The City of Pensacola is a popular location for tourists and residents of the state to engage in boating activities. However, the operator of a boat on an excursion should ensure that the boat is safe for all passengers. If a passenger is injured in an accident caused by the boat operator, they could have a valid personal injury claim against them. If you or a family member was injured in a boating accident in Pensacola, you should consult with an experienced Pensacola boating accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., our skilled legal team has extensive experience litigating boating accident cases, and we could help you fight for the compensation you are owed. We know that a boating accident can be traumatizing for a victim, and we believe that you should not have to bear the burden of a negligent boat operator’s mistakes. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your potential boat accident lawsuit, contact Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., at (866) 386-1762. You could also contact our boating accident attorneys online to schedule your free case review.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Pensacola, FL
Boating excursions are often a great experience for family and friends that wish to enjoy an adventure on the ocean. However, a boating trip can quickly go wrong for a variety of reasons. The following is a list of common causes of boating accidents in Pensacola that could lead to a personal injury lawsuit.
Exceeding Speed Limit
It is the obligation of a boat operator to ensure that they remain within the posted speed limits. When a boat captain exceeds the posted speed limits, there is a high risk that passengers could be injured in the process. For example, the increased speed could cause the passengers to be violently jostled into hard surfaces or into each other. In some cases, a passenger could even be thrown from the deck, which could be a serious issue if they cannot swim, or they were not wearing a life jacket.
Ignoring Boating Regulations
When navigating a boat, the operator must adhere to a number of laws. For instance, a boat operator cannot navigate their boat through an area that was zoned for people to swim as they could strike swimmers in the ocean. Additionally, if a boat operator travels on waters that were meant for larger ships, they are placing passengers at risk. If you believe a boat operator’s negligence of the law caused your injuries, you should speak with an experienced Florida boating accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Alcohol-Related Boat Accidents
It is illegal for a boat operator to navigate while they are intoxicated. Specifically, a boat operator cannot have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher while driving a boat. Exceeding this BAC could make the pilot highly unpredictable, which could lead to collisions with other boats or a failure to notice obstacles in the ocean.
Additionally, if the operator of the boat is serving alcohol to passengers, it is important to monitor the amount of alcohol given to each passenger. An overly intoxicated passenger could cause a serious accident that could injure other passengers.
There are many other circumstances where a boat passenger could be injured in a boating accident. If you need assistance filing a boat accident lawsuit in Florida, you should continue reading and speak with our skilled Pensacola boating accident attorneys today.
Reasons to Hire a Pensacola Boating Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a boating accident in Pensacola, Florida, you could personally begin working on a boating accident lawsuit against the party that caused your injuries. However, there are many benefits to hiring an experienced Florida boating accident lawyer to help you litigate your potential case.
One reason to hire a Pensacola boating accident lawyer is that they will understand how the laws work pertaining to your case. Boating incidents that occur on public waterways are often subject to maritime laws. This means that instead of applying state laws to your boating accident case, your case may have to adhere to federal laws. If you are not familiar with maritime law, a simple mistake could be costly to your potential lawsuit.
Another reason to hire a boating accident attorney is that litigating an injury case could be highly time-consuming. You will need to gather evidence for your case, handle discovery matters, and file a variety of documents. This could be a lot to manage for a person that could be recovering after a serious boating accident. Our firm understands the burden set upon victims of boating accidents, and we would be pleased to help you with your case.
Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., welcome the chance to further discuss why we would be a great fit for your boating accident case. We are invested in providing our clients with the legal representation they deserve.
Consult with Our Experienced Pensacola Boating Accident Attorneys Today
If you were a victim of a boating accident in Pensacola, you should work with a committed Pensacola boating accident attorney today. At Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., we welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your legal options in a boating accident claim. To schedule a free and confidential legal consultation for your case, contact Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind, P.A., at (866) 386-1762. Your free consultation could also be scheduled online.