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Trial Pro P.A. is proud to advocate for accident victims all over the state of Florida, including from our Central Florida office in Orlando. Our dedicated experienced personal injury attorneys handle a range of legal matters, from employment disputes to auto accidents claims. We can use our knowledge and legal skills to help you not only achieve a favorable outcome but relieve the legal burden on your shoulders as well. Our entire team understands how challenging and confusing litigation can be, which is why we are here for you through every step of the process.

The Trial Pro, P.A. attorneys, carry more than a century of collective legal experience and decades of working together as a team. We have represented hundreds if not thousands of people who have been injured due to car accidents, slip-and-fall, worker's compensation cases, and more. One thing that is clear to us is the essence of partnership. Without it, Trial Pro, P.A. could not be as effective in attaining success for our clients.

Personal Injury Claims and Liability after a Boat Accident?

Frequently Asked Questions - Personal Injury Claims and Liability after a Boat Accident?

Personal Injury Claims and Liability after a Boat Accident?

According to the United States Coast Guard the state of Florida had 918,225 registered recreational vessels in 2017.  Florida is one of the busiest states in the nation for boating.  Both tourists and state residents operate watercraft all across the state’s waterways.  As a result, Florida is also a leader in annual boating accidents and casualties.  The United States Coast Guard reported 723 boating accidents in Florida in 2017.  The 723 boating accidents resulted in 66 deaths, 429 injuries, and over 8 million dollars in damages.  Florida accounted for 10% of all boating deaths in 2017 according to the United States Coast Guard. There are numerous factors that may contribute to a boating accident and injury.  An experienced attorney can assist in determining if the injured victim is entitled to compensation from a negligent party.

Florida Boating Regulations

Florida boating regulations are far less stringent than those for automobiles.  Anyone over the age of 14 in Florida is eligible to operate a boat in Florida.  Florida regulations require anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more to pass an approved boater safety course.  Upon completion of the course, the operator must keep in his or her possession photographic identification and the boating safety education cared issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Individuals who were born before 1988 are not required to obtain the Florida Wildlife Commission issued boating safety identification card.

Non-Florida residents must also comply with the boating safety education requirements.  Out-of-state visitors, however, may be exempt from the boating safety educational requirements if they have proof that an equivalent boater safety course was completed out-of-state.  Visitors to Florida who are 26 years of age or older are eligible to obtain a temporary certificate in order to rent a boat.  A temporary certificate is not a substitute for the Florida Wildlife Commission issued boating safety identification card and is only valid for one year.

Individuals who are 14 or older and were born on or after January 1, 1988 may be exempt from the boating safety educational requirements if they meet one of the following exemptions:

  • They are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.
  • They are operating a boat on a private lake or pond.
  • The operator is accompanied by an individual who is over 18 years of age and possesses the Florida Wildlife Commission issued boating safety identification card.
  • The operator is accompanied by an individual who is responsible for the operation of the boat and is exempt from the educational requirements.
  • The operator is operating the boat within 90 days after the purchase of the boat and who satisfies the requirements of Chapter 328.46(1) Florida Statutes.

 

Common Boating Injuries and Causes

Due to the vast number of vessels on Florida’s waterways, and the relative inexperience of many of these boaters, Florida accounts for a large portion of the nation’s boating accidents and casualties.  Non-fatal boating accidents can still result in serious and permanent injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or amputated limbs.  In fact, the United States Coast Guard reported the most common injuries in 2017 from boating accidents were lacerations, broken bones, scrapes or bruises, concussions, and hypothermia.

According to the United States Coast Guard improper operation of boating vessels was the leading cause of accidents and causalities in 2017.  Operator inattention was the leading contributing factor, but other frequent negligent vessel operation factors include operator inexperience, improper lookout, navigation rules violations, excessive speed, and alcohol use.  In Florida, it is against the law for a boat operator to leave the scene of a boating accident without attempting to provide aid to injured parties and without reporting the accident to the authorities.  If a boating accident occurs in Florida the operator of the vessel must notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission, the sheriff of the county where the accident occurred, or the police chief of the municipality where the accident occurred.

Boating Accident Liability

Numerous factors can lead to a boating accident.  Operator negligence, equipment failure, and even inclement weather can result in boating injuries and deaths.  An experienced attorney can help determine if an injured victim is entitled to compensation.  Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident leading to the victim’s injuries, there are several different parties who may be held liable.  A boat operator can be held liable for injuries that result due to his or her negligence.  For example, a boat operator has a duty to operate the vessel in a safe and prudent manner.  A boat operator who disregards vessel speed restrictions, operates a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs, or operates a vessel with a willful disregard for the safety of others can face both criminal and civil repercussions.

The boat operator is not the only party who may be liable for boating injuries.  Passengers in a vessel may also be liable for the injuries his or her actions cause.  For instance, if a passenger acts in a manner that prevents the boat operator from safely operating the boat.  A boat owner may also be liable if they negligently permit someone unqualified to operate the vessel.  Additionally, a boat owner may be liable for injuries caused as a result of improperly maintaining the vessel.  Similarly, a company that rents boats may also be liable for failing to perform proper maintenance on the vessels they rent to customers.  Even boating manufacturers may be liable if an accident and subsequent injury is caused due to a manufacturing defect.

Governing Law

The laws that will govern a personal injury case will depend on where the injury occurred.  Boating injuries that occur on inland waterways and lakes are governed by Florida’s state laws.  Boating injuries that occur close to the coast will also likely be governed by Florida’s state laws.  If a boating injury occurs in deeper ocean waters far from the coast, federal admiralty law will apply.  An experienced personal injury attorney can help an injured boater identify the appropriate governing laws.



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With more than a century of collective legal experience and a commitment to hard work, excellence, and integrity, we have recovered millions of dollars in damages on behalf of our clients.
Our goal is to enable our clients to sit back and focus on their recovery, knowing that the team at Trial Pro, P.A. has the experience and resources to effectively handle all of the legal details involved in their case.

Personal Injury Law

We put our knowledge and legal abilities into action to assist you to attain a positive outcome and ease the legal stress from your shoulders simultaneously. Trial Pro, P.A., holds a reputation for achieving real success for clients. Please leave it to us to fight wisely but aggressively.

Car Accident Attorneys

Experiencing a car accident can be frustrating and scary, but our promises to you are fully authentic. Trial Pro, P.A.'s injury attorneys, do not under-deliver. Instead, we do everything in our capabilities to go above and beyond your expectations.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Our objective is to enable our clients to relax and concentrate on healing, recognizing that the legal professionals at Trial Pro, P.A. holds the knowledge and resources to adequately tackle all the legal and financial specifics associated with their dispute.

What Our Clients Say

What Our Clients Say About Our Personal Injury Attorneys

"From the beginning we knew we were in good hands."
Clarence,
Personal Injury Case
Trial Pro got me $491,000
"I wouldn't be where I am today without Trial Pro."
Clarence,
Personal Injury Case
Trial Pro got me $998,000
"Trial Pro satisfied client 2021"
Client,
Car Accident Case
Trial Pro got me $1,900,000
"We are really glad that we choose you guys to represent us."
Nicole,
Personal Injury Case
Trial Pro got me $1,000,000
"Trial Pro makes sure you get what you deserve."
Ashley,
Personal Injury Case
Trial Pro got me $795,000
"Trial Pro satisfied client 2021"
Client,
Car Accident Case
Trial Pro got me $1,510,000
"When I hired Trial Pro, I didn't have to worry about anything."
Mark,
Motorcycle Accident Case
Trial Pro got me $810,000

Our Personal Injury attorneys have been featured in numerous publications

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Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible for you. You don't even have to come into our office if you cannot travel or adjust your schedule to make it to us. We're more than happy to come to you!

In addition to traveling directly to our clients, the team at Trial Pro, P.A. also pledges to provide clear advice and regular client communication. We know how vital regular contact with our clients is - we never leave you hanging or delay our responses. 

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Orlando Personal Injury Attorneys

After experiencing an automobile accident, the last thing you desire is to have an attorney at hand that doesn’t know how to represent you adequately. You want a reputable law firm that will.

Serious Representation
We put our knowledge and legal abilities into action to assist you to attain a positive outcome and ease the legal stress from your shoulders simultaneously. Trial Pro, P.A., holds a reputation for achieving real success for clients. Please leave it to us to fight wisely but aggressively. 
Unmatched Case Results
Experiencing a car accident can be frustrating and scary, but our promises to you are fully authentic. Trial Pro, P.A.'s injury legal attorneys, do not under-deliver. Instead, we do everything in our capabilities to go above and beyond your expectations. 
Committed to Our Clients
It would help if you didn't have to beg for a call back from your attorney. It would be best if you didn't have to beg for an update on your case. At Trial Pro, P.A., we don't operate in that manner. We constantly call our clients to give them updates on their claims. If we miss a call, we promise always to return it.
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Our objective is to enable our clients to relax and concentrate on healing, recognizing that the legal professionals at Trial Pro, P.A. holds the knowledge and resources to adequately tackle all the legal and financial specifics associated with their dispute.

Pursuing Client Victories

Based in Florida, Trial Pro, P.A. represents clients across Florida from our offices in Miami, Orlando, Ft. Myers, Naples, Delray Beach, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach. We are dedicated to fully serving you to every degree. We vow to make the entire process of working with us as easy and as stress-free as possible. Therefore, we are more than happy to meet with you at your home, place of employment, hospital room, or other business that you find more convenient. You are always welcome to come into our office as well.

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Trial Pro P.A. is proud to advocate for accident victims all over the state of Florida. Our dedicated, experienced personal injury attorneys handle various legal matters, from employment disputes to auto accidents claims. We can use our knowledge and legal skills to help you not only achieve a favorable outcome but relieve the legal burden on your shoulders as well. Our entire team understands how challenging and confusing litigation can be, which is why we are here for you through every step of the process.


Trial Pro P.A. Orlando Office

  (407) 300-0000

 250 N Orange Ave 14th Floor
Orlando, FL 32801


Trial Pro P.A. Tampa Office

  (813) 522-5444

 1000 N. Ashley Drive, Suite 512
Tampa, FL, 33602


Trial Pro P.A. Naples Office

  (239) 300-0000

 870 111th Ave N #1
Naples, FL 34108


Trial Pro P.A. Fort Myers Office

  (239) 400-5000

 9341 Marketplace Rd
Fort Myers, FL 33912


Trial Pro P.A. Melbourne Office

  (321) 586-2088

 2551 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Suite 102
Melbourne, FL, 32935

Contact Info

250 N Orange Ave, 14th Floor

Orlando, FL 32801

help@trialpro.com

(407) 300-0000


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Trial Pro, P.A. Car Accident Attorneys

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. The Information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. For medical advice and treatment, you should contact a licensed medical professional.