With Fort Myers’ sunny skies, sparkling waters, and coastal beaches, you couldn’t ask for a better place to enjoy time on a boat. While these spots might seem tranquil, the waterways can be dangerous when others act in a reckless manner.
Boating accidents happen far too often in our state. The United States Coast Guard reported that 10% of all vessel incidents in the United States occurred in Florida during 2023.
When these incidents happen, they leave victims dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, Titan Law is ready to help.
Our Fort Myers boating accident lawyer is here to guide you through this journey.
Boating Accidents in Fort Myers
With so many locals and tourists enjoying Fort Myers’ waterways, boating accidents are on the rise. In fact, Florida consistently leads the nation in boating accidents.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Law Enforcement Division, Lee County saw 20 boat accidents in 2023. These incidents left four people dead and injured 19 others. That puts our county in the top ten areas with the most boating accidents in the Sunshine State.
These incidents happen for various reasons. Many are tied to human behaviors or errors, such as:
- Operator inexperience
- Boating under the influence (BUI)
- Reckless or distracted operation
- Collisions with boats, docks, or submerged objects
- Overcrowded waterways during peak seasons
Often, the injuries can be serious, leaving victims with broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord damage, or even fatalities. Along with that, these individuals often face emotional scars and financial struggles.
That is a lot for anyone to deal with. This is why you need a compassionate and experienced Fort Myers boating accident lawyer to help you with the process of seeking compensation.
Why Are Boating Accidents So Dangerous?
Boating accidents are often sudden and catastrophic, leading to serious injuries, lifelong disabilities, and, in the worst cases, fatalities.
Boating accidents are hazardous for many reasons, such as:
- Lack of protective barriers: Unlike cars, boats lack seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features. Passengers are often thrown around or even ejected from the vessel during a collision or sudden impact.
- Water hazard exposure: The risk of drowning is high. Even experienced swimmers can struggle in rough waters, strong currents, or after sustaining injuries. Those not wearing life jackets face an increased risk of drowning.
- Unpredictable environmental factors: Sudden changes in weather, rough waves, or hidden obstacles like rocks and debris can quickly turn a routine outing into a dangerous situation.
- Inexperienced or impaired operators: Without proper training or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, boat operators are more likely to make errors that lead to collisions or other accidents.
- Lack of immediate medical help: Waterways lack quick access to emergency medical services. Delays in receiving treatment can exacerbate the severity of injuries sustained in a boating accident.
All these factors can turn a minor crash into a life-threatening situation.
Speak With a Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Boat Crash?
The types of injuries sustained in a boating accident can vary. Some of the most common ones include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Head injuries are common in boating accidents due to falls, collisions, or being struck by loose objects or equipment.
- Spinal cord injuries: The force of a boating accident can cause spinal cord injuries, including fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, or even paralysis.
- Broken bones: Collisions or falls can result in broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones.
- Drowning and near-drowning: Drowning is one of the biggest risks associated with boating accidents. Even if someone survives a near-drowning incident, they may suffer from oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain damage or other complications.
- Amputations: Propeller accidents or contact with sharp objects during a crash can result in lacerations or even amputations of limbs.
- Burns: Some accidents involve fires or explosions caused by fuel leaks or electrical malfunctions.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a boating accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Emotional trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among survivors, especially those who have lost loved ones in the accident.
When someone’s action leads to these dangerous accidents, and you have suffered injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for damages. Find out the next steps for your case when you speak with our Fort Myers boating accident lawyer.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Sometimes, these incidents are accidental. However, most of the time, they were caused by another person’s negligent or reckless behavior.
If someone else’s negligence caused your boating accident, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In some situations, the court may also award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior, such as operating a boat under the influence of alcohol.
Unfortunately, boat crashes can lead to fatal injuries. Under this scenario, surviving family members have the right to take legal action in a wrongful death lawsuit.
A Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help You Face These Challenges
After a boating accident, you might feel overwhelmed and scared. Starting the legal process can be difficult because of medical bills, insurance claims, and trying to recover physically and emotionally.
A boating accident lawyer in Fort Myers can help ease the burden by handling the legal side of things while you focus on healing.
At Titan Law, we can:
Investigate the Incident
A good lawyer will get to the bottom of what happened. We will collect and analyze evidence like witness statements, photos of the scene, and official accident reports.
Determine the Responsible Party
Liability in a boating accident is not always clear. Was the boat operator or someone else at fault? Your lawyer will carefully analyze the facts to identify who’s responsible for your injuries.
Fight for Fair Compensation
You deserve compensation for all the ways the accident has affected your life. This includes covering your medical expenses, lost income, and property damage, as well as compensating you for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Your lawyer will calculate the full extent of your damages and work to get you the maximum settlement possible.
When it comes to legal representation, you want someone who understands all the aspects of boating laws in the Fort Myers area. At Titan Law, we will take the time to listen to your story and build a case for your situation. We also are familiar with Fort Myers’ waterways and boating culture. This can be a major advantage in proving the facts of your case.
Titan Law Is Ready to Fight for You
Boating is a beloved pastime in Fort Myers, but accidents can turn a day of fun into a life-altering tragedy. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, know that you have options for legal support.
Our Fort Myers boating accident lawyer can help you reclaim your peace of mind and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, schedule your free strategy session today.
Our team is ready to assist you.
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