Lake Kissimmee Boat Accident Attorney
The state of Florida is famous for its coastal expanses and beautiful waterways. Lake Kissimmee is no exception. Every year, thousands of boaters, both residents and tourists, take to the lake for recreation and enjoyment. Unfortunately, boat accidents occur with so many boats on the water, often leaving victims with devastating injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident, you need an experienced maritime injury lawyer working at your side. The Lake Kissimmee boat accident attorneys at Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. are dedicated to helping those injured through the recklessness of others fight for their just compensation. Call (866) 386-1762 to schedule a free consultation.
Florida Boating Regulations and Boating Accidents in Lake Kissimmee
Boating and tourism are a large part of the recreational industry at Lake Kissimmee. To help facilitate boating, Florida has some lax boating requirements. There is no age requirement for boating, and anyone over the age of 30 is not required to have a license or take any boating safety courses. Because of this, many boats are being operated by individuals without proper training or basic safety knowledge.
When a boating accident occurs in a Florida public waterway, it falls under federal admiralty jurisdiction. This distinction means that when a personal injury lawsuit arises from an accident in Lake Kissimmee, it might have to be filed in Florida’s federal court system. It is critical to have an experienced Florida maritime attorney representing you because the admiralty standards for negligence differ from the usual standards applied in a car accident case.
Common Causes Boat Accidents in Lake Kissimmee
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are over 961,000 registered boats in Florida as of 2019. People flock to the pristine and beautiful waterways to engage in the relaxing recreational activity of boating.
While a fun activity, people operating a boat share many of the same risks people face on the road. However, many boat operators fail to exercise the same sort of caution on Lake Kissimmee as they do on Florida highways. Often, this relaxation of vigilance leads to boating accidents that result in serious injuries or even death.
There are many different causes of boating accidents and injuries on Lake Kissimmee. Often, accidents are caused by the boat operator. For example, many times, an accident occurs because the operator is inexperienced. Additionally, the same issues that plague drivers on the road affect individuals piloting a boat, the most common being operating the boat while otherwise distracted. Furthermore, because of the recreational nature of boating, many people indulge in the use of alcohol or drugs while operating their vessels.
When boaters fail to operate their vessels safely, it could result in their boat colliding with another boat or jet ski, flooding or swamping of the boat, or running into a fixed object or the shore. In other cases, when boaters are inattentive, someone could fall overboard. In any situation where someone is injured in a boating misshape, they need the representation of a knowledgeable Florida boat accident lawyer.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Boating Accident on Lake Kissimmee
Some people have the misconception that when you board a boat, you automatically assume the risks involved with the activity and are prohibited from seeking compensation if you are injured. However, this is not the case. It is not uncommon for a boat passenger or operator to suffer an injury and significant financial losses due to the negligence of another person. A wide variety of conduct could give rise to a personal injury lawsuit should someone get hurt.
A boat operator should follow all the navigation rules of Lake Kissimmee. This includes not speeding through no-wake areas and not traveling at reckless speeds throughout the lake. Additionally, an operator should be aware of the conditions of the lake and not venture out when the waters are too rough or when the weather presents a danger. Furthermore, just because boating is a recreational activity, it does not mean that a person should operate their vessel while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Our office is prepared to review the facts surrounding any injury and pursue a personal injury claim if the negligence of another individual caused it.
Liable Parties for Lake Kissimmee Boating Accidents
In most cases, the person who negligently operates their vessel could be held liable if an accident or injury occurs. If they are not adhering to the reasonable safety precautions and operating their boat differently from a reasonable person under the same circumstances, their conduct could constitute negligence.
A boat operator does not have to collide with another boat or strike a swimmer to be held responsible for a boating accident or injury. For example, if an operator damages another boat or harms a swimmer because of a reckless wake, they could still be held accountable for any damages they caused.
Common Injuries From Boating Accidents on Lake Kissimmee
Boating accidents often result in devastating injuries. Because of the nature of boating accidents and the significant harm a boat could cause if it struck a defenseless swimmer, many injuries are permanently debilitating or deadly. Some common injures seen on Lake Kissimmee are listed below.
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
- Fractures, often multiple bones
- Spinal cord and nerve damage
- Brain injuries
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Drowning
Call Our Lake Kissimmee Boat Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
A fun excursion on the lake could quickly turn tragic if the operator of your boat or another vessel on the lake is acting recklessly. Boat accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or death. If you or a loved one was harmed due to another’s negligence, contact our Miami boat accident attorney immediately. The attorneys and staff at Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A. have the experience and knowledge of Florida and maritime law you need. Our office is committed to assisting those wrongfully harmed upon Florida’s waterways. Call (866) 386-1762 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
