West Palm Beach Boating Accident Lawyer

A boating accident can turn a fun afternoon on the water into a tragic, life-changing event. If you or your family suffered injuries in a West Palm Beach boating accident, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party.

Florida boating laws require boat operators to adhere to posted restrictions and operate their watercraft with reasonable regard for other vessels given the conditions and time of day. When boaters fail to follow these rules, they can be found negligent.

If you sustained injuries in a boating accident, a West Palm Beach boating accident lawyer can help. The team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can review the details of your case, establish fault, and fight for your right to collect damages. Call our personal injury firm today at 561-899-5020 to discuss your case.

Types of West Palm Beach Boating Accidents Our Firm Handles

The causes of boating accidents can vary, but many are due to alcohol use, lack of training, or other negligent behaviors.

Our firm handles all types of boating accidents, including the following types:

• Boating while intoxicated
• Failure to follow posted wake regulations
• Failure to maintain a safe vessel
• Operator’s inexperience
• Operator distraction
• Excessive speed
• Equipment failure

If the negligent actions of another party resulted in your boating accident, you can hold them liable for your injuries and other damages. Call 561-899-5020 to reach the team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers and discuss your accident.

Common Defendants in West Palm Beach Boating Accident Cases

In order to seek damages, your boating accident must be a result of the reckless actions or negligence of another party.

For example, if another boat operator is intoxicated and crashes into your boat, causing damage and injuries, they may be held liable. Or, if a boating tour company hires an inexperienced vessel operator who then causes your crash, the company may be held responsible for your injuries.

The defendant in your case will depend on who caused the accident and subsequent injuries. The most common types of at-fault parties we see include:

• Another private boater who acted in a negligent manner
• A boating or fishing company who owned and operated the other vessel
• A municipality, such as a park system, who was responsible for maintaining the waterway, boat ramp, or dock
• A manufacturer or designer of a boat or safety equipment, if its failure resulted in your injuries.

For more information about who may be liable for your injuries, contact our team at 561-899-5020. We can investigate your situation and determine who caused your injuries and other damages.

Damages You May Recover in Your West Palm Beach Boating Accident Case

Damages refer to any financial losses you incurred as a result of another party’s negligent behavior. We seek to recover these losses by filing a claim or pursuing a legal case in court.

For example, you should not have to pay for surgery to fix a shattered foot caused by another operator’s reckless actions. The value of your boating accident case will vary based on the details of your situation; however, we may seek the following damages:

Medical Bills

We will pursue the cost of any medical care you require as a result of your injuries. These costs may include emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and more.

Personal Property Damage

You may also seek compensation for any personal property damaged in the accident, including the cost to repair or replace your vessel, fishing equipment, navigational equipment, and electronics.

Lost Wages & Future Lost Wages

If your injuries cause you to miss time at work, we may seek to recover those lost wages in your claim. Additionally, if you are unable to return to work for an extended period of time, we may recover the cost of future lost wages as well.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to the financial losses you incurred as a result of someone else’s actions, you may have suffered physical and emotional distress. We may pursue damages for these challenging experiences as well.

Statute of Limitations in West Palm Beach Boating Accidents

Florida law grants you two years from the date of your West Palm Beach boating accident to pursue compensation in a court of law. After this limit expires, you may be unable to hold the other party liable for your losses.

Keep in mind that boating accident evidence can be washed away quickly, and memories fade. It is in your best interest to contact a West Palm Beach boating accident lawyer right away to preserve your right to compensation.

Contact a West Palm Beach Boating Accident Lawyer Today

When another party’s negligent or reckless actions ruin your boating experience and cause injuries, though, they should be held responsible for their actions. If you or your family sustained injuries in a West Palm Beach boating accident, you want a legal team who offers personalized, hands-on legal guidance.

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience recovering damages for West Palm Beach accident victims. We take pride in building strong relationships with our clients and their families. Let us help you through this challenging situation. Call 561-899-5020 for a free review of your potential boat accident case. We will even come to your home or hospital room if needed.