Car accidents are a common occurrence on the roads of Florida, and they can have serious consequences for those involved. If you have been in a car accident in Florida

How to Prove Fault in Your Tampa Car Accident Claim if There Were No Witnesses

Each year, thousands of car accidents occur in Tampa, many with no witnesses. This lack of direct witnesses can pose a serious challenge for those seeking to prove fault in

When Does Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Apply to Your Lakeland Rideshare Accident Claim?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in Lakeland and other cities, providing a convenient and affordable mode of transportation for many people. However, with the rise

What to Do if You’re Injured by an Airbag in a Lakeland Car Crash

Car crashes are an unfortunate reality that can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. In the midst of the chaos and confusion of a car crash, one may not even

WE REMOVE THE FEAR

of Going Through the Process of a Personal Injury Claim

The team at Dismuke Law understands how our clients are affected by accidents and brings that empathy to the courtroom and settlement table every day.

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Recent Car Accidents Blogs:

Will There Will Be A Car Accident Investigation?

The at-fault party’s insurance company will immediately launch an auto accident investigation to reduce their payout.

This investigation includes taking statements from the parties and witnesses and collecting physical evidence, such as photographs and even the damaged vehicles.

While the insurance company attempts to avoid liability, most auto accident victims are left to deal with the personal and financial effects of the trauma. This reality is why it’s important to have a specialist on your side. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.

Should I Seek Medical Attention After An Accident?

Most people avoid doctor appointments after a vehicle accident. However, after a severe auto crash, it is important to follow medical advice to give yourself the best and fastest chance to heal.

Seek medical care immediately after an injury and avoid missing appointments with your healthcare professionals.

Should I Tell My Doctor About Prior Injuries?

Your auto accident case value is determined by evidence from several places, especially your doctors. Most people who require treatment will get better; however, some catastrophic injuries require lifelong care.

After an accident, document what future needs may be necessary. It is also important to tell your doctors about past issues.

The doctors need to give opinions about new injuries and prior injuries that were possibly exacerbated. Failure to provide your doctors with accurate information may damage your credibility and undermine your doctor’s findings.

What Is A Permanent Injury In Florida?

After Lakeland, FL, car accident, you must demonstrate that your injury is permanent to receive compensation for pain and suffering, disability or physical impairment, deformity, mental anguish, inconvenience, or loss of capacity for enjoyment of life.

To be considered a permanent injury, it must include:

A significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.

Permanent and significant scarring or disfigurement.

An injury that the evidence shows is permanent to a reasonable degree of probability.

What Is "Maximum Medical Improvement?"

Maximum medical improvement is when an injured patient’s condition cannot be further improved or when a healing plateau is reached.

It can mean the patient has fully recovered from their injury, or their condition has stabilized, and no substantial change can be expected. Maximum medical improvement does not mean the patient will not receive future care.

What Is "Palliative Care?"

Sometimes, future care is designed to help with functionality or pain levels and will not cure the condition. This kind of treatment following a car wreck is called “palliative care.” Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized health care for people with severe conditions.

It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptom or pain. Such therapy aims to improve the patient’s quality of life.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me After An Accident?

After getting the care you need, obtaining good advice and counsel is important for your future. Hiring the right personal injury attorneys can make a difference in your case. If you need legal assistance, contact one of our car accident specialists.

If you hire a lawyer on contingency, you will likely pay the same percentage fee whether your lawyer is a first-year lawyer with little or no experience or a board-certified specialist by the Florida Bar.

What This Page Covers:

Common Causes: Boating accidents often involve operator negligence, inexperience, boating under the influence, improper maintenance, or defective parts. Liability can extend to multiple parties, including operators, manufacturers, and businesses.
Negligence Components: Establishing liability requires proving four elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation linking the breach to harm, and resulting damages like medical costs or property loss.
Florida Boating Laws: Florida law requires boat operators to carry a Boating Safety Education ID and report any accidents. Although insurance isn’t mandatory, liability claims may still be pursued.
Why Dismuke Law: Dismuke Law meticulously gathers evidence, builds strong cases, and aggressively negotiates for fair settlements, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support throughout the legal process.

A boating accident can turn a fun day on the water into a day marked by pain and distress. One minute, you are out, soaking up the sun with family and friends. The next, you have been struck by a drunk driver. Boating is very popular in Florida, and sadly, the state sees a lot of boating accidents as a result.

Nobody deserves to pay the financial or physical price of another person’s negligence. If you have been injured in a boating accident in Central Florida, Dismuke Law can help. Our Lakeland boating accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Common Boating Accident Causes and Liability

When boating accidents occur, there are many parties who may be at fault. Operating a boat safely is complicated and involves the cooperation of everyone who is responsible for manufacturing, repairing, and driving the vehicle.

Some common causes of boating accidents include:

Operator Negligence: Possibly the most common cause of boating accidents, operator negligence involves any action in which a driver is failing to operate their boat safely. This may include speeding, distracted driving, disregard of laws, or general recklessness.
Operator Inexperience: Due to the complex nature of driving a boat, only people with significant experience are able to do so safely. A driver’s lack of boating knowledge and familiarity with a vehicle can contribute to accidents. Although these types of accidents can be the fault of the driver themselves, liability can also fall on the people who allowed an inexperienced boater to drive.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause serious accidents. Drivers who boat under the influence may face civil liability and criminal charges. Businesses that provided the driver with alcohol could also be held liable for damages under Florida’s dram shop laws.
Improper Maintenance and Repair: A boat that has not been properly maintained can be a cause of accidents. In these cases, operators, mechanics, and owners of the boat could be liable for damages.
Defective Boat Parts: A boat may be unable to operate safely because it was designed or manufactured incorrectly. Those responsible for producing the defective boat or boat parts can be held liable.

When it comes to establishing the liable party, our team will work on first proving the four components of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The responsible party must have owed a duty of care, such as operating the boat safely or following boating laws. Next, there must be a breach of that duty, like reckless driving or failing to maintain the vessel. Causation connects the breach directly to the accident, showing that the negligent actions led to the harm. Finally, damages must be proven, whether they involve medical expenses, property damage, or other losses. Proving these elements is key to establishing liability and pursuing compensation in a boat accident case.

Breaking Down Florida Boating Laws

Florida law regulates the sale and operation of all watercraft in the state. Although there are minimum age requirements for operators of personal watercraft (such as a jet ski), there is no age requirement for driving a boat in the state. Florida does, however, require boat operators to carry a photo ID and a Boating Safety Education Identification Card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which signifies that a driver has completed a boating safety course. Drivers who unsafely operate a boat could face criminal penalties including charges for boating under the influence (BUI) or reckless operation,

The state of Florida also has established laws that govern what actions should be taken in the event of a boating accident. If you are driving a boat and are involved in a boating accident, you are required by law to provide assistance to everyone else involved and must report the accident to the local police, the county sheriff, or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

People who own boats are not required to have boating insurance in Florida. You may file a claim with an owner’s insurance provider if they have insurance, but will more likely need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the liable parties if you are injured in a boating accident.

Why Choose Dismuke Law for My Boating Accident Claim?

At Dismuke Law, our commitment to your boating accident claim begins with a strategic approach. This involves both collecting critical evidence and tirelessly fighting for a settlement that truly reflects the full extent of your losses.

Collect Evidence

Gathering strong evidence is the foundation of any successful boating accident claim. At Dismuke Law, we understand what it takes to build a solid case. Our team works quickly to secure crucial evidence like witness statements, photos of the accident scene, maintenance records, and official reports. We may also bring in experts to reconstruct the accident and analyze factors like weather conditions, boat defects, or operator negligence. With our thorough approach, we ensure that every piece of evidence supports your claim and helps prove liability.

Fight for a Worthy Settlement

Securing a fair settlement goes beyond calculating immediate damages — it’s about ensuring your future needs are covered as well. The attorneys at Dismuke Law aggressively negotiate with insurance companies, aiming to recover compensation that fully accounts for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care needs. If insurers offer less than what you deserve, we are ready to take your case to trial. With our experience and commitment, we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact Us to Schedule a Free Consultation Today

At Dismuke Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to navigate a boating accident claim, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and financial stress. We treat every client with personalized care, ensuring that no detail is overlooked as we fight for the compensation you deserve.

When you choose Dismuke Law, you’re not just hiring an attorney — you’re gaining a dedicated team that treats you like family. We work tirelessly to outprepare our adversaries and achieve the best possible results for our clients. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a free consultation at (863) 250-5050 or visit our contact form.

Take The Next Step

We Care About Your Recovery

Seriously injured? Have no coverage? We want to talk to you and we can help. We have two convenient office locations in Lakeland and Tampa and can even come to you if you are unable to travel due to your injuries. When you’ve been hurt in Florida, 1-800-ASK-DAVE is the only number you have to remember.

WHAT IS MY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
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WHAT IS MY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
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