Key West Boat Accident Lawyer
There are countless recreational boating opportunities in Key West. Each day, a high number of people take their boats on the water to engage in the wide range of activities our waters have to offer. Unfortunately, many people are also injured because of negligent boaters’ actions.
The process for recovering payment after a boating accident can be difficult to navigate without the assistance of our attorneys. Defendants often deny allegations and attempt to shift blame onto plaintiffs. Fortunately, our team can help gather evidence and fight for financial compensation.
Victims of Key West boating accidents should get in touch with our experienced boat accident lawyers right away. Our attorneys at Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. are prepared to evaluate the strength of your case. Call us today at (305) 204-5369.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Boating Accidents in Key West
Victims of boating accidents can be badly hurt. There are many different types of serious harm that can occur as the result of such accidents. Potential plaintiffs can contact our Key West boat accident attorneys for help obtaining payment related to any of the following injuries:
Fractured Bones
Fractured bones are a very painful and debilitating type of harm caused by boating accidents. These injuries usually occur when victims are thrown from boats or strike hard objects inside of vessels during the course of their collisions. Fractured bones can take a long time to heal and, in serious cases, may require surgical treatment.
Sprains, Strains, and Tears
Many victims of boating accidents in Key West sustain sprains, strains, and tears to soft tissue. Like broken bones, these injuries can be very immobilizing. Many plaintiffs who sustain sprains, strains, and tears will have to stay home from work while they recover. In many cases, prescription medications and physical therapy are utilized to treat such injuries.
Head Injuries
Furthermore, many boat accidents lead to serious head injuries. These types of injuries can come in several forms. For example, a boating accident may cause someone to suffer a skull fracture, a concussion, or an intracranial hematoma. In severe cases, those who sustain head injuries will experience symptoms that have a detrimental impact on their ability to enjoy life.
Our Key West boat accident lawyers can help file a claim against the at-fault party for your head injuries.
Internal Injuries
Another common boating accident result is internal injuries. These injuries happen when someone sustain organ damage or internal bleeding. In severe cases, internal injuries can produce fatal symptoms. Accordingly, if you believe you may have incurred internal injuries as the result of a boating accident, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Our team can help refer the right physicians for you.
Spinal Cord Damage
Lastly, many victims of boating accidents sustain spinal cord damage. Like traumatic brain injuries, these injuries often produce debilitating and painful symptoms that harm peoples’ quality of life. For example, a plaintiff who sustains spinal cord damage may be unable to engage in their favorite hobbies because of their injury. If you faced spinal cord damage in a Key West boating accident, then you may be entitled to a lawsuit.
Considering Settlement Offers for Boating Accident Lawsuits in Key West
During most boating accident lawsuits, plaintiffs will be presented with settlement offers from defendants wishing to settle their cases early. If you agree to a settlement, then the defendant will pay you a certain amount of damages and your claim will be voluntarily dismissed. There are a few advantages to settling your lawsuit early. For instance, by settling early, you may acquire payment sooner. Also, parties who reach settlement agreements may save on several expenses associated with going to trial.
Still, reaching a settlement agreement is not always possible. Many defendants in boating accident lawsuits try to settle their claims for less than they are worth. By taking your case to trial, you will have the chance to obtain additional monetary damages. However, if you are unsuccessful at trial, then you may receive nothing for your injuries. The guidance of our experienced Key West boat accident lawyers can be invaluable when assessing settlement offers and deciding if going to trial is the right decision for you.
Common Sources of Boating Accidents in Key West
Boating accidents in Key West can stem from several different sources of negligence. The following are examples of careless and reckless conduct that lead to harmful crashes:
Boating Distracted
Boaters who operate their vessels while distracted can cause severe accidents. Operators can become manually, visually, or cognitively distracted. For instance, the following are all examples of activities that may distract boaters:
- Texting on a cellular phone
- Interacting with a GPS system
- Communicating with other passengers
- Picking music to play on the radio
- Drinking or eating
There are several types of evidence that can be used to prove that another party is to blame for your accident. If you were injured because of a crash caused by a distracted boater, you can contact our Key West boat accident attorneys for help supporting your claim.
Speeding
Boaters that travel at illegal speeds will be unable to react to hazards and other vessels as they approach them on the water. Therefore, speeding is another common source of boating accidents in Key West. These accidents often occur in areas with high boating traffic. Unfortunately, accidents that happen at high speeds are also more likely to result in severe injuries.
Defective Parts
Lastly, some boating accidents occur because of defective parts. For example, a boater may crash because the driveshaft on their vessel was carelessly manufactured or because the throttle was poorly designed. In such cases, manufacturers can be held liable for boating accidents caused by their faulty parts. Our Key West boat accident attorneys can help determine if your crash stems from a manufacturer’s negligence.
Victims of Boating Accidents in Key West Can Reach Out to Our Attorneys for Help
If you suffered a boating accident in Key West, get help from our experienced boat accident lawyers. Contact our team at Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. by calling (305) 204-5369 for a free case assessment.
