Call Us Today Just as the Sanibel Lighthouse has guided mariners safely to shore for over a century, Viles & Beckman is here to guide you through the turbulent waters of your boating accident claim. We understand that in the wake of an accident, you’re not just dealing with physical injuries—you’re facing a storm of financial worries and legal uncertainties.
Reach out to Viles & Beckman today for a free, no-obligation consultation. As The 5-Star Law Firm, we bring decades of combined experience and a compassionate modern approach to personal injury law. We’re confident our Sanibel personal injury lawyers can help you.
If you’ve been hurt on the water in Sanibel, then it’s time to talk with a boating accident lawyer. Contact Viles & Beckman now for a free consultation, or read on to learn more about boat accidents and how we can help you.
Getting Evidence in Boat Accident Cases
Getting evidence can be difficult in a boat accident claim for one simple reason: boats sink. That’s why you should contact the authorities as soon as possible so they can document what happened before the evidence disappears.
But if you were taken to the hospital and had no chance, take heart. Our skilled legal team will do their utmost to support your accident claim. We’ll seek out evidence like:
- 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
With this and other evidence, we’ll construct a strong case that shows who the proper negligent parties are and how much compensation they need to pay to make you whole again. Work with our Sanibel boating accident attorneys to ensure you get the most from your accident claim.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Damages Our Sanibel Boat Accident Lawyers Can Recover for You
The law allows victims of negligent accidents to get financial compensation for damages. Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve incurred, including medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible yet significant ways the accident has affected your life. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While more challenging to quantify, these losses are no less real and deserve compensation.
At Viles & Beckman, we’ll carefully evaluate every aspect of your case to ensure we pursue all the damages you’re rightfully owed, fighting to secure the total compensation you need to rebuild your life after a Sanibel boating accident.
(239) 334-3933
How Do I Win My Boating Accident Case?
You must show that someone else was responsible for your injuries to win your case. The most common way to do this is to show that they were negligent. Our lawyers will prove this to the insurers and the court through the case we build for you.
We must show that whoever harmed you acted unreasonably and put you in harm’s way. We must also show that their actions caused an accident. Finally, we have to show which damages you suffered and their costs.
If all of these are present, then your case will be won. An insurer may agree with our assessment and work to negotiate a settlement. If they don’t, our Sanibel boating accident lawyers will take your case to court and work to persuade a judge and jury that you deserve compensation.
Click To ContactInsurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For
Insurance companies can sometimes be like hidden sandbars – seemingly helpful on the surface but potentially damaging if you’re not careful. These companies may employ various tactics to minimize their payout or deny your claim. Our boat accident lawyers can help with insurance claims to protect you against tactics like:
Low Settlement
One common tactic is the quick settlement offer. Much like a fisherman trying to reel you in, insurers may present a fast, low-ball offer soon after your accident. They hope you accept this amount before fully understanding the extent of your injuries or long-term financial needs.
Delays
Another strategy is to delay the claims process. Insurance companies might drag their feet, requesting unnecessary documentation or taking an unreasonable amount of time to respond. They’re banking on your growing desperation as medical bills pile up, hoping you’ll accept a lower offer out of financial pressure.
Shifting the Blame
Insurers may also try to shift blame onto you. They might argue that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident, leveraging Florida’s comparative negligence laws to reduce their liability.
Surveillance
Some insurance companies even surveil claimants by watching their social media or hiring private investigators. If you post a photo of yourself enjoying a day at the beach, they might argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Twist Your Words
Lastly, insurers might use your own words against you. They may record phone conversations or ask for written statements, looking for any admission of fault or inconsistency in your story.
Our Sanibel boat accident attorneys have seen all these tactics repeatedly, and we know how to counteract them.
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Why Choose Viles & Beckman for Your Sanibel Boating Accident Case?
- Island insight: We understand the unique aspects of boating in Sanibel and its surrounding waters.
- Proven track record: Viles & Beckman has recovered over $100 million for our clients.
- Personal attention: We treat every case carefully and respectfully to give you the five-star experience you deserve. Read our client testimonials to learn more.
- Contingency Fees: 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.
Your Lighthouse in the Legal Storm
In the aftermath of a boating accident, you have a choice. You can try to weather this storm alone, or you can trust in a team that knows these waters like the back of their hand. Let the Viles & Beckman team of Sanibel boating accident lawyers be your compass.
Call or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. With Florida’s two-year statute of limitations, time is of the essence. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help you get the most out of your accident claim.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
