Delray Beach Boat Accident Attorneys
Seek Fair Compensation for Injuries Sustained on the Water
Boating is a popular recreational activity in Delray Beach, but negligent boating can quickly result in serious and fatal injuries in boating accidents. At Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather , we are dedicated to representing injury victims in boat accident claims.
If you or a loved one suffered severe or deadly injuries in an accident, one of our Delray Beach boat accident lawyers can speak with you today about filing a claim. Contact us to begin.
Learning More About Delray Beach Boat Accidents
Boat accidents happen more often than they should in Florida, and human error is often to blame.
The following are 2019 recreational boating statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard:
- 4,168 boating accidents occurred in 2019
- 2,559 people were injured and 613 were killed in 2019 boating accidents
- Boating accidents increased by 0.6% from 2018 to 2019, and the rate of injuries increased by nearly 2 percent
- Almost 80% of boating fatalities were drownings
- In drowning deaths, 86% of the victims were not wearing a life vest
- Alcohol was a primary factor in 23% of boating accident deaths
- 171 accidents involved a person being struck by a boat propeller, resulting in 155 injuries and 35 deaths
- Motorboats were the type of vessel involved most often in nonfatal and deadly boating accidents
Filing Your Delray Beach Boating Crash Claim On Time
Most boat accident lawsuits will have a two-year statute of limitations. Accordingly, your claim will likely need to be filed within four years from the date of the boat accident. Do not wait to seek advice from a boating accident lawyer in Delray Beach. The sooner you get started, the quicker you may be able to obtain financial compensation.
Comparative Fault & Your Boat Accident Lawsuit
Florida follows what is known as a pure comparative fault system. Why is this important for a boat accident claim? If the other side argues that you are partially at fault for the accident or the seriousness of your injuries, Florida’s comparative fault law could result in your damages award being reduced by your portion of fault. However, since Florida follows a pure comparative fault system, you will still be able to recover as long as you are not 100% at fault.
For example, if the at-fault party says you were not wearing a life jacket when the accident happened and that your injuries were more serious as a result, the court could determine that you bear some fault for the harm you suffered. Whether you are minimally at fault or more significantly at fault, your damages award will simply be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. You should also remember that your Delray Beach boat accident lawyer can help to prove that you do not bear any responsibility and that you should receive 100% of your damages award.
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today
Were you injured in a boating accident caused by another partys negligence or wrongdoing? You could be eligible to seek financial compensation by filing a boat crash claim. Boating accidents can happen in many different ways, and it is important to seek advice from one of our attorneys about your options for filing a lawsuit.
Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather at 561-500-HELP for more information about getting started on your case.
