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Pensacola is home to stunning waterways beloved by residents and visitors alike. From the tranquil bays of Escambia Bay to the bustling waters of Pensacola Bay and the scenic Blackwater River close by, these beautiful destinations offer endless opportunities for boating.
Unfortunately, as much as these waterways provide relaxation and adventure, they can also become the site of serious boat accidents. Whether you are enjoying a day fishing with family or cruising along the pristine Gulf of Mexico, an unexpected accident can turn your life upside down.
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, a Pensacola boat accident lawyer from Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon can provide the experienced legal guidance and compassion you need. Contact our team today to explore your legal options.
When the unexpected happens, choosing the right law firm to represent you can make a world of difference. At Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, our Pensacola personal injury lawyer holds more than a century of experience helping clients overcome legal challenges and rebuild their lives. But what truly sets us apart is the way we treat our clients—with dignity, respect, and unwavering dedication.
Here are just a few reasons why clients trust us for their boat accident cases in Pensacola and beyond:
At Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, we consider our clients’ trust a sacred responsibility, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights every step of the way.
Florida is often called the “Boating Capital of the World,” boasting more recreational boats registered here than in any other state. Sadly, it’s also the state with the highest number of reported boating accidents each year. With hundreds of miles of coastline, countless inland lakes, and vibrant boating communities, the likelihood of an accident is a very real concern.
According to recent statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida saw over 650 boating accidents last year, leading to 408 injuries and 59 fatalities. Areas around Pensacola and the Panhandle region are no exception. Accidents often occur because of high boating activity in scenic areas like Escambia Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, or even farther out into the Gulf.
The most troubling part is that many of these accidents are entirely preventable. Issues like operator inexperience, alcohol use, and failure to follow boating regulations leave victims to suffer life-altering injuries ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a boating accident in Pensacola, consult an experienced Pensacola boat accident attorney.
Every state has its own set of laws for boating safety, and in Florida, a mix of state and federal maritime laws applies. These regulations are crucial for keeping boaters safe, but they also form the foundation for legal cases when accidents occur.
These complex regulations can help build the foundation of a strong legal case if you’re pursuing compensation for a boating accident.
Boating accidents can happen suddenly, often with devastating results. Recognizing the most common causes can shed light on how they might have been avoided and who may be held accountable. Here are the leading causes of boat accidents our Pensacola boat accident lawyers have encountered over the years:
When boat operators don’t pay attention, they put everyone at risk. Boat operators have as many things to distract them as vehicle drivers, if not more.
In a small space, like a human-made lake, boaters have to mind their vessel. They also have to be on the lookout for others on the water.
There are natural factors to consider, as well, such as the weather. The water can be unpredictable, changing based on the wind or storms. Boat operators must remain vigilant the whole time they are on the water.
Even a moment of inattention could cause a Florida boat accident.
As boating is a leisurely activity, boaters are less likely to take it as seriously as driving.
As noted above, boating under the influence of alcohol accounts for the most fatal boating accident injuries. Boating under the influence is not only unsafe, it is also unlawful. In Florida, the legal blood alcohol limit for boaters over 21 years of age is 0.08 percent. The same legal limit applies to driving of a vehicle.
On the water, ingesting alcohol can be even more unsafe than on land. Boating requires clear decision-making and reflexes. Boaters under the influence may be more likely to make poor decisions. Alcohol affects all of the body’s major systems, like eyesight and coordination.
Boaters under the influencer are also more likely to become exhausted. They are dealing with the noise of the boat, the weather, and the passengers.
Speeding on the water can lead to collisions with another boat or with something else in the water. It can also lower the amount of response time the boat operator has to deal with any issues that may arise.
Inexperienced boaters won’t have the time on the water they need to make the best decisions they can. Often, inexperienced boaters don’t have the judgment required to handle boating. In many cases, they aren’t fully aware of the laws and rules of boating. They may not know what to do if an emergency strikes.
Boat operators can act recklessly or careless for any number of reasons. They may be trying to show off to passengers onboard. They may be arrogant about their skills and judgment. Carelessness occurs when the boater doesn’t act reasonably. Regardless of the reason, boaters acting recklessly are more likely to cause accidents.
The effects of a boating accident can extend far beyond the moment of impact. Beyond the physical injuries victims often face, there are emotional and financial tolls that can last for years.
Boating accidents can result in severe and life-threatening injuries, such as:
Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents. Lack of life jackets or improperly fitted ones significantly increases the risks, particularly in cases where victims are thrown overboard. Even strong swimmers can succumb to drowning due to panic, injuries, or rough waters.
Many victims find themselves facing staggering medical bills, the cost of ongoing therapy or mobility aids, and loss of income due to missed work. Additionally, the emotional trauma of being in an accident—losing a loved one or witnessing a catastrophic event—can leave long-lasting scars.
Liability in a boating accident depends on the circumstances, and several parties may share responsibility. Here are some common examples of who may be held liable:
The person operating the boat has a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone on board and others on the water. They may be held liable for negligence, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or failing to follow boating regulations.
If a boating accident is caused by a defective part or poor design, the boat manufacturer may be held responsible. Equipment failures, such as faulty engines or defective safety gear, often lead to accidents and injuries.
Boat rental companies are responsible for ensuring their vessels are safe and properly maintained. They may be held liable if they rent boats to untrained or unqualified operators or fail to inspect the vessels for safety hazards.
Passengers can also be liable if their reckless or disruptive behavior contributes to an accident. This includes actions like distracting the operator or failing to follow safety instructions.
Collisions sometimes occur because of the negligence of another boat operator. If a nearby boater is speeding, inattentive, or violating navigation rules, they could be held accountable for the accident and resulting damages.
Determining liability in a boating accident can be complex. An experienced Pensacola boat accident lawyer can help assess the circumstances and identify the parties responsible for your injuries and losses.
Most people who file a boating accident claim bring it under negligence theories. Often, the boat owner or operator is the defendant. There may be other defendants, as well, in rare circumstances. An experienced Pensacola, Florida boating accident lawyer from our law firm can help you with this.
To win a boat accident claim for negligence, you must prove:
You getting hurt doesn’t necessarily mean that someone was negligent. Florida courts assess negligence based on a standard of reasonable care. In other words, courts will look at what a reasonable person would do in the same situation.
Determining negligence in a boating accident lawsuit involves an assessment of what type of accident occurred. For example, did the boat hit another boat, or a rock, or a big wave?
It also involves consideration of the circumstances surrounding the accident, such as (but not limited to):
Because of the complexity of a negligence claim in FL boating accidents, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced boating accident attorney in Pensacola right away. Our law firm offers free consultations.
Boating accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation to help recover from the damages they’ve suffered. These include:
At Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, we are here to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you need an experienced legal team that understands the challenges you’re facing and is prepared to fight for the justice you deserve. At Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, we are dedicated to helping our clients through every step of the recovery process.
Here are just a few ways a Pensacola personal injury lawyer can help you:
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon today at (850) 433-6581 or through our online form for a free consultation. Together, we’ll work toward securing the compensation and peace of mind you need to move forward.