Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer

Fort Myers is famous for its fishing and recreational boating. Residents and visitors love to cruise along the Caloosahatchee River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing are popular, as are kayaking and canoeing to explore the area’s lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

Florida has 985,005 registered waterway vessels, more than any other state. Unfortunately, Florida also has the most boating accidents of any state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that in 2020 alone, 836 boating accidents were reported statewide.

According to the state’s Boating Accident Statistical Report, Lee County accounts for many of these accidents, with the fifth-highest number of boating accidents among all of Florida’s counties. In 2020, there were 48 reported accidents in Lee County, and more than half of those caused injuries or fatalities.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a boating accident, you may be struggling to cope with the many challenges that follow. Physical pain, emotional distress, rising medical bills, and reduced income can quickly become overwhelming. On top of that, the disruption to your daily life and your family’s routine only adds to the stress.

The Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys Fort Myers boating accident attorneys understand and want to help. We’ve helped Florida accident victims for years and remain committed to fighting for justice and full compensation.

WHAT KINDS OF BOATING ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN THE FORT MYERS AREA?

Boats and personal watercraft vessels of all sizes have been involved in accidents in the Fort Myers area. According to the 2020 Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report, the most common size of the vessels involved in boating accidents in Lee County was 22-to-26 feet long,  but collisions and other accidents involved vessels ranging in size from less than 12 feet to more than 66. Open motorboats were the most common type of vessel involved in accidents, followed by personal watercraft, cabin motorboats, and pontoon boats.

The most common type of boating accident in the Fort Myers area is a collision with another vessel. Other accidents involve colliding with fixed objects, falling overboard, being struck by a skeg or propeller, falling inside a boat, and boats flooding or swamping.

WHAT CAUSES BOATING ACCIDENTS IN THE FORT MYERS AREA?

Section 372.02 of the Florida Statutes gives a broad definition of “boating accident” that includes the many ways that vessels can get into accidents while entering, on, or leaving the water. However, accidents usually occur due to vessel operators’ negligence.

In fact, almost a third of the accidents reported in Lee County in 2020 were caused by operators being inattentive or not taking proper safety precautions. Other causes of boating accidents include:

• operator inexperience
• excessive speed
• machinery failure
• congested water

WHAT FINANCIAL COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE FOR A FORT MYERS BOATING ACCIDENT VICTIM?

Florida law gives you the right to seek compensation for serious injuries sustained in boating accidents that were caused by negligent vessel operators. Insurance companies, however, try to pay as little as they can get away with on claims.

When you have an experienced Dennis Hernandez Fort Myers boating accident lawyer on your side, you have someone who will stand up for you against the insurance company’s lawyers and representatives. We won’t back down, and we won’t stop fighting for you until you get all the compensation you deserve.

Depending on how your accident occurred and how serious your injuries are, you may qualify for substantial financial compensation. This compensation may cover your:

• Current and future medical expenses, including doctor appointments, medication, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and other costs of treatment
• Physical pain
• Mental and emotional suffering
• Current and future lost income and decreased earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
• Other damages recoverable under Florida law

HOW CAN A FORT MYERS BOATING ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP?

Florida law requires that people operate their boats responsibly. If a negligent or reckless boat operator causes an accident, you can hold them legally responsible for your injuries. Negligent behavior includes boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, ignoring standard safety procedures, speeding, or failing to maintain the vessel.

The Dennis Hernandez Fort Myers boating accident lawyers have years of experience helping victims like you recover all the compensation the law allows. We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident to determine fault and assess whether the boat owner is responsible for the operator’s negligence. We’ll also consult with medical experts to evaluate the full extent of your current and future medical needs. Then, we’ll negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’ll use our litigation experience and courtroom skills to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We never back down.

LEGAL HELP IS AVAILABLE FROM AN EXPERIENCED FT. MYERS BOATING ACCIDENT LAWYER

At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we fight to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our legal team gathers strong evidence to prove the other party’s negligence. We clearly show how your injuries have affected you physically, emotionally, and financially. When you choose a Dennis Hernandez boating accident lawyer, you gain a dedicated advocate who defends your rights every step of the way.

Call us at 855.529.3366 or fill in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to find out more about how we can help.