Fort Myers Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents can happen suddenly in a wide variety of waterways in the Fort Myers area, from boating accidents on the Caloosahatchee River to those that occur in open water in the Gulf of Mexico. Many boating accidents result from another party’s negligence. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a boating accident, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a claim. You should get in touch with an attorney who can assess your case in order to determine which party or parties could be liable for your injuries. Contact our experienced Fort Myers boating accident lawyer today.

Learning More About Fort Myers Boating Accidents

Boating accidents happen more often in the Fort Myers area than you might think. While recreational boating is a popular activity for residents and visitors alike, it is important to know that there are also many risks that come with boating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were a total of 4,439 boating accidents identified in 2021 alone, and those accidents resulted in a total of 2,642 injuries, 658 deaths, and a total of more than $67 million in property damage. The injury and deaths rates from boating accidents in 2021 actually represent a decrease by about 15 percent from the previous year.

What causes most boating accidents in Florida and across the country? The U.S. Coast Guard identifies the following as the most common causes of boating accidents where the cause has been identified:

Alcohol use;
Lack of boating safety instruction;
Operating inattention;
Operator inexperience;
Improper lookout;
Boat machinery failure or boat defects; and
Excessive speed.

Where injuries and fatalities occur in boating accidents, drowning is the leading cause of both injury and death.

Statute of Limitations for a Fort Myers Boating Accident Claim

In order to file a claim against another party for a boating accident in Fort Myers, it will be critical to work with an experienced Fort Myers boating accident attorney to determine the cause of the accident and liability. If a boating accident resulted from another boater’s speeding or intoxication, for example, you may be able to file a claim against that vessel operator. If the accident resulted from a machinery issue, a negligence boat mechanic or the designer or manufacturer of the defective part could be liable.

How much time will you have to file a claim? It is critical to pay attention to the statute of limitations. According to the Florida Statutes, most personal injury lawsuits, including boating accident claims, must be filed within four years from the date of the boating accident. The statute of limitations could be shorter if your claim is a maritime claim.

Contact Frank D. Butler Today

Anyone who has been injured in a boating accident should get in touch with an attorney who can evaluate their case and discuss options for seeking compensation. One or more parties may be liable for the injuries you suffered in a boating accident, and you could be eligible to file a claim. Contact our experienced Fort Myers boating accident lawyer today.

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