"Whether it's a whiplash, serious injury or wrongful death case, we pride ourselves on representing you with the personal service and aggressive representation that you expect and deserve!" -Attorney Ron Sholes
Boating Accident Attorney
Boat & Personal Watercraft Accident Claims
For those who enjoy recreational boating, a day out on the water can quickly go from a fun time to a nightmare when another person is careless or reckless. Boating accidents tend to lead to devastating injuries, near-drownings, and deaths. The impact of these incidents on victims and their families is almost unimaginable.
If you were injured or if someone you love died in a boating accident, you may not know where to turn or what to do next. At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we are here to help. Armed with over 100 years of collective experience, our team of boating accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options in the wake of tragedy. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more—and we can help you fight for justice.
To learn more, including how our legal team can help you hold a negligent boater accountable for the harm they have caused, contact us online or call (855) 933-3881 for a free consultation.
Proving Fault for a Boating Accident
Many people enjoy boating or using personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis and Sea-Doos, but not everyone practices safe boating. Because boating is often a recreational activity, many people do not think about the potential dangers involved in a day on the water. This leads to careless or even illegal conduct, such as operating a boat or personal watercraft while intoxicated.
If you were involved in a boating accident with another person who was negligent or acting outside of the law, you will need to prove that the other person/party was at fault for the accident to recover compensation in a personal injury claim. Proving fault typically involves demonstrating that the defendant was being negligent or acted wrongfully.
Examples of negligent and wrongful behavior that frequently leads to boating accidents include:
- Operating a boat or personal watercraft at excessive speeds
- Failing to follow navigational/waterway rules
- Speeding in “no-wake” zones
- Failing to keep a proper lookout for swimmers and other people in the water
- Boating while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Causing a collision due to boat/watercraft operator inexperience
- Failing to pay attention/distracted boating
In some cases, boating accidents occur not because of the negligence of another person but due to mechanical failures, defective equipment, hazardous waters, and other conditions. When this is the case, injured victims may still be able to file a claim and seek financial recovery, whether from a product manufacturer or distributor in a product liability action or some other third party.
Boating Accident Injuries & Damages
Because boating accidents tend to result in severe, life-altering injuries, victims require legal representation from a team that understands the unique challenges caused by catastrophic injuries.
Boating and personal watercraft accidents commonly lead to the following injuries:
- Broken bones/fractures
- Burn injuries
- Brain injuries
- Drowning and near-drowning
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Whiplash
These types of injuries often have serious implications for victims; you may suffer debilitating pain, ongoing complications, and new disabilities. You will likely require extensive medical attention, as well as continuous and future care. During your recovery, you may be unable to work and, if your injuries are disabling, you may be unable to earn a living for yourself and/or your family for years. All of this can cause immense financial hardship on top of the physical pain and emotional suffering you are already experiencing.
At the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., we understand the serious nature of catastrophic injuries. Our boating accident attorneys are aggressive when it comes to taking on the insurance company and negotiating for the full compensation you are owed, both for your current damages and your future losses. We are ready to fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs and lost income, and pain and suffering.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Team Today
When you choose the Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A., you get a team of 20 attorneys, 6 investigators, and over 100 assistant support staff dedicated solely to you and your case. We provide personal attention and consistent communication, offering updates on your case and even giving you your attorney’s cell phone number to ensure that we are always available when you need us most.
Our firm is ready to demand the full compensation you are owed for your economic and non-economic damages. We do not charge any attorneys’ fees unless/until we recover compensation for you. If we don’t win your case, you do not pay!