Gulf Coast Yacht Accident Attorneys
Boarding a yacht to take an excursion in the Gulf Coast is often a wonderful experience for tourists and residents living in states bordering the Gulf Coast. However, there are many occasions where the operators or crew of a yacht may engage in practices that could endanger passengers on the yacht. When this happens, there are multiple parties that could be held liable for the passenger’s injuries. If you or a family member was injured in a yacht accident in the Gulf Coast, you should consult with an experienced Gulf Coast yacht accident attorney today.
At Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., we are prepared to offer you our legal services to help you seek compensation against the negligent operators of a yacht that caused your injuries. You should not have to endure severe injuries, burdensome medical bills, and other related issues because a boat operator failed to exercise caution. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your yacht accident, you should contact Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., at (866) 386-1762. You could also schedule your free consultation online to discuss your potential case.
5 Common Types of Gulf Coast Yacht Accidents
Yacht excursions offer a great deal of fun whether you wish to relax with family or friends. Unfortunately, traveling on a yacht can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. The following is a list of common Gulf Coast yacht accidents that could lead to a personal injury lawsuit.
Slip and Fall Yacht Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often happen on yachts for a number of reasons. For example, if water splashed onto the deck and it is not properly cleaned, this could cause a passenger to trip and possibly strike a hard surface when falling. Alternatively, a slip and fall yacht accident could also happen because the owner of the boat failed to properly repair issues like loose ladders or unstable handrails.
Slip and fall accidents can often lead to injuries like sprained ankles, head injuries, back injuries, and other types of injuries, depending on how the victim fell. Be sure to document the severity of your injury to ensure you request the damages you deserve.
Yacht Navigation Errors
When operating a yacht, the captain should be well-informed about the path they will take and the presence of any hazards on the way. If a captain does not notice obstacles like rocks or possibly other vessels, this could lead to an accident that could severely injure passengers onboard. In some cases, a serious navigation error could mean that the yacht strikes an obstacle with enough force to puncture a hole into the hull, which will require the passengers to evacuate.
Swimming Accidents
There is a high risk of injury if passengers of a yacht are diving into the ocean or if you are swimming in the vicinity of a yacht. A swimmer in the area of a yacht could be struck by the yacht and sustain severe injuries or possibly drown. It is up to the operators of the yacht to ensure they do not endanger passengers and do not pass through waters that have been zoned for swimmers.
Pier Accidents
Many yacht accidents happen before the vessel even leaves the dock. For example, if a passenger trips between a yacht and the port due to a faulty bridge, they could sustain life-threatening injuries. The operators of the yacht should ensure the vessel is secure enough for people to safely board and exit the vessel.
Alcohol-Related Yacht Accidents
Piloting a yacht while intoxicated is just as dangerous as driving a car while intoxicated. The captain of a yacht is prone to make a number of mistakes that could harm passengers if they decide to consume alcohol while working. As a result, an injured passenger may have a valid claim against an intoxicated captain that caused their injuries.
There are other scenarios where a passenger could be injured on a yacht due to the negligence of a pilot or other crew members. If you wish to learn more about filing a yacht accident lawsuit, you should consult with an experienced maritime accident lawyer today.
Liability for Gulf Coast Yacht Accidents
If you were a victim in a Gulf Coast yacht accident and would like to file a personal injury lawsuit, you should be aware that there could be multiple parties that are responsible for your accident.
As you might expect, the owner of the yacht is one party that may be held liable for your injuries. The yacht owner should be the primary party to ensure the vessel is running smoothly and that any hazards are fixed immediately. However, if the yacht is owned by a company, there could be other parties that could be pursued in a yacht accident lawsuit.
The operator and crew of the yacht may also be held liable if their negligence caused your accident. For example, if the captain was drunk and struck another vessel, you could file a lawsuit against the captain. Additionally, the employer of the crew could also be held vicariously liable for any negligent actions committed by the crew.
If you are unsure about where to file your Gulf Coast yacht accident lawsuit, our firm is here to assist you.
Consult with Our Experienced Gulf Coast Yacht Accident Lawyer Today
If you were a victim of a serious yacht accident in the Gulf Coast, you should contact an experienced Gulf Coast yacht accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., we possess extensive experience litigating complex boating and maritime law accidents, and we would be honored to represent you. To schedule a free case evaluation to speak with one of our skilled Florida boat accident attorneys, contact Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., at (866) 386-1762. Our firm may also be contacted online to schedule a free consultation.
