Fort Lauderdale Watersports Injuries
Getting out onto the water is one of the most common and enjoyable activities that one can get into in Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, there are times when the fun is spoiled by accidents and injuries. When other boat operators and individuals on the water are not engaging in safe and responsible behavior, they may ultimately be liable for any damages and costs that you encounter because of your injury. Proving your case can require quite a bit of evidence and time, and you’ll have to negotiate with the insurance company of the at-fault party to determine the amount you recover.
The experienced maritime attorneys at Brais Law have helped many clients who have been injured while boating recover the compensation they deserve, and with over 70 years of combined trial experience, you can trust we’ll achieve the best possible outcome in your case. If you have been injured while boating or enjoying a watersport in Southern Florida, reach out to a Fort Lauderdale watersport injury attorney at Brais Law.
Operators are Required to be Reasonable and Prudent
Under Florida Law, any individual who is operating a vessel in the waters of Florida must:
- Operate their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with respect to:
- Other vessel traffic
- Posted restrictions
- The presence of any divers-down flags
- Other situations in which people are outside of the vessel or property
Failure to operate a vessel in line with the law is considered careless operation, which is a non-criminal infraction. However, certain activities while engaging in boating are both violations of Florida water laws, in addition to criminal statutes. For example, under Florida Statute 327.35, “boating under the influence,” which is when a person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or certain chemical or controlled substances and makes the decision to get behind the wheel of a vessel, is a crime.
If you have been injured in a boating or watersport accident due to the negligence of another party, they will generally be liable for your damages. How do you know if the other vessel operator was intoxicated or engaging in other prohibited activity that would make them liable? By collecting evidence and building a claim to both prove liability and measure your damages. The best way to ensure the success of your claim and the completeness of your damages is to work with a Fort Lauderdale boating accident and watersport injury attorney.
Contact a Florida Watersport Injury Attorney
If you’ve been in a boating accident or experienced a watersport injury in Fort Lauderdale, give our Florida office a call to discuss your case with a Fort Lauderdale watersport injury attorney at (305) 416-2901 or visit our site to schedule your free initial consultation to find out more about your legal rights and options today.
