ski
- Kayak
- Wakeboarding
- Waterskiing
- Canoe
- Inflatable boat/tube
Boat operators, rental agencies, and maintenance crews have a level of responsibility just like car drivers and mechanics. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or inexperience, contact Grall Law Group.
You deserve to receive the full benefits of an experienced personal injury attorney working with your best interests in mind. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Find out what we can do for you.
What Can You Receive in a Boat Accident Claim
In a boat accident case, victims may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate them for their losses and injuries. These damages aim to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the boating accident occurred.
Firstly, compensatory damages may include medical expenses, which cover the costs of hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment resulting from the boating accident.
Additionally, victims may receive compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity if the injuries sustained in the boat accident prevent them from returning to work or result in a diminished ability to earn income in the future.
Moreover, non-economic damages may be awarded for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injuries sustained in the accident. These damages aim to address the physical and emotional toll that the boating accident has taken on the victim’s life.
In cases of particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. Overall, the damages awarded in a boat accident case seek to provide fair compensation and help the victim move forward with their life after experiencing the devastating effects of the boating accident.
Common Cause of Boat Accidents
- Operator Inexperience or Inattention: Many boat accidents occur due to inexperienced operators who are unfamiliar with boating rules and safety practices. Additionally, distractions such as talking on the phone, adjusting radio settings, or engaging in other activities can lead to accidents.
- Speeding and Reckless Operation: Operating a boat at excessive speeds or engaging in reckless behavior such as sharp turns or wake jumping can increase the risk of collisions with other vessels or fixed objects.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the likelihood of boating accidents and fatalities.
- Hazardous Weather Conditions: Florida’s coastal waters are prone to sudden storms, high winds, and rough seas, which can create dangerous boating conditions and increase the risk of boating accidents.
- Equipment Failure: Mechanical failures or malfunctions of boat components such as engines, steering systems, or navigational equipment can lead to boating accidents, especially if proper maintenance and inspections are neglected.
- Navigation Errors: Failing to adhere to navigation rules, such as right-of-way regulations, or misinterpreting navigational aids can result in collisions or grounding accidents.
- Overloading and Improper Loading: Overloading a boat with too many passengers or improperly distributing weight can affect stability and buoyancy, increasing the risk of capsizing or swamping.
- Lack of Proper Safety Equipment: Not having essential safety equipment on board, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, or distress signals, can jeopardize the safety of passengers in the event of an emergency.
- Negligent Boat Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain and repair a boat can lead to mechanical failures or structural issues that contribute to boating accidents.
- Failing to Keep a Proper Lookout: Not maintaining a proper lookout for other vessels, obstacles, or swimmers in the water can result in collisions or boating accidents, especially in busy waterways.
Common Questions about Vero Beach Boat Accidents
- What are common causes of boat accidents in Vero Beach?
- Common causes include operator inexperience, speeding, alcohol or drug use, hazardous weather conditions, equipment failure, and navigational errors.
- What should I do immediately after a boat accident in Vero Beach?
- Ensure everyone is safe and seek medical attention if needed. Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, exchange contact information with other parties involved, and gather evidence such as photos and witness statements.
- Do I need to report a boat accident in Vero Beach?
- Yes, Florida law requires the operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident to report the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) if it results in death, injury requiring medical treatment beyond immediate first aid, disappearance of a person under circumstances indicating death or injury, or property damage exceeding $2,000.
- What are my legal rights if I’m injured in a boat accident in Vero Beach?
- You have the right to seek compensation for your serious injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in maritime law to understand your legal options.
- How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit in Vero Beach?
- In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from a boat accident is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly, as there may be exceptions or specific deadlines depending on the circumstances of your case.
- Can I be held liable if someone is injured on my boat in Vero Beach?
- Yes, boat owners and operators can be held liable for injuries sustained by passengers or others due to negligence, such as failing to maintain the vessel, providing inadequate safety equipment, or operating the boat recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Should I hire a lawyer for a boat accident in Vero Beach?
- It’s highly recommended to seek legal representation from an attorney experienced in handling boat accident cases. A lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or a wrongful death due to negligence on the water, call our office immediately at 772-569-0000. Grall Law Group personal injury law firm is a family business with the compassion you want and the determination you need on your side.
Let our team of professional and tenacious attorneys focus on the legalities of your case, so that you can focus on healing your body. Call our office today for a free consultation.
