Florida Boat Rental Accident Lawyer
Recreational boating is an immensely popular activity in Florida. Not everyone who heads out on the water lives here, though, and even residents do not always have their own boat. As such, these individuals must rely on boat rental companies to provide the vessel they need to enjoy a day on the water. Unfortunately, these boats are not always safe and accidents do occur.
After a boat accident, it is often the boat rental companies who are to blame. These are complex matters and to make them even more complicated, rental companies often require renters to sign a liability waiver so they are not found at fault for a crash. Below, our Florida boat rental accident lawyer outlines the requirements companies must follow, and how you can claim the full compensation you deserve.
- Clearwater Boat Rental Accident
- Fort Myers Boat Rental Accident
- Pensacola Boat Rental Accident
- Sarasota Boat Rental Accident
- St. Petersburg Boat Rental Accident
Boat Rental Requirements
There are two state statutes that govern boat rentals in Florida. F.S. 327.39 outlines the following requirements:
- Vessels must not be operated one-half hour before sunrise or one-half hour after sunset.
- There must be prudent and reasonable care of the vessel at all times.
- No person under the age of 14 years old is allowed to operate a watercraft.
- Boat rental companies must provide adequate instruction about how to operate the vessel, and have a written statement attesting to the fact that they have provided sufficient instruction.
Under F.S. 327.54, boat rental companies are also only allowed to rent their vessels to certain individuals and at certain times. Boat rental companies cannot rent watercraft when any of the following situations apply:
- The number of people who intend to use the watercraft exceeds safety capacity,
- The watercraft is not deemed as seaworthy,
- The watercraft does not contain the required safety gear,
- The watercraft’s motor cannot handle the amount of horsepower of the vessel, and when,
- The renter is younger than 18 years old.
Boat Rental Companies and Liability Waivers
In an effort to shield themselves from liability, boat rental companies often require renters to sign a liability waiver. These waivers state that the renter waives any right to hold rental companies liable for any accident that results in injury. However, even when someone has signed this waiver, it does not necessarily mean that they cannot still claim compensation from the rental company.
When the language used within the waiver is vague or ambiguous, the courts have historically decided in favor of the plaintiff. Additionally, waivers do not provide full protection from liability. Waivers, for example, do not give rental companies the right to break the law. If a company violated any of the above laws, it could provide an outlet for accident victims to claim the compensation they deserve.
Our Boat Rental Accident Lawyer in Florida Can Help with Your Case
At The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A., our Florida boat rental accident lawyer knows the serious injuries that are caused by the negligence of others. If you have been hurt, call us now at 888-262-8529 or contact us online to speak with our attorney today.
