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Ocala Boat Accident Lawyer

Ocala Boat Accident Lawyer

 

With its myriad lakes and other natural waterways, Ocala offers many opportunities for boating activities. However, not everyone obeys boating rules and regulations, and negligence while boating can result in catastrophic accidents and injuries.

Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in Ocala boating accidents include concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back injuries, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, fractures and broken bones, and permanent injuries and impairments.

If you sustained injuries in an Ocala boating accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation under the law. An experienced Ocala boat accident lawyer could meet with you to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case, negotiate with the insurance company and its adjusters on your behalf, represent your interests during settlement negotiations, and litigate your case through the court system if necessary.

Defective Products and Boating Equipment

Unfortunately, boating accidents often occur when those on board least expect them. When boating accidents occur, defective products and equipment are sometimes to blame.

If boat parts or equipment—such as motors, steering mechanisms, and rudder—are defective or malfunction and lead to boating accidents, the manufacturers and distributors can be held accountable for any resulting injuries and damages.

This legal theory of liability is known as products liability. Under this theory, boat part manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for manufacturing defects, design defects, and warning defects.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Just as operating a car or truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have devastating consequences, so can operating a boat under those circumstances. Boating under the influence—or BUI—is another leading cause of boating accidents in Florida.

Under Florida law, a boat operator can be criminally charged with or convicted of boating under the influence for operating a watercraft with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A boat operator could also be charged with boating under the influence if a law enforcement officer suspects that the boat operator’s faculties are impaired as a direct result of alcohol intoxication or drug impairment.

Besides being subject to criminal penalties that may include fines and jail time, boat operators convicted of boating under the influence may also be held civilly liable for any boating accidents they cause, as well as for all the resulting injuries and damages to those onboard the watercrafts involved.

Careless, Reckless, and Negligent Boat Operation

Boat operators owe a duty to everyone else on the water to act as a reasonably prudent boat operator would act under the same or similar circumstances, and to obey all applicable boating laws and regulations. Whenever a boat operator breaches this duty of care and injuries and damages result, the boat operator can be subject to both criminal and civil liability.

The most common examples of negligent boat operation include:

  • Speeding
  • Operating a boat in an unauthorized area
  • Operating a boat without the proper experience or training
  • Operating a boat without the proper license or registration

What Our Clients Say

“Gordon is professional, patient, kind, and knowledgeable. From the first encounter I had with him, he was very kind and attentive. He was responsive throughout the entire process and consistently advocated for me. I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel, as I had a very pleasant experience with him.”

By: April McDonald
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Jan 1, 2022
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Contact an Ocala Boat Accident Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Case

Ocala boat accidents can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries, and operator negligence poses a significant hazard to the public at large. If you suffered injury in a boating accident, an Ocala boat accident lawyer may be able to assist you with your case.

A lawyer from the Glover Law Firm can help you obtain monetary compensation for all the injuries and damages you sustained in a boating accident, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, inconvenience, emotional distress, mental anguish, and permanency. Call today to schedule a consultation.