Brevard County Boat Accident Attorney

Injured Because of Another Person's Carelessness?

According to information from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission "Boating Accidents Statistical Report" for 2011, 59% of all reportable boat accidents in our state took place in ten counties. Brevard County ranked 8th on the list of the top sites of watercraft accidents, most of which involved a cabin motorboat, an open motorboat or a sailboat.

The FWC further reports that carelessness or inattention was the leading cause of boating accidents, followed by weather, speeding and operating on hazardous waters. Collision with a fixed object was the most common type of accident, while capsizing, collision with another vessel and falls overboard were also prevalent.

Who Is Liable In A Boating Accident?

Generally, the negligent party is held liable in a boat accident. This could be a boat manufacturer or a boat operator. However, the fact that a boating accident occurred does not mean someone can be held liable. In order for someone to be held liable someone must have been negligent.

Best Way To Avoid Overloading Your Boat

The best ways to stay safe and avoid overloading your boat include:

• Staying under your boat’s max capacity
• Always distributing weight evenly
• Avoid overpowering your boat
• Transport heavy loads only in good weather
• Be mindful of how many passengers you have onboard

Common Boating Accident Injuries in Brevard County

Boating accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening injuries. In Brevard County, where boating is a popular recreational activity, it's important to be aware of the common injuries that can occur in a boating accident. Some of the most common boating accident injuries in Brevard County include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - Boating accidents can cause severe head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, which can have long-term effects on a person's physical and cognitive abilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries - A boating accident can cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term disabilities. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by high-impact collisions or falls.
• Drowning - Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in boating accidents. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including capsizing, being thrown from the boat, or being trapped under the water.
• Burns - Boat engines and fuel can cause severe burns in a boating accident. Burns can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns, which can require extensive medical treatment and result in permanent scarring.
• Fractures and Broken Bones - Boating accidents can cause fractures and broken bones in any part of the body, but the arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable. These injuries can be caused by collisions with other boats or fixed objects, falls, or other impacts.
• Soft Tissue Injuries - Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and sprains, are also common in boating accidents. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including collisions, falls, and other impacts.
• Hypothermia - In cold water, a boating accident can cause hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below normal levels, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including confusion, fatigue, and loss of consciousness.
• Emotional Trauma - Boating accidents can be traumatic events that can cause emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and may require ongoing treatment and support.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Brevard County, it's important to seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can work with you to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Injury Lawyer for Boat Accident Victims

Whether you have been hurt in a boat accident or if you have lost a loved one to a fatal drowning accident, contact us at High Stack Gordon Kirby. We have nearly a century of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements. An attorney from our team will stand by you as your case progresses, answering all your questions and guiding you through this difficult experience.

We will carefully investigate the circumstances of your accident, looking for evidence to support your claim for damages. Depending on the situation, you may have grounds for legal action against another party, such as the other rider in a jet ski accident who was riding recklessly and struck your craft, or it might be possible to sue the operator of a leisure or fishing boat on the grounds of negligence or unseaworthiness. Boating accidents commonly cause injuries ranging from broken bones to respiratory system damage or a brain injury, as well as the ever present risk of drowning death.