Known as the “Waterfront Wonderland,” Cape Coral boasts over 400 miles of navigable waterways, making it a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Yet its popularity means that boat traffic is heavy. Our boating accident lawyers in Cape Coral have seen many devastating cases involving irresponsible boaters.
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in Cape Coral, you may be facing not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial strain. At Viles & Beckman, our personal injury lawyers in Cape Coral are ready to help you get compensation for what you have suffered.
Boating accidents are very dangerous because of the risk of drowning. Viles & Beckman, the 5-Star Law Firm, can also help you with a wrongful death claim if you’ve lost a loved one to a boating accident.
Types of Boating Accidents Common in Cape Coral
Just like car accidents, there are many ways that a boat accident can happen. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents see include:
- Canal collisions: Cape Coral has numerous narrow canals with boats parked in them. It’s easy to crash into one.
- Wake-related incidents: Large wakes in busy areas can cause smaller boats to capsize or passengers to be thrown overboard.
- Propeller accidents: These can occur when swimmers or water sports enthusiasts come too close to moving boats, or if a boat operator isn’t paying enough attention.
- Groundings: Sandbars and shallow areas in the canals and nearshore waters can lead to unexpected groundings, but boat operators may still be liable if a grounding causes an injury.
- Collisions with marine life: Manatees and other marine animals are common in Cape Coral waters, and collisions can harm both the animals and boaters. If the operator knew the animal was there, they may be liable.
When our boating accident attorneys in Cape Coral listen to your story, we’ll seek the cause of your accident. It is the foundation of your personal injury claim. When we know what happened and how it happened, we can identify who owes you damages.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
How Our Boating Accident Lawyers in Cape Coral Will Prove Negligence
Winning your boating accident claim requires proving negligence (or, more rarely, deliberate action from a reckless boat operator). We must prove four key elements to win:
- Duty of care: The boat operator had a responsibility to operate the vessel safely.
- Breach of duty: The operator failed to uphold this duty through their actions or inactions.
- Causation: This breach directly led to the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses as a result of the accident.
To build a strong case, our experienced team at Viles & Beckman will use the latest in legal technologies to:
- Gather and analyze accident reports and witness statements
- Consult with marine safety experts about how the accident happened, if needed
- Review weather conditions and navigational data
- Examine the operator’s qualifications and history
- Assess any potential equipment failures or maintenance issues
Once we can prove negligence harmed you, then we can seek out evidence of how you were harmed and how much your case should be worth.
Cape Coral
Boating Accident
Lawyer Near Me
(239) 334-3933
Recoverable Damages in a Cape Coral Boating Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, then they are responsible for paying for the damages you’ve suffered. Our boating accident lawyers in Cape Coral will fight for the full value of your:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and potential loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Monetary awards for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for damage to your boat or other personal property.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Statute of Limitations for Boating Accident Claims in Florida
It’s essential to be aware of the time limits for filing a boating accident claim in Florida. The Florida statutes were recently updated to amend the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including boating accidents. You now have two years from the date of the incident to file your claim.
This shortened time frame makes it even more critical to seek legal help from a Cape Coral boating accident attorney promptly after an accident. Failing to file within this two-year window could result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
Viles & Beckman will work diligently to ensure your claim is filed within the time limit, but we cannot start if you do not contact us as soon as possible after your boating accident. Furthermore, starting earlier means we may find and preserve valuable evidence before it disappears.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Why Choose Viles & Beckman for Your Cape Coral Boating Accident Case?
Here’s why choosing a Cape Coral boat accident attorney from Viles & Beckman is the right choice for your case:
- Local knowledge: We understand the unique aspects of boating in Cape Coral’s intricate waterway system.
- Proven success: With over $100 million recovered for our clients, we have the experience to handle even the most complex boating accidents.
- Personalized attention: We’re known as the 5-Star Law Firm because of how we treat each client with the care and attention it deserves.
- No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Military and first responder discount: We offer a 10% discount on attorney’s fees for active and veteran military members and active first responders.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact Viles & Beckman today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Boating accidents can get expensive quickly, but our boating accident lawyers in Cape Coral can help you get the most from your insurance claim or lawsuit.
The sooner you reach out, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case. Call Viles & Beckman now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form