Boating Accidents & Injuries
Experienced Boating Accidents and Injuries Attorneys in Tampa Bay metropolitan area.
Chadwick & Chadwick serves cruise ship passengers injury and accident claims in Tampa Bay, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Manatee counties and throughout central Florida.
Tampa, Florida boating accidents are not unusual
Boating is one the most popular outdoor hobbies in the U.S. – a relaxing, exciting, fun family sport. Yet recreational boating and water sports have a dark side.
Recreational boating accidents on American waters cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths annually. This includes injuries involving jet skis, sailing, yachting, water skiing and tubing.
More than 4,500 boating accidents occurred in 2012, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, causing 3,000 injuries, 651 deaths and $38 million of property damage. All of this carnage from one enjoyable sport.
Because Chadwick & Chadwick is an experienced Boating Accident and Injury attorney firm it encounters these tragic events on Florida waters regularly. Gulf of Mexico waters of Pinellas and Pasco counties, Tampa Bay waters of Hillsborough County and inland waters of Hernando and Polk counties – all contribute to enjoyment and accidents.
If you has been injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident due to the negligence of someone else, please contact the boating accident Chadwick & Chadwick. Toll-free 813-264-1500, day or night.
Boating Accident Causes
Of the many factors that can lead to boating accidents and injuries, here are a few:
- Driver inexperience
- Driver error
- Intoxication (DUI)
- Excessive speed
- Unfavorable water or weather conditions
- Equipment failure
The United State Coast Guard requires operators of all watercraft defined as vessels to make an official report when a boating accident occurs. Vessel includes airboats, canoes, houseboats, inflatable boats, kayaks, pontoon boats, rafts and rowboats. The Coast Guard does not define unmodified inner tubes as vessels.
You are urged to immediately contact a qualified boating accident and injury legal specialist, Chadwick & Chadwick, who will listen to the details and help you work through federal and Florida rules, regulations and laws to provide the most qualified legal representation.
Commercial Fishing Accidents
Commercial fishing provides high paying job opportunities that are hard to match ashore, but unfortunately there may be a high price to pay. Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country.
If you were a regular member of a commercial fishing crew, the Jones Act determines your rights. If you were not a regular member of the crew, a federal law known as the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act will probably determine your rights and compensation.
Many other circumstances will decide your commercial fishing accident and injury compensation. Most definitely you need legal counsel from professionals like Chadwick & Chadwick. Call 813-264-1500 for consultation.
Safety tips to reduce risks of boating accidents
- Complete a course on boating safety
- Stay sober while operating a boat
- Check the weather forecast before heading out
- Keep your boat under the maximum capacity
- Keep a flotation device for each passenger on board
- Inspect your boat thoroughly before heading out
- Keep an up-to-date fire extinguisher on your boat
You may assume that if you are injured on the water, your personal injury lawyer will help you. However most of Florida’s major bodies of water are governed by the General Maritime Law, which means you need an experienced Maritime attorney. Most private practice personal injury lawyers are not totally familiar with the Maritime regulations, which means you need a skillful Maritime attorney.
Chadwick & Chadwick should be your first choice. For a no-obligation consultation, call 813-264-1500.
