There are many beautiful waterways in and around Lake City, and these provide a great way to spend an afternoon boating. Florida has more registered boat owners than anywhere else in the country, and many of them reside right here in Lake City. Unfortunately, a day on the water can result in more than just tan lines and good memories. Serious accidents can occur and when they do, they can be deadly. If you or a loved one has been injured while on a boat, it is critical that you speak to a Lake City boat accident attorney that can advise you of your legal options.
Common Injuries After a Boating Accident
Accident victims can become injured in a number of ways while on a boat. The most common injuries that form the basis of personal injury claims include:
- Brain injuries: It is not uncommon for occupants on a boat to become submerged under water during a crash. If a person is underwater for too long, their brain becomes deprived of oxygen, which can result in brain damage. People are also sometimes thrown against bulkheads and other parts of the boat, sustaining a brain injury as they do.
- Lacerations: A person can suffer cuts and bruises during a boat accident in the same manner as they would during a car accident. Broken glass from shattered windows and a person may be thrown into equipment that cuts them very deeply, such as the propellers of a boat. These injuries may result in amputation.
- Spinal cord injuries: Boating accidents often create large wakes and waves, which can cause a boat to move up and down very dramatically, and sometimes very quickly. The motion can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, and herniated discs from this rocking are common.
- Drowning: An injury that is unique to boating accidents is drowning. Occupants on a boat can become thrown overboard, a boat may sink, or a person may otherwise become submerged in water and drown.
- Electrocutions: Boats contain a number of electrical systems and when these come into contact with water, electrocutions and shock can occur.
Boating accidents result in some of the most serious injuries, and it is important to speak to an attorney that can help you claim compensation for them.
Determining Liability After a Boating Accident
If you wish to file a claim for damages after a boating accident, one of the first steps you must take is to determine who was liable for the collision. A number of parties may be at fault for the crash. An operator of another boat is often to blame, but passengers onboard a boat can also hold their boat operator liable if they acted negligently and caused an accident. Lastly, if a defective boat part caused a collision, the manufacturer of that part, or of the boat, can also be held liable for paying full damages. A lawyer will take the necessary steps to determine liability so you know who to hold accountable for your injuries.
Our Lake City Boating Accident Attorney Can Handle All Aspects of Your Claim
If you or someone you love has been hurt while on the water, our Lake City personal injury attorney at Meldon Law can handle every detail of your case while you focus on recovering from your serious injuries. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Lake City Boat Accident FAQs
What should I do if I was injured in a jet ski or PWC accident on Alligator Lake?
Immediately seek medical care and report the incident to the FWC. Because jet skis are “dangerous instrumentalities” in Florida, owners are often liable for damages. Consult a lawyer to navigate complex maritime laws, preserve evidence, and ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
Can I sue for a boating injury that happened on a private lake near Lake City?
Yes. Liability for injuries on private waters, like those surrounding Lakeside Lake, usually falls under premises liability or general negligence. You can pursue compensation from the property owner or boat operator for medical bills and trauma. Consulting a lawyer is essential to navigate these unique private property claims.
Is the boat owner liable if they weren’t the one driving during the accident?
Under Florida law (Statute 327.32), a boat owner in Lake City, Florida is generally not liable for an operator’s reckless driving unless the owner was present on the vessel. However, you can still sue the owner for negligent entrustment if they knowingly lent the boat to an incompetent or intoxicated driver.
Can I sue for a “no-contact” boating accident caused by a wake in Lake City?
Yes. Under Florida law, boat operators are legally responsible for their vessel’s wake. If a negligent wake causes you to fall, capsizes your boat, or causes a collision without physical contact, you can sue for damages. Proving the operator’s speed or “careless operation” in a no-wake zone is key.
Meldon Law
Address: 2941 W US Hwy 90 Suite 117, Lake City, FL 32055, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help
