Sebastian Boat Accident Lawyer

Unexpected accidents can quickly turn a relaxing day on the water into a distressing trip to the emergency room, casting a shadow over a much-needed break.

Florida's coastal areas, frequented by locals and tourists alike, are not without unfortunate incidents. While popular, the bustling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Florida, and Florida's many lakes and rivers aren't rigorously regulated.

This dynamic environment, with boats, jet skis, and various watercraft moving in different directions and speeds, occasionally leads to collisions. In some cases, accidents arise from faulty water vehicles, lack of proper safety training, or inadequate education.

After an injury, mainly when the fault lies with another party, explore your legal rights. Dealing with medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering can overwhelm you.

Seek the guidance of an experienced Sebastian boat accident lawyer. We can explain the legal avenues available to you, offering support and guidance in navigating the complexities of your jet ski, boating, or personal watercraft accident case.

At Lulich & Attorneys, we will take the necessary steps to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your boat accident injuries.

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Sebastian Boat Accident Guide

Why Choose Us

For over three decades, Lulich & Attorneys has served injured clients right here. Our longstanding presence in the community has earned us the trust of countless injured individuals and families seeking compassionate and effective legal representation.

At Lulich & Attorneys, we take pride in our team of highly accomplished personal injury lawyers, each with a wealth of experience. With over 180 five-star reviews and numerous powerful testimonials, our track record speaks for itself.

When you choose us, you're choosing a team that will actively engage with your case, tirelessly working to hold all accountable parties responsible for the pain and suffering you've endured. We commit to advocate vigorously to secure the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve.

Our Sebastian office is conveniently located on the Northeast corner of Main Street and Palmetto Avenue, just east of Sebastian Public Works at:

Boating Accident Compensation 

Determining the value of your boating accident case involves a multifaceted assessment of various factors. These include the extent of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the parties' liability.

Here are the key considerations:

• Medical expenses: The severity and nature of your injuries play a significant role in calculating the worth of your case. This includes immediate medical costs and potential future expenses for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and specialized care.
• Lost income and Future lost earnings: If your injuries have led to missed workdays or have hindered your ability to pursue your profession in the long run, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This also extends to potential future earnings you might have otherwise earned had the accident not occurred.
• Property damage: Any damage to your boat or personal belongings due to the accident should factor into the value of your case. For example, suppose your wedding ring was damaged or missing in the accident. In that case, you deserve compensation for its repair or replacement.
• Pain and suffering: When you hire an experienced Sebastian boat accident lawyer, they can properly account for your pain and suffering in your claim. These non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life are crucial to your case's overall worth. 
• Loss of consortium: If the accident has adversely affected your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or other related aspects.
• Liability and negligence: Establishing liability after a boat accident is crucial. If the accident resulted from another party's negligence, their degree of fault will impact the potential compensation. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability—for instance, if the actions of two other boaters caused your accident.
• Insurance coverage: The insurance policies involved, both yours and the other party's, will influence the maximum amount of compensation available.
• Precedent and case history: Past similar cases and their outcomes in your jurisdiction can provide a framework for estimating potential compensation.

Ultimately, the unique circumstances of your boating accident will dictate the precise value of your case. Consulting an experienced Sebastian boat accident attorney will give you a clearer understanding of the potential compensation you may pursue.

Florida Boating Accident Statistics

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating Accident Statistical Report, boating in Florida is extremely risky.

Consider the following boating accident statistics for a single year:

• 69 percent of the operators in fatal boating accidents had no formal boater training or education
• 836 reportable boating accidents, an increase of over 26 percent from 2019
• 387 collisions (224 with another vessel and 163 with a fixed object) 
• 79 fatalities— which represents an increase of 16 percent from the previous year and the highest total deaths since 2011
• Drowning was a leading cause of death in boating accidents, accounting for 47 percent of all fatal accidents
• Trauma was the second leading cause, accounting for 39 percent of all fatalities

Results for Past Clients

Our Sebastian personal injury attorneys know how to go after results that matter, including these six-figure settlements:

• $250,000.00 settlement for a motorcycle victim who was injured through no fault to his own. The accident resulted in serious injuries which led the victim to experiencing debilitating shoulder and back pain and resulted in a surgical operation. 
• $275,000.00 settlement for a child who was injured in a motor vehicle accident. The accident resulted in serious back pain, PTSD, and lifelong injuries as a result of the negligent driver. 
• $150,000.00 settlement for an individual who slipped and fell after her roofing company failed to properly secure and repair her roof. She sustained permanent injuries to her neck, shoulder, and lower back. 
• $250,000.00 settlement for a client who was negligently rear ended by a semi-truck which resulted in permanent back pain, shoulder pain, and ultimately resulted in a shoulder operation. 

Types of Boat Accidents
Collision with Another Boat

In a crash between two motorboats, injured passengers on either vessel may have grounds for a legal case against both boat operators, akin to a car accident case.

When a sailboat and a motorboat collide, the motorboat operator is typically more accountable than the sailboat operator. This stems from the established safe boating practices, often called The Rules of the Road, which dictate that motorboats must yield the right of way to sailboats.

Much like motorists, who are generally more responsible for accidents than bicyclists and pedestrians, motorboat operators must abide by a higher standard of care.

Striking Another Boat's Wake 

Encountering a substantial wake or wave can result in a powerful and abrupt jolt, potentially causing passengers to be thrown off balance, out of their seats, or even overboard.

Both federal and state boating laws, along with established safe boating practices, mandate that boat operators remain vigilant for any potential hazards to their vessel and its occupants.

However, liability for a wake-related incident often depends on:

• The size of the wake
• The speed of the boat
• Visibility conditions
• The presence of other boat traffic in the vicinity
• Whether passengers received a warning about an approaching wake
• The location of the injured party, whether they were aboard a motorboat or a sailboat

Depending on the specific circumstances, the boat's operator generating the wake may also be negligent. For example, if the incident occurred in a designated no-wake zone, such as near a marina or within inner harbors, any wake produced violates boating safety protocols, thereby establishing negligence on the part of the wake-causing operator.

Similarly, if a boat driver was recklessly navigating through a crowded area, leaving behind a sizable wake, you can hold the pilot negligent for generating an excessively large wake for the surroundings. However, if the accident transpired in an isolated area, the blame likely will not fall on the other boat operator.

Colliding with a Wave

Accidents resulting from colliding with a wave parallel those stemming from a wake encounter. However, there isn't another boat operator to hold accountable in these cases. Whether or not the boat's operator acted negligently hinges on factors such as those listed above.

Colliding With a Submerged Object or Land

Even under optimal weather and visibility conditions, boats may collide with underwater obstacles or rocks. In adverse weather or low visibility, boats can run aground or collide with jetties or shorelines. Liability for a boat operator hitting a fixed object hinges on the specific circumstances.

If the operator had nautical charts for the area, exercised caution, and operated the vessel at a moderate speed but still collided with a rock, negligence may not apply.

Negligence will likely apply if they sped through thick fog without GPS or charts and collided with a jetty.

Types of Boating Injuries 

While boat accident injuries can vary widely, some of the most common include:

• Drowning and near-drowning incidents
• Traumatic brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Fractures and dislocations
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
• Burns (from fires or explosions)
• Hypothermia or hyperthermia
• Electrocution injuries (from faulty wiring)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning (from engine exhaust)

Fighting the Insurance Company After a Boating Accident

Fighting an insurance company alone after a boating accident can be an incredibly challenging feat. The complexity of maritime law and the unique circumstances surrounding boating accidents often make it a daunting task for individuals without legal experience.

Insurance companies, equipped with teams of skilled adjusters and attorneys, are proficient at minimizing payouts to accident victims. They may downplay the extent of injuries, shift blame onto the victim, or undervalue the damages suffered.

Navigating the legal intricacies of boating accidents demands a comprehensive understanding of maritime laws, boating regulations, and liability determinations.

Without this specialized knowledge, accident victims may find themselves at a significant disadvantage. Moreover, gathering the necessary evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimonies, can be a formidable task for someone without legal experience.

Unfortunately, this can lead to critical omissions or missteps in building a robust case.

The emotional toll of recovering from a boating accident can also be immense. Dealing with the aftermath, such as medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional distress, can overwhelm you on its own.

Battling with an insurance company can exacerbate an already difficult situation. This is where seeking the guidance and representation of an experienced Sebastian boat accident attorney can make a substantial difference.

An attorney with extensive knowledge of maritime law can provide invaluable support, protect your rights, and fight on your behalf to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What to Do After a Sebastian Boating Accident 

A boating accident requires careful consideration of the steps you take, as they can significantly influence the outcome of your claim.

To ensure the maximum compensation for your claim:

• Always heed your doctor's advice and follow your prescribed medical treatment plan.
• Retain receipts and bills for any personal expenses related to your medical care and other accident-related costs.
• Obtain a copy of the police report, incident report, or any official documentation that formally outlines the specifics of the accident.
• Keep a detailed journal that chronicles your pain levels and shows how your injuries have and continue to impact your daily life and future plans.

Then, compile all relevant receipts, reports, journals, and any other pertinent documents to provide to your dedicated Sebastian boat accident attorney at Lulich & Attorneys. This comprehensive documentation can build a strong case for your full and fair compensation.

Did You Suffer Injuries in a Boating Accident? Contact Lulich & Attorneys Today for Help 

If you or a loved one has experienced severe injuries in a boating accident due to another party's negligence or wrongdoing, don't hesitate to reach out to Lulich & Attorneys for a complimentary consultation. We're here to provide you with the skilled guidance and support you need during this challenging time.

You do not have to worry about how to cover your injury-related expenses when someone else causes your boat accident. Instead, discuss your options with our experienced Sebastian personal injury attorneys. For your free case review, contact Lulich & Attorneys today at (772) 492-4611 or online.