Many people in the St. Petersburg area find themselves in need of a Boating Accident Attorney. Residents and visitors alike spend many hours every day out on the water enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that St. Petersburg has to offer. However, where there is open water and vehicles, there can be trouble. Motorized watercrafts, like cars, are dangerous in the hands of an impaired operator. This also goes for improperly trained drivers, distracted drivers, and anyone else who is not in full control of the vessel. In addition, weather conditions, accidents, and neglect can lead to an incident that has you facing legal trouble. When you need a trustworthy lawyer, rely on the professionals at McDermott Law Firm, P.A.
How a Boating Accident Attorney Can Help
Various incidents create the need for a Boating Accident Attorney. Give our firm a call if you find yourself in trouble due to injuries from:
- Head-on collisions
- Docking incidents
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Injury or death
- Alcohol-related incidents (BUI/BWI)
When working with a Boating Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, it is his job to help you recover the damages your Personal Injury case warrants. Damages can include factors such as medical expenses and lost income from being unable to work. Additionally, pain and suffering and other emotional factors can be part of the damages in a Wrongful Death situation.
What Types of Water Craft Are Applicable?
At McDermott Law Firm, P.A., we assist St. Petersburg area clients who have been involved in incidents with a variety of seafaring vessels, such as:
- Boats
- Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, etc.)
- Yachts
- Sailboats
- Motorboats
- Kayaks and canoes
- Airboats
- And more
If you are unsure if your case requires a Boating Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, give us a call. We will discuss your case so that we can better assist you and understand your situation
Proving Negligence
In Personal Injury cases, the burden of proof is on the Plaintiff. With the help of a Boating Accident Attorney, the Plaintiff must prove that the Defendant demonstrated negligence and caused the incident. The operator of a motorized watercraft may be considered negligent if they:
- Operate at excessive speeds
- Hit waves or wakes recklessly
- Drive too fast in no- or low-wake zones
- Navigate into forbidden areas
- Carry too many passengers or items on board
- Collide with another vessel (or a fixed object, such as a pier)
- Operate the vessel improperly
- Fail to prepare safety measures or proper safety equipment on board
St. Petersburg watercraft laws require that any driver of a Personal Watercraft be at least 14 years of age. Since 2010, an individual born on or after January 1st, 1988 must have a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a motorized watercraft with ten horsepower or more. However, if there is an adult of 18 years or older who holds this watercraft license on board, as long as he or she is attentive and responsible, they can oversee anyone else, card or not, who wants to operate the vessel.
Even with the laws currently in place, there are ways for nearly anyone to operate a water vehicle. With so many visitors in the St. Petersburg area who do not know these regulations, the odds of encountering inexperienced drivers out on the open water are high. As such, incidents do happen, and having a competent Boating Accident Attorney may be necessary to receive proper compensation.
Trust the Law Firm of McDermott, P.A.
When you are looking for a Boating Accident Attorney to help you with your case, trust McDermott Law Firm, P.A. As both Personal Injury Lawyers and Attorneys that assist with Driving and Boating Under the Influence, we are prepared to help in a variety of situations. For clients in the St. Petersburg area who hope to make the most out of their case, place your trust in us. We strive every day to be as helpful, communicative, reliable, and successful as possible. To learn more about our firm or to schedule a consultation, give us a call today at 727-367-1080 or reach out to us online.