Understanding Your Rights After a Ferryboat Accident
Residents of Fisher Island, an exclusive resort community off the coast of Miami Beach, were shocked when two women plunged to their death during a 10-minute ferry ride. The women were found embracing in the back of a Mercedes-Benz that broke through a thin barrier at the front of the boat.
The fatal accident called into question the safety of ferry boats and water taxis. When a passenger or crew member is injured or killed due to a ferry boat operator’s negligence or other wrongdoing, they may be held liable. At Mase Mebane Seitz, our trial lawyers offer dedicated representation for individuals injured or who have lost a loved one in boat accidents in Miami or throughout South Florida.
If you were injured in a ferry accident, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 for a free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Ferry Boat Accidents
Ferry boat accidents are surprisingly common and can result in serious injury or death. An operator’s negligence or recklessness may result in civil and criminal liability. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can help ensure that any victims receive the compensation they deserve after a preventable accident.
Common causes of ferry boat accidents resulting in liability:
- Mechanical failures and improper maintenance
- Operator inexperience
- Overcrowding or overloaded vessels
- Operating in adverse weather conditions
- Speeding
- Operating while under the influence
- Operator fatigue
- Inattention or distraction
- Failure to secure vehicles
If you are injured in a ferry boat accident, it is recommended that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. With legal representation, you can pursue damages to recover for your losses. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might also be entitled to less tangible damages such as compensation for your pain and suffering.
Filing a Claim for Damages After a Ferry Accident
As with any boating accident, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention. Your physical, mental, and financial recovery may depend on the steps you take in the days and weeks following the incident. An attorney experienced in maritime accidents can help ensure that you receive full and fair compensation.
Damages after a ferry accident may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Long term care and treatment
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one in a ferry accident, you might be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can ever fully compensate you for the loss of your family member, it can help relieve the financial hardship caused by their sudden death.
Injured on a Ferry Boat? Contact Our Office for a Free Case Evaluation.
Injuries in ferry accidents can range from minor to life-threatening. Whether you suffered a slip and fall when the vessel collided with an object or were pinned between vehicles that were not properly secured, you should consult with an experienced law firm immediately.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured parties in Miami and South Florida. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a ferry boat accident, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 for a free case evaluation. We will work endlessly to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.