Have you or a loved one been injured in a boating accident in Port St. Lucie, FL? If so, you’re likely facing many challenges. The resulting financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming.
At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, we understand the difficulties you’re going through, and we’re here to help you navigate this difficult time. With over 40 years of combined experience, we are here to be your personal injury experts.
Contact us online, or call (772) 247-3374 for a free consultation with a Port St. Lucie boating accident lawyer.
How Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart Can Help After Your Boat Accident in Port St. Lucie
When you need justice, turn to Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart and our trusted Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyers.
To date, we’ve collected over $60 million in compensation for our clients. Our approach includes:
- A thorough investigation into the details of your highway crash
- Collecting critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any known video footage
- Calculating your damages and devising a strategic legal plan
- Negotiating tirelessly to maximize your compensation
- Representing you in court if a suitable settlement isn’t achieved
- Enlisting top experts in Florida to testify on your behalf
We’ll keep you informed and involved in key decisions throughout the process. Your well-being and peace of mind are our top priorities. Contact us today in Port St. Lucie, Florida, to get started.
Why Choose Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart for Your Port St. Lucie Boat Accident Case?
Our dedicated legal team has experience handling personal injury cases, including boat accidents. We have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved. Our firm has earned recognition and awards for our commitment to client advocacy and excellence in personal injury law.
We are confident in our ability to help accident victims in the area recover the compensation they deserve. We aim to help our clients rebuild their lives after boating accidents. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide personalized guidance on how to proceed.
How Common Are Boating Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Florida?
Boating accidents can happen unexpectedly, causing serious injuries and even fatalities. Boating is a popular pastime in Florida due to its abundant waterways and beautiful weather.
However, with increased boating activity comes an increased risk of accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard reports Florida leads in the United States in boating accidents, fatalities, and injuries. In recent years, the numbers have been concerning.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 16 fewer boating accidents in Florida in 2022, with 735 casualties than in the prior year. But statewide fatalities were up, with 65 total fatalities, 5 deaths higher than the previous year. Drowning is the leading cause of the fatalities, where 81% of the deaths were of individuals not wearing a life jacket.
Boating accidents are common in Palm Beach County, where Port St. Lucie is located. These accidents often involve various vessels, including open motorboats, cabin motorboats, personal watercraft, sailboats, and airboats.
What Is My Port St. Lucie Boating Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of your boat accident case is a complex process that considers various factors. Ultimately, the facts and circumstances of your case will determine its value. The following are just a few considerations that may influence how much your case is worth:
- Severity and types of your injuries
- Damages you have sustained
- Whether you contributed to the cause of the accident
- Amount of evidence to support your claim
- Whether you can return to work and will make a full medical recovery
At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, we know the tactics insurance companies may use to limit your claim. We’ll fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your claim.
What Damages Are Available to Boating Accident Victims in Port St. Lucie?
As a boat accident victim, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the financial losses resulting from the boat accident. These include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future financial losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
Navigating the legal process and understanding the types of damages available can be challenging. That’s where Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, comes in. Our experienced attorneys will work day and night to secure all the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Boating Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie?
At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, we understand that you may already face financial burdens due to your boat accident. That’s why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis.
This means you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. We also only earn a payment for our legal services if we successfully recover compensation for you. It’s our way of making quality legal representation accessible to everyone.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Possibly At Fault for a Boating Accident in Florida?
Florida follows the modified comparative fault rule regarding personal injury cases, including boat accidents. This means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation award can be reduced proportionally to your level of responsibility. However, if you are found to be mostly at fault (51% or more), you may not be eligible for compensation.
It’s crucial to have an experienced attorney who can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to minimize your share of the blame. At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, we have a proven track record of achieving favorable client outcomes, even in cases involving shared fault.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can result in an expansive range of injuries, some of which may include:
- Lacerations and Contusions
- Broken Bones
- Brain Injuries
- Head and Neck Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Injuries to the Teeth and Jaw
- Hypothermia and Shock
- Amputations, paralysis, and other catastrophic injuries
- The wrongful death of a loved one
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries or others due to a boating accident, we are here to help. Our legal team is skilled in handling a vast range of injury cases. We aim to ensure you receive the fair compensation necessary to recover and move forward with your life.
What Causes Most Boating Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Florida?
Boating accidents can occur for various reasons, and understanding the common causes is essential. The leading causes of boat accidents in Port St. Lucie include:
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Inexperienced operators
- Excessive speed
- Machinery failure
- Adverse weather conditions
- Operating under the influence
- Violation of navigational rules
- Careless or reckless boating
- Overloading
- Hull failure
- Hazardous waters
Identifying the cause of your boat accident is crucial to pursuing a successful claim. Our experienced attorneys at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, will comprehensively investigate your case to determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Boating Accident in Florida?
Proving negligence is an essential aspect of a boat accident case. Negligence involves demonstrating that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly leading to the accident and your injuries. To establish negligence, you must generally show the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The boat operator has an obligation to use the vessel safely and responsibly.
- Breach of Duty: The operator breached this duty by acting negligently or recklessly, speeding, operating under the influence, or violating navigational rules.
- Causation: The operator’s breach of duty caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
Proving negligence can be complex, often involving gathering evidence, eyewitness testimonies, accident reconstruction, and expert opinions. Our legal team has the experience and resources to handle these tasks and build a strong case on your behalf.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit After a Boat Accident in Florida?
In Florida, there is a specific timeframe within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit after a boat accident. This timeframe is known as the statute of limitations. The rule for boating accidents, negligence, and personal injury lawsuits in Florida is generally two years from the accident date.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal boat accident, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is the same as a general personal injury claim. Thus, it is also two years from the incident date.
Acting promptly and consulting with an attorney to protect your rights is essential, as there are exceptions to the statute of limitations in some cases. Waiting too long to act can result in losing your ability to seek compensation.
Contact Our Port St. Lucie Boating Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
In the aftermath of a boating accident in Port St. Lucie, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. At Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart, we provide the support, guidance, and legal representation you need during this challenging time.
Our experienced Port St. Lucie boating accident attorneys deeply understand personal injury law, specifically boating accident claims. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the most satisfactory outcome for your case.
To discuss your boating accident case and explore your legal options, please don’t hesitate to contact our Port St. Lucie office for a free consultation. Your initial consultation comes at no cost to you, and it’s an opportunity for us to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the personalized guidance you need. We are here to help you seek justice and move forward with your life.
Don’t delay seeking the fair compensation you deserve. Call (772) 247-3374 today. Let us fight for your rights.
