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Fort Myers Cruise & Boat Accident Attorneys

Unfortunately, Florida leads the country in cruise and boat accidents. The state had 735 boat accidents in 2022, resulting in 65 fatalities. What can make cruise or boat accidents more difficult for victims is the complex legal battle they’ll have to face afterward to get the compensation they need to properly recover. From large corporate interests to insurance companies who would rather protect their bottom line than pay for legitimate injuries caused by the negligence or carelessness of their clients, it can be challenging for plaintiffs to receive fair compensation if they don’t have experienced legal representation on their side.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a cruise or boat accident, the personal injury attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga are ready to aggressively advocate for your interests and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Common Causes of Boat and Cruise Accidents

Operator Negligence: Many accidents occur due to boat operators not paying proper attention, driving recklessly or not following boating rules and regulations.
Operating Under the Influence (BUI): Boating while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and coordination, leading to accidents.
Speeding: Operating vessels at excessive speeds can lead to collisions, loss of control and difficulty reacting to obstacles.
Inexperienced Operators: Lack of boating experience can lead to poor decision-making and imprecise navigation. It’s also essential to have a thorough understanding of navigation rules, buoy markers and channel markers before setting off.
Weather Conditions: Sudden storms, strong winds and rough waters can make navigation difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
Mechanical Failures: Equipment malfunctions or failures, such as engine problems or steering issues, can cause accidents or injuries on boats or cruise ships.
Collisions with Other Vessels or Objects: Boats or ships could suffer catastrophic damage after a collision with stationary objects like docks and buoys.
Lack of Proper Lookout: Failing to keep a proper lookout for obstacles, other vessels or swimmers could result in devastating collisions.
Reckless Maneuvers: Performing dangerous maneuvers, like sharp turns or jumps, can result in capsizing or other boat accidents.
Overloading: Overloading a boat with too many passengers or excessive weight can affect stability and lead to capsizing or sinking.
Poor Visibility: Limited visibility during nighttime or adverse weather conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
Distractions: Being distracted by passengers, mobile devices or other activities while steering could result in dangerous mistakes.
Failure to Adhere to No-Wake Zones: Ignoring no-wake zones in areas with heavy boat traffic may contribute to accidents or injuries on other watercraft.
Wildlife and Marine Life: Encounters with marine animals can cause accidents if not navigated safely.

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Fort Myers Practice Areas

How Will Maritime Law Affect My Case?

Maritime law is applied to cases that occur on international waters. Even if the accident occurs close to Florida, claims involving maritime law and its specific acts will fall under federal jurisdiction. One act under maritime law includes the Limitation of Liability Act, which occasionally caps ship owner liability at the value of their vessel and its cargo, consequently affecting how much compensation your claim is eligible for. Another one, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), ensures compensation and medical benefits for those injured while working in international waters.

Our Fort Myers boat and cruise accident attorneys have experience navigating cases involving maritime law and will give you realistic expectations as we navigate your case through its complicated legal landscape.

How To Prove Liability for Boat or Cruise Accidents and Injuries

Determining liability in shore excursion accidents can be difficult, especially when maritime law is involved. The experienced attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga will navigate the legal hurdles and help you pursue proper compensation against the liable party.

For instance, if the cruise line acted negligently or if they failed to keep the ship in good working order, jeopardizing passenger safety, they may be held financially responsible for the ensuing damages. If your injuries were caused by a specific crew member’s egregious actions, they may also be liable in a lawsuit. Other parties you could file a claim against include the boat or cruise manufacturer if defective equipment caused your injury or third-party operators if food poisoning caused you lasting damage.

You may even be able to pursue legal action against another passenger if they assaulted you, although if they don’t have enough money to properly compensate you, the cruise line may have to pay you instead.

Hire an Aggressive Attorney Who’ll Protect Your Rights and Fight for Maximum Compensation

At Kanner & Pintaluga, our national network of personal injury attorneys has helped clients secure over $1 billion in recovered settlements. We’ll bring the same dedication to bear on your claim. The attorneys at our Fort Myers boat accident law firm will build a persuasive case backed with compelling evidence – from surveillance footage to witness testimony – as we pursue the best possible result for your case. For a free case consultation with a dedicated boat and cruise accident attorney, call (800) 586-5555 today.

What Our Clients Say

 5/5

When an uninsured driver hit the front end of my brand new Range Rover, I was sick! Not only from the pain in my body but also the pain of being in an accident. This was my first accident ever and I didn’t know what to do! My brother suggested I call an 800 hotline and reluctantly I did. I’M SO GLAD I MADE THAT CALL! My attorney, Bill, was so helpful and knowledgeable. Physical therapy was amazing. And when it was time to close my case, Jose Hernandez was AWESOME! Thank you to everyone at K&P for turning a traumatic experience into a bearable process.

The law office of Kanner & Pintaluga where very helpful in my auto accident case. When i made the call to have them represent me. They were at my door the same day. Their team that they had on my case made me feel secure. I would recommend them to anyone with a personal injury case.

This team of representatives are the best, stays on top of everything and makes sure that I’m satisfied every step of the way.

Fort Myers

1625 Hendry Street, Suite 400
Fort Myers, FL 33901

(800) 586-5555

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Hold Negligent Cruise Companies and Boat Operators in Fort Myers Accountable for Their Actions

Navigating the legal waters of maritime personal injury law can be complex and challenging. As seasoned Florida personal injury attorneys with extensive experience in all types of watercraft and cruise ship cases, we're here to help you chart the course towards the justice and compensation you deserve. Consult with a Kanner & Pintaluga boat injury lawyer today.

Fort Myers Cruise & Boat Accident Attorney