Call Us Today While Lehigh Acres itself is an inland community, its proximity to numerous lakes, canals, and the nearby Caloosahatchee River makes boating a popular activity. Wherever there are boats, though, there is the risk of boating accidents.
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident near Lehigh Acres, you need a legal advisor who can help you protect your right to compensation. Our personal injury lawyers in Lehigh Acres are ready to help you.
Don’t delay. Contact our boating accident lawyers in Lehigh Acres for a free consultation now. You’ll learn why we’re called the 5-Star Law Firm and how we can help you get the most from your accident claim.
Understanding Liability in Lehigh Acres Boating Accidents
Determining liability in a boating accident can be complex, especially when dealing with inland waterways and varying jurisdictions. Most often, the operator of the boat that hit you will hold liability for your accident.
Many people come to this region of Florida as tourists and rent or borrow boats. Driving a boat is not like driving a car, though. An inexperienced operator can easily cause a crash or run over a swimmer if they’re not paying attention.
Other potentially liable parties include:
- Boat owners lending boats to people who shouldn’t be operating one
- Equipment manufacturers
- Rental companies
- Other passengers who contributed to the accident
Our boating accident attorneys in Lehigh Acres will work to find all the responsible parties and hold them accountable for your injuries. The more parties there are, the easier it will be to get the full value of your case.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
How Our Boating Accident Attorneys in Lehigh Acres Prove Negligence
When someone is negligent and harms someone, the law lets victims like you sue them for compensation. Insurance may cover the costs of your compensation. In either case, to prove you have a claim there are four things to show:
- Duty of care: The boat operator or other responsible party owed you a duty to operate the vessel safely or maintain safe conditions.
- Breach of duty: They failed to uphold this duty through their actions or inactions.
- Causation: This breach directly led to the accident and your injuries and there wasn’t another cause.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses as a result of the accident.
If a boat operator does risky moves, drinks while operating the boat, doesn’t have the right safety gear, or does something else negligent, these are all breaches of the duty of care. If you’re harmed because of them, you may have a case.
Our lawyers will gather and analyze evidence to support your boating accident case including:
- Accident reports and police records
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony from marine safety professionals, if needed
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Photographic and video evidence from the scene
By building a strong case that clearly demonstrates negligence, we increase your chances of winning your claim and the full value of your damages.
(239) 334-3933
What Happens if You’re Partially at Fault for the Boating Accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, which can affect your ability to recover damages if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. Under these Florida statutes:
- If you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering any compensation.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. You can reduce the chance of being found at fault by working with a Lehigh Acres boating accident lawyer on your case.
If the insurers think that you share fault, it will be difficult to disprove their claims without a lawyer to help. We know how to counter these claims so you can get the most from your accident claim.
Click To ContactWhy Go With Viles & Beckman, The 5-Star Law Firm?
Our 5-Star Mission is that we support clients through their most challenging life events by fighting and advocating for all of their needs as if they were our own family. Our 5-Star Promise to you includes:
- Integrity: Our firm is honest, reliable, and ethical, and we will take full accountability in our roles.
- Client-focused: We exist to serve victims like you. It is our duty and responsibility to do this the best we can.
- Results-driven: We don’t go for the easiest outcome. We believe in getting the best results possible.
See our core values page for more about what sets us apart from other personal injury law firms. We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients with our 5-Star approach. See what makes us different by calling our Leigh Acres boating accident lawyers.
Also, if you are an active first responder or an active or veteran military member, our boat accident lawyers in Lehigh Acres wil offer a 10% discount on attorney’s fees.
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Reach the Safe Shore With Viles & Beckman
Don’t let a boating accident derail your life. If you or a loved one has been injured on the waters near Lehigh Acres, it’s time to take action. Contact Viles & Beckman today for a free consultation and case evaluation with our Lehigh Acres boating accident attorneys.
You can call us anytime to schedule your appointment. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and explore how we can help you get the most from your accident settlement. Don’t face the insurers alone. Instead, contact us by phone or by email so we can help.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
