St.Petersburg Boating Accident Lawyer
Were you or a loved one injured in a boating accident in St. Petersburg, FL? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Since our founding more than three decades ago, our St. Petersburg boating accident lawyers have dedicated themselves to fighting for the rights of accident victims. With over 50 years of combined experience and over $120 million recovered for our clients, we have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex cases.
Contact our St. Petersburg law office today to at (727) 787-2500 schedule a free initial consultation. Let us help you understand your legal options and begin the path toward justice.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Boating Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida
Boating accidents can result in severe injuries and significant financial burdens. An experienced attorney can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation. Our St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of success and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
When you hire our St. Petersburg boating accident attorneys, you can rely on us to:
- Investigate the Accident: We will gather evidence to determine how the accident occurred and who is liable.
- Identify Liable Parties: We will pinpoint all individuals or entities responsible for your injuries.
- Evaluate Your Damages: We can assess the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses.
- Handle All Communications: We will deal with insurance companies and opposing counsel on your behalf.
- Protect You From Blame: We can counter any allegations that you were at fault for the accident.
- Negotiate with Insurers: We will strive for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
- Prepare for Trial: If necessary, we will represent you in court to fight for maximum compensation.
Contact our law office in St. Petersburg, Florida today to schedule your free case review. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the legal support you need.
What Is My St. Petersburg Boating Accident Claim Worth?
Every boating accident claim is unique, and the value of a claim depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Liability issues
- Insurance coverage
- Impact on your life
Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly assess your case to determine its value and fight to maximize your compensation.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in St. Petersburg
Boating accidents often occur due to negligence or recklessness. Common causes include:
- Operator Inattention: failure to keep a proper lookout for hazards
- Excessive Speed: traveling at unsafe speeds under the conditions
- Alcohol or Drug Use: operating a vessel under the influence
- Inexperienced Operators: lack of proper training or experience
- Mechanical Failure: equipment malfunction due to poor maintenance
- Violating Navigation Rules: ignoring right-of-way rules and other regulations
- Weather Conditions: failing to adjust for adverse weather
- Overloading the Vessel: exceeding passenger or weight limits
- Poor Visibility: operating in fog or at night without proper lighting
No matter the cause of your accident, our attorneys are prepared to investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It in a Boating Accident Case?
Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. Proving negligence is likely essential for establishing liability in your boating accident case.
The four elements to prove negligence are:
- Duty of Care: You must establish that the boat operator or another party had a legal obligation to ensure your safety.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that this duty was breached through negligent actions or omissions.
- Causation: You must demonstrate that the breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You must provide evidence of the losses you’ve suffered as a result.
Evidence to support your claim may include:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
Our experienced St. Petersburg boating accident attorneys will gather and analyze all relevant evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Boating Accident?
Victims of boating accidents in St. Petersburg may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, such as:
- Medical Expenses: hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and future medical care
- Lost Income: wages lost due to missed work
- Property Damage: repair or replacement of damaged personal property
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: travel costs, medication, and other related expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering: physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Emotional Trauma: anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident
- Disfigurement or Scarring: permanent changes to your appearance
- Loss of Consortium: impact on relationships with loved ones
In rare cases involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries. Our attorneys are committed to securing compensation for all your injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Leg injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burn injuries
- Drowning and near-drowning injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Back injuries
- Amputations
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Hypothermia
- Electrocution injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable for My St. Petersburg Boating Accident Injuries?
Liability in boating accidents can involve multiple parties, such as:
- Boat Operators: those who were operating the vessel negligently
- Boat Owners: owners who allowed an unqualified person to operate their boat
- Manufacturers: companies that produce defective boats or equipment
- Rental Companies: businesses that fail to maintain their vessels properly
- Passengers: individuals whose actions contributed to the accident
- Government Entities: if they caused navigational hazards or provided inadequate warnings
Our attorneys will investigate all possible avenues of liability to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Boating Accident in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means:
- You can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
- Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your total damages will be reduced by 30%.
Our attorneys will work diligently to minimize any fault attributed to you and protect your right to compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Boating Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL?
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. If we do recover compensation for you, we will receive a percentage of your settlement or court award.
- Accessible Representation: You get high-quality legal services without financial risk
This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Boating Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame may result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
However, exceptions may apply, such as:
- Claims Against Government Entities: These cases may have shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements.
- Discovery of Injury: In some cases, the time limit may begin when the injury is discovered.
To protect your rights, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced St. Petersburg Boating Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been involved in a boating accident in St. Petersburg, you don’t have to navigate your legal troubles alone. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers have the experience and dedication to help you pursue justice.
With 50 years of combined experience and over $120 million recovered, our St. Petersburg boating accident attorneys are prepared to fight for you.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Remember, we only get paid if we win compensation for your case.