Boat Accident Attorneys in Jacksonville

Boating accidents are a serious problem. In 2011 alone, they caused over $27 million in damages. Florida has great weather and beautiful waterways that attract tens of thousands of recreational boaters, jet skiers, anglers, and wave runner operators to the water every week. Although there are many laws that govern safe boating on our lakes, rivers, Intracoastal waterways, and offshore, hundreds of watercraft accidents, injuries, and deaths occur each year. According to data compiled from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 67 people were killed and 431 seriously injured in the 742 boating accidents that were reported on the state’s waterways in 2011.

At Spohrer Dodd, our Jacksonville boat accident lawyers have vast experience in representing personal injury victims and litigating the most complex accident lawsuits. To obtain a recovery for damages, it is most important to determine the cause of a boating accident as well as the extent of liability. Unique maritime laws inherent to boating accidents often complicate the approach to a successful lawsuit.

Our trial attorneys understand all aspects of personal watercraft cases and represent victims for a variety of causes that can include:

• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Boating under the influence
• Improperly trained boat operator
• Operating at high speed
• Collisions with other watercraft
• Overloading the vessel
• Defective safety equipment
• Defective watercraft design or manufacturing

Take advantage of a free case evaluation to learn more about your case and your rights. Call Spohrer Dodd at (904) 637-7721 today!

Trial Attorneys for Personal Watercraft Lawsuits in Florida & Nationwide

Unfortunately, Florida has very few requirements for boating instruction and many boaters find themselves at the helm of very fast, nimble personal watercraft without any specialized knowledge. In their eagerness to have fun, some boaters underestimate the dangers of watercraft as compared to operating their car or truck. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding of nautical rules and safety requirements coupled with limited skills can lead to tragic consequences.

There are many rules and regulations that govern the safe operation of personal watercraft. Yet, hundreds of serious accidents occur every year on Florida waterways. Since boaters in a personal watercraft accident have much less protection than those in a car, victims can be faced with major medical expenses for compound fractures, traumatic brain injuries, disfiguring lacerations, or spinal cord injuries. Operators, passengers, and the occupants of the other vessel who were injured due to a boater’s negligence or unreasonable actions may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage as well as the pain and suffering related to the accident. In order to quickly resolve your claim and recover compensation for damages, your case should be investigated to its full potential and liability must be clearly established.

If you’ve been injured or have had a family member die in a boat or other watercraft accident, contact Spohrer Dodd to discuss the details of your case. Our Jacksonville boating accident attorneys have the skills and resources to fight on your behalf and help you obtain a fair settlement for compensation of your injuries.

Call our team today at (904) 637-7721 for your free consultation.