Call Us Today Port Charlotte, with its prime location on Charlotte Harbor and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, is a haven for boaters. However, the more boaters there are on the water, the greater the chance of an accident. Viles & Beckman’s boating accident lawyers in Port Charlotte will be there if you get in a boat wreck.
After your boating accident, you may be facing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Port Charlotte has helped many victims of boat accidents get the compensation they deserve.
With over $100 million recovered for our clients, we’re confident that our team can get your life afloat again after your boat wreck. Contact our offices anytime to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Port Charlotte Waters
Any personal injury case starts with answering, “What happened?” Once we answer this question, we can determine who is liable for the accident. There are many causes of boat accidents. Here are a few of the common ones we’ve seen.
- Operator inexperience: Many accidents occur due to a lack of proper training or familiarity with local waterways.
- Alcohol use: Operating a boat under the influence is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
- Excessive speed: Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Equipment failure: Poorly maintained vessels or faulty machinery can lead to unexpected accidents.
- Weather conditions: Sudden storms or strong currents are common in Charlotte Harbor and can catch boaters off guard.
If a boat operator acted in a way that a reasonable person wouldn’t have and caused an accident, they may be held negligent. That means they are responsible for paying compensation to anyone they injured. Usually, an insurance company will ultimately pay the victims.
You can get the most money from the insurers by working with a Port Charlotte boating accident lawyer. While you recover, they can handle the investigation and the negotiations. We’re also comfortable taking insurers to court if they refuse to come to a reasonable settlement.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
How Our Port Charlotte Boating Accident Lawyers WIll Prove Negligence
To prove negligence in a boating accident case, we must show the insurers or the court four things. These are:
Duty of Care
The boat operator or other responsible party owes you a duty to operate the vessel safely or maintain safe conditions. This duty is assumed in most boating accident situations. Drivers of any vehicle are responsible for operating it safely.
Breach of Duty
Next, we must show they failed to uphold this duty through actions or inactions. A reasonable boat operator will follow all navigation rules, have proper safety equipment, and avoid risky maneuvers like jumping wakes.
Once a boat operator breaks the rules, they’ve breached their duty. If the Coast Guard or similar authority cites someone for breaking boating laws, this is a good sign that they’ve breached their duty.
Causation
Breaching a duty of care may be enough to get them pulled over by the authorities, but it’s not enough for you to file a claim. The breach of duty must be the reason for your boating accident. Our lawyers will gather evidence and study what happened to show that you weren’t the one at fault for your boat wreck.
Examples include:
- Accident reports and police records
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony from marine safety professionals
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Photographic and video evidence from the scene
Damages
Finally, you must have suffered an actual loss because of an accident. Damages are the things for which you’re demanding compensation. We must show evidence of your damages and argue for their amount.
Some damages, like medical care and boat repair costs, are easy to prove. Others, like pain and suffering, require skilled negotiation. Our attorneys will work hard to get you the most money possible for your accident.
Examples of damages include:
- 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.
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Particular Challenges for Boaters in Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte’s boating environment raises the risks of accidents. That’s why you need a local Port Charlotte boating accident lawyer who knows about hazards like:
- Charlotte Harbor dynamics: The large, shallow harbor can experience rapid weather changes and challenging currents.
- Intercoastal Waterway traffic: The busy waterway requires extra vigilance and adherence to navigation rules.
- Mangrove islands and sandbars: These natural features can create navigation hazards for unfamiliar boaters.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Tourist seasons can increase boat traffic and increase accident risks.
Click To ContactTake Action to Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been injured on the waters around Port Charlotte, it’s time to take action. Contact Viles & Beckman today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you chart a course towards the compensation you deserve.
Fill out our online contact form or call the number on your screen to schedule your free consultation with our Port Charlotte boating accident lawyers. Trust in The 5-Star Law Firm to guide you safely to shore.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
