With over one million registered recreational vessels and the nickname of “the boating capital of the world”, it’s safe to say that Florida is home to many avid boaters. Whether you boat regularly or on a rare occasion, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions before setting out on the water. But, when boating accidents do happen in Florida, who is held liable?
Liability in Florida Boating Accidents
Legal liability can be difficult to determine in Florida boating accidents. However, Florida has stringent liability laws for boating accidents that hold the boat owner or operator liable for damages from an accident, no matter who was technically at fault. This means that if you loan out your boat and an accident occurs, you could still be held responsible for injuries and other damages, even if you weren’t present at the time of the accident.
As a Florida boat operator, you’re considered responsible for damage that occurs as a result of your negligence or failure to adhere to boating regulations. Florida’s liability laws cover various types of damages that may result from a boating accident, including:
- Physical injuries
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
Filing a Personal Injury Case for a Florida Boating Accident
If you were the victim of a boating accident in Florida, you may be able to reap compensation for your damages by filing a personal injury case. However, you must be able to prove that:
- The accident occurred
- The accident resulted from the operation of a boat
- You suffered damages relating to the accident
- The boat owner or operator’s negligence caused the accident, making them responsible for the damages
Certain exemptions for boat owners and operators may clear them of responsibility for the accident. Contacting a Florida personal injury attorney can help you navigate these exemptions to build the strongest possible case against the negligent party.
If you or a loved one were recently involved in a Florida boating accident, schedule a free case review at Weldon & Rothman, PL today.