Arthur C. Fulmer Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

With over 8,000 miles of coastline and 4,500 square miles of inland waterways, Florida is a virtual epicenter for the boating world and its enthusiasts.  Lakeland Florida and throughout Polk County is no exception, offering miles of gorgeous lake views and crystal clear water systems which thousands of boaters from around the country flock to each year.  Yet, as we are all fully aware, whenever a mass number of people are boating in one centralized area, the potential for injury or death rises dramatically.  

Many individuals, who participate in water-related activities in Lakeland, realize the dangers that come with the outdoors, particularly boating where a number of potentially dangerous circumstances can lead to injury or death.  Yet, many are surprised at the staggering number of such events that occur in Polk County and throughout Florida each year.  And as Lakeland Florida’s already dense population continues to grow, a definite increase in injuries and fatalities from watercraft related accidents is expected.  Currently, there are over 1 million boats registered in Florida and, unfortunately, there are numerous watercrafts in operation which are not and this contributes greatly to the overall accident statistics.

Another startling realization for many boaters who have been involved in an accident, are the specific Florida laws regarding watercraft and boat accidents.  If you have been injured during a boating accident in Florida, the resulting legal process varies a great deal from that of accidents involving motor vehicles.  In Florida, the law states, “liability for reckless or careless operation of a vessel shall be confined to the operator in immediate charge of the vessel and not imposed upon the owner of the vessel, unless the owner is the operator or is present in the vessel when any injury or damage is occasioned by the reckless or careless operation of such vessel.”  As stated, this varies greatly from motor vehicle accidents where a number of individuals can be held liable for the accident or crash.  Individuals who are not fully aware of the specific regarding Florida’s boating laws are often faced with a difficult and surprising legal outcome when attempting to recover damages and compensation for their injuries in a boating accident.  

The laws and regulations governing boat operation can be extremely complex and if you have been injured or hurt as the result of a boating accident it is absolutely critical that you seek the professional services of Lakeland Florida personal injury attorneys. For over 35 years, the injury lawyers of Fulmer & Fulmer have been offering dedicated legal representation for the injured in Lakeland Florida and throughout Polk County.  We are experienced and knowledgeable for assisting those suffering from injuries due to boat and water-related accidents and ensure your day in court is a successful one.  The first step to learning how you can begin the process for obtaining compensation for your boat accident injuries, contact our Lakeland Florida personal injury attorneys.

Arthur C. Fulmer, Jr.
Lakeland Florida Personal Injury Attorney
1960 East Edgewood Drive
Lakeland, FL 33803