One of the many great things about living in Florida is the weather. People can spend time outdoors year-round. Spending time on a boat is the perfect way to take advantage of the nice weather. Boating allows you to explore nature, hang out with friends, and cool off when you want to go in the water.
However, accidents on the water can be very dangerous. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a water vessel collision, a Wesley Chapel boat accident lawyer at Distasio Law Firm might be able to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys could investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine if you have a viable case.
Frequent Types of Boating Accidents in Wesley Chapel
Many different types of accidents occur out on the water in Wesley Chapel, all of which can result in devastating injuries.
Slip and Falls
Boats can be slippery, especially when water gets onto the decks due to rain or waves. Boat owners and operators should do their best to mop up any water. They should also keep debris or unsecured objects off the decks, so they do not present a tripping hazard.
Striking Another Vessel
When two vessels collide, people can suffer serious injuries, including head injuries, back injuries, and broken bones.
Defective Machinery
Faulty machinery can cause a number of problems. A defective steering wheel could cause an operator to lose control, or a malfunctioning braking system could cause a boat to crash into something or someone.
Falling Overboard
When people fall overboard, they are at risk of various types of injuries. The initial impact of a fall from a boat into the water could cause someone to break a bone. Once in the water, people could suffer from exposure to the cold or even drown.
Inadequate Safety Equipment
When accidents occur on the water, people must act quickly to avoid disastrous situations. Emergency flares can alert surrounding vessels that someone needs help, and life jackets can keep people afloat until help arrives. When a water vessel is not equipped with the proper safety gear, crashes can turn fatal.
Striking a Person in the Water
When a vessel’s propellers strike water skiers, swimmers, or anyone else in the water, those people can suffer severe lacerations, which can lead to amputations and even death. When boats hit people in the water, they can also knock them unconscious or cause them to break a bone.
Regardless of how your boat injury occurred, a dedicated water vessel collision attorney in Wesley Chapel could fight to get the justice you and your family deserve.
Why Do Boating Accidents Occur?
Many boating accidents occur because of an operator’s negligence. Sadly, many boaters do not always act responsibly. While boating is a recreational activity and should be fun, operators must act reasonably to prevent accidents.
Some of the most common mistakes made by boat drivers include:
- Inattention and distraction, including improper lookout
- Inexperience
- Speeding
- Drunk or drugged operation of a vessel
- Failure to inspect and properly maintain a vessel
- Failure to carry safety equipment
- Overcrowding
- Operating in unsafe weather or boating conditions
A proactive lawyer like Scott Distasio could investigate to determine exactly why a specific boat wreck occurred in Wesley Chapel. They could pursue a boat injury claim against a negligent boat operator, owner, or manufacturer for their careless, reckless, or intentional conduct.
Get in Touch with a Wesley Chapel Boat Accident Attorney
Working with the right legal team after a boating accident is critical. A Wesley Chapel boat accident lawyer at Distasio Law Firm could help you figure out how to proceed. They could ensure that everyone responsible for the boat crash that led to your damages is held accountable for their mistakes.
Our legal team could aggressively negotiate with the other side on your behalf. If the defense does not offer a fair settlement, our diligent team is not afraid to take their skills to the courtroom to advocate for you. Call today to set up an appointment with one of the committed legal professionals at our firm.
