If you or a loved one were injured in a boating accident in Bradenton, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, it can be difficult to recover everything you’re owed under the law without an experienced Bradenton boating accident lawyer on your side.
At Garvin Injury Law, we’ve been helping accident victims in Florida just like you for over 50 years. Our Bradenton personal injury lawyers understand the challenges that follow a serious crash on the water and are here to help you make things right. We’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients to date and will work just as hard on your case if you hire us to represent you.
Contact us today at (239) 277-0005 for a free consultation to discuss your case without any obligations.
Injured in a Boating Accident?
Contact an Attorney at Garvin Injury Law Today
How Can Garvin Injury Law Help Me After a Boating Accident in Bradenton, Florida?
Determining who’s responsible in a boating accident and what insurance coverage applies can be complicated. Unlike car accidents, boating collisions often involve multiple parties and overlapping state and federal laws. That’s where we can step in and make all the difference in terms of how your case plays out.
When you hire Garvin Injury Law, we’ll handle every part of your case from start to finish, no matter what that might entail. Our Bradenton personal injury lawyers will:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and gather all of the available evidence
- Identify every potentially liable party
- Work with accident reconstruction and maritime experts as appropriate
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and pain and suffering
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit in Manatee County court if necessary
Our law firm has spent decades standing up to insurers and negligent parties, and we’re not afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice. Call us today to get started with a free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Bradenton, FL
Florida consistently leads the nation in boating accidents. Many of these incidents occur due to preventable negligence and other forms of wrongdoing. Generally speaking, some of the most frequent causes include:
- Operator inattention
- Speeding
- Reckless navigation
- Boating under the influence of alcohol
- Failure to follow navigational rules and signals
- Inexperienced operators
- Mechanical failures
- Poor vessel maintenance
- Improper weight distribution
- Hazardous weather conditions
A momentary lapse in judgment in these cases can lead to devastating results on the water. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries that may require lifelong medical treatment. In fatal cases, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for their losses.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bradenton Boating Accident?
If someone else’s actions caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for both your financial and personal losses. Florida law allows victims to pursue economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
If the at-fault party acted egregiously, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which punish especially reckless behavior.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident in Florida?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a boating accident. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, potential defendants can include:
- The boat operator for negligent operation
- The boat owner for allowing an unqualified person to use the vessel
- The manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the crash
- Rental companies for failing to provide proper safety equipment and instruction
In some cases, governmental entities responsible for maintaining waterways or navigational markers may also be held accountable. A qualified boating accident attorney in Bradenton can evaluate your case and identify everyone who may owe you compensation.
What Should I Do After a Boating Accident in Bradenton, FL?
The moments following a boating accident can be chaotic, but your actions can make a major difference in the success of your claim. Try to:
- Get to safety and ensure everyone is out of immediate danger
- Call 911 or contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to report the accident
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties
- Take photos and videos of the damage, injuries, and the surrounding area
- Seek medical attention immediately, regardless of whether your injuries seem minor.
- Avoid admitting fault and making statements to insurers until you speak with a lawyer
Once you’ve received medical treatment, reach out to Garvin Injury Law as soon as possible for a free case review. We’ll preserve key evidence, communicate with the insurance companies, and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.
How Long Do You Have To File a Boating Accident Claim in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the victim’s passing.
If a government entity is involved or if other certain circumstances apply, however, different notice and filing requirements could apply. Missing the applicable deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s important to act quickly and contact a personal injury lawyer for guidance.
Contact Garvin Injury Law To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a boating accident in Bradenton or anywhere in Manatee County, FL, the legal team at Garvin Injury Law is ready to help. With more than five decades of experience and tens of millions recovered, we have the resources and track record of success you can count on for even the most complex maritime injury cases.
Call (239) 277-0005 today or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation with a trusted Bradenton boating accident attorney. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.