A Boating DUI Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you were injured in a boating accident due to another party's negligence or intoxication, we urge you to take action. In order to receive full and just compensation for your injuries, it is important to choose an attorney who is experienced representing boating accidents involving DUI (driving under the influence). At Chanfrau & Chanfrau, our team has the experience you're seeking. To speak with a boating DUI accident lawyer in the Daytona, FL, area, contact our law firm today.

Establishing Liability in Boating Accidents

It is important to remember that boaters have a duty to ensure the safety of their passengers and other boaters. Though waterways may appear to be a free-for-all to the casual observer, this is not true. A number of state and federal statues and regulations exist to help keep our waterways safe. Just as it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, operating a boat while intoxicated is also against the law. If it can be shown that a boater was intoxicated at the time of an accident, negligence can easily be established.

In the event that you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident, we can conduct an independent, third-party investigation to determine the cause. To conduct our investigation, we will take witness statements, reference any official law enforcement reports of the accident, and work with industry experts. Only by determining the cause can we show that negligence either partly or fully contributed to the accident. Once negligence is established, a personal injury or wrongful death claim can be filed against the liable party or parties.

* U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. "2014 Recreational Boating Statistics." July 2015.

Recovering Damages Following an Accident

In a civil suit, damages may be awarded to the victim for financial, physical, and emotional losses stemming from his or her injuries. Though no two cases are exactly the same, typical damages include compensation for:

Pain and Suffering

We stress to our clients that not all damages are awarded for purely quantifiable losses. You and your family may be able to recover damages for qualitative losses as well, such as emotional and physical pain and suffering. As it is impossible to prescribe a number to such loss, our team will work diligently to ensure such damages are just, fair, and befitting your emotional and physical burden.

Medical Expenses

Our team of attorneys will work closely with your doctor to ensure that any medical costs related to your injury are covered or reimbursed by the defendant. This can include post-accident surgery costs, follow-up treatments, prescription and medical appliance costs, and more. Rest assured, we will maximize your recovery so your financial burden is alleviated or eliminated altogether.

Rehabilitation Expenses

In addition to related medical expenses, you may require rehabilitation following your accident. Such rehabilitation may be physical in nature, but emotional and psychological rehabilitation may also be recommended by your doctors. Being involved in a boating accident is a traumatic and trying experience; it is important that you treat your recovery period with the proper care it deserves.

Loss of Wages

In many cases, victims in boating accidents are unable to return to work immediately. This obviously can pose a financial burden. In some cases, when individuals do finally return to work, it is in a diminished capacity as a result of their injury. If you missed a significant amount of work due to your injury, or are unable or less able to return to work, we can help.

Other Losses

If your family member, spouse, parent, or loved one was killed as a result of a boater's reckless behavior, we may be able to file a claim for punitive damages. This type of compensation is intended to discourage similar behavior from other members of the community by placing an extra financial burden on the defendant.

Inquire About Your Rights

We want you to know that you have rights. If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident due to another party's intoxication and negligence, we can hold that person responsible. Operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only needlessly reckless and dangerous – it's illegal. Take action today and schedule a consultation.