1615 Forum Pl #4
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Table Of Contents
West Palm Beach Boating Accidents Lawyers
At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., our West Palm Beach boating accident lawyers have seen just how dangerous and devastating a boating accident caused by someone’s recklessness or negligence can be. Unfortunately, Florida has some of the highest boating accident rates in the country. In far too many of these incidents, the accident sadly could have been prevented if one or more parties had exercised greater caution in a given situation.
If you were involved in a boating accident at the hands of a negligent party, you might be entitled to financial compensation. We at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. have handled multi-million dollar boat accident claims throughout Florida, giving us the experience and understanding you need on your side if you’ve been injured in an accident on the water. Our commitment to our clients and our track record of successful verdicts and settlements are the reasons why so many other people in West Palm Beach and across the state of Florida have turned to us when they’ve been hurt. We’re ready to do the same for you, so call our West Palm Beach injury attorneys at 561.689.8180, chat with us live, or fill out a contact form on our website. Our consultations are always free and 100% confidential, so don’t wait to speak with us.
Learn More: 3 Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents
What to Do After a Boating Accident
If you or someone you love is involved in a boating accident, it is important to keep the following steps in mind. Even if you have already been injured in a boat accident, it’s not too late to get help. The experienced attorneys at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. are always ready to take on your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Report the Accident: Reporting a boat accident is necessary to preserve the record of events that caused the incident. Failing to report the accident could lead to doubts being put on the legitimacy of your claim. Even if it is uncertain that any damage has been incurred, report any boating accident you have been involved in to the authorities.
- Gather Boater and Insurance Information: It is important to gather as much information on the other boater and any witnesses involved in the incident as possible. Their names, contact information, insurance information, and boat information are all useful when filing a claim and making a case for recovery.
- Seek and Continue Medical Treatment: While most boat accidents cause injuries that are noticeable right away, other accidents may have more subtle consequences. Regardless of what you feel right after an accident, seek medical treatment as soon as possible – your doctor might notice things you missed. Make sure you continue this treatment to demonstrate to insurance companies that your injuries are as severe as you claim.
- Contact an Attorney: Even if you think you can handle your case on your own, contact an attorney from Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. for a consultation. At the very least, an attorney can help offer you some guidance as to your rights. An attorney will also be able to give you some feedback as to the strength of your claim. When you retain the services of one of our attorneys, you are looking at an increased potential for success in receiving the compensation you legally deserve.
Even if you skip some of these steps, contacting an attorney from Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. is always an option available to you, and is the best way to reach a resolution to your case that is the most beneficial to you and your family.
Boating Accident Cases Are Complex
Whatever the damages are that you have suffered as a result of a boating accident, trying to handle the case on your own is not a risk worth taking. These cases require careful handling when it comes to insurance company communications, collecting medical bills and doctor’s diagnoses, monitoring injuries, and following up with medical providers for continuity of care.
If your case goes to court, then discovery is usually served on both parties and mountains of paperwork will follow. Sometimes depositions are taken. The process of handling any boating accident claim is long, complicated, and overwhelming. Hiring an attorney from Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. can alleviate this burden that you are facing. Calling 561.689.8180 today to discuss your case will help ensure that your case will be properly handled.
Why Choose Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A.?
The lawyers of Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. have the experience and knowledge you need to win your case. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages related to boating accidents for our clients in the past, and we are ready to do the same for you. We are widely respected in the Flordia community for our compassion and professionalism. Furthermore, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Boating Accident Cases We Handle
Any vehicle collision can cause serious injuries and other losses, but boat accidents are some of the most potentially dangerous accidents an individual can be involved in, as victims are also at risk of drowning. At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., our West Palm Beach boat accident lawyers have handled a wide variety of boating accident cases, and we’re ready to put our years of experience to work on cases involving:
- Boating Under the Influence
- Speeding
- Jet Ski Accidents
- Reckless Boat Operation
- Improper Safety Equipment
- Failure to Adhere to Posted Laws
- Boat Collisions
Any act of recklessness while on a boat can put everyone on or near the vessel at risk. As such, it’s vital that negligent boat operators are held accountable when their actions result in harm to others.
Boating Accident Statistics
Any type of accident is a traumatic experience for those involved. In the wake of a boating accident, you need peace of mind and representation that cares about you. If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, you are not alone. In fact, boating accidents occur far more frequently than most people realize. In 2017, the Coast Guard reported 658 deaths and 2,629 injuries stemming from more than 4,000 boating accidents. In addition to the human toll, more than $46 million dollars in property damage was done as a result of boating accidents. You should also know that:
- Approximately six people die in boating accidents per 100,000 registered boats.
- The top five factors leading to accidents are operator inattention, failure to look out, operator inexperience, machinery failure, and alcohol use. Operator inattention alone led to 620 accidents in 2017.
- Other leading causes of accident include excessive speed, navigation rules violations, weather, hazardous waters, and force of the wave. Each of these categories had more than 150 accidents in 2017.
- Machine failure is the least deadly category of accident cause with only nine deaths in 2017. Alcohol use is the deadliest with more than 100 deaths reported.
- The most prevalent vehicle involved in accidents is motorboats with almost 50 percent of boating accidents involving a motorboat. The two next most prevalent are personal watercraft and cabin motorboats.
- Florida is the second-leading state for boating accidents. There have also been a high number of reported accidents offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
- The deadliest time of day for boating accidents is late at night and early morning with the biggest spike in fatality rate occurring from 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
- The deadliest time of the year for boating accidents is winter; January and February are the two deadliest months. While there are fewer overall boating accidents during these months, the ones that do happen are much likelier to be deadly.
- Alcohol use has been a contributing factor in more than 150 accidents in Florida over the last five years. This has led to more than 50 deaths and 133 injuries over the same time period.
- The vast majority of accidents occur while the vehicle is cruising. The next largest categories are while the vehicle is tied to the dock, changing direction, changing speed, drifting, at anchor, and rowing/paddling.
- Vehicles involved in more than half of deaths and three-quarters of injuries were engaged in boating/relaxation. The next largest categories of activity were fishing and towed watersports. Other categories of boating activities with smaller but still substantial numbers of injuries and deaths include swimming/snorkeling, hunting, and repairs.
- Lakes were the most dangerous type of water for boating accidents in 2017, followed shortly by rivers/streams, bays/inlets/harbors/marinas, oceans/gulfs, and the Great Lakes. Lakes accounted for almost half of boating deaths during this time period.
- Contrary to what you might think, the majority of boating accidents occur in calm waters. The next most dangerous water conditions are waves of six inches to two feet, followed by two to six-foot waves, and waves larger than six feet.
- The wind conditions in which most accidents occur are 0-6 mile per hour (mph) winds and 7-14 mph winds. Windless conditions and 15-25 mph winds also have moderate numbers of accidents.
- Most boating accidents occur during periods of good visibility, likely due to the higher number of boats on the water during these times.
- Most accidents also involve older boats that were made prior to 2004. There is an abundance of these boats on the water and these boats are also far more likely to have mechanical issues.
- The most expensive boating accidents are those involving flooding and swamping, explosions of all types, sinking, and collisions with other vehicles. These five types of events were related to more than fifty million dollars’ worth of damages in boating accidents in 2017.
- Those with no boating education have more boating accidents than any other category. Those who have taken state boating courses, online courses, or had informal training also frequently get in boating accidents. Individuals with specialized training like Red Cross training or US Power Squadrons training are involved in many fewer accidents overall.
It’s important for anyone planning on going out on the water to know the risks involved. This can help mitigate risk and prevent accidents before they happen. It’s even more important to know the facts if you’ve been involved in a serious boating accident. As the data shows, accidents can happen to people at any time of day with any experience level. If you have been involved in a boating accident, you should contact a lawyer immediately to ensure that your rights are protected.
The Consequences of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents often lead to severe and life-changing injuries. Aside from bodily damage caused by impact upon collision, you are at risk of drowning if another boater has hit you. When victims of boating accidents go into the water, consciousness may be lost, a traumatic brain injury may occur due to lack of oxygen, and long-lasting mental and emotional changes may occur.
The emotional and psychological impact could also appear in the form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a result of PTSD, your relationships and dynamics with family and friends could be affected for the rest of your life. When added to the physical injuries that one can suffer in a boating accident, such as traumatic brain injuries, neck and spine injuries, lost limbs or paralysis, scarring and disfigurement, and others, it can be difficult to ever put the accident behind you.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a boating accident, do not let the person who acted recklessly or negligently escape liability. If a boater hit you and you sustained injuries, you have rights. That boater should be held responsible for the impact they have had on you, your life, your family, your friends, and your work. Seeking the help of an attorney to assess the circumstances surrounding the accident, the injuries you have sustained, and the projection of future treatment is critical to ensuring that you are fully compensated. Call one of the experienced boating attorneys at Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. today to ensure that your rights and interests are protected and that you are awarded the compensation you are legally entitled to receive.
Contact a West Palm Beach Boating Accident Lawyer Today
At Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A., we’re ready to help you if you’ve suffered an injury or other losses in a boating accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness or reckless actions. Trying to handle your case alone can lead to you and your family getting less than you legally deserve. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible is key to ensuring success in your claim. Learn more about what our West Palm Beach boating accident lawyers can do to fight for your rights in this situation by calling us today at 561.689.8180.
Locations
West Palm Beach, FL (Primary Location)
Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A.
1615 Forum Pl #4
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Toll Free: 800.689.8180
Phone: 561.689.8180
Fax: 561.684.9683
Map and Driving Directions
Testimonials
John B (my investigator) was AWESOME! Thank you.
D. Domond, Personal Injury Client
Was kept informed and was promptly notified of any updates regarding this case. Mr. Van Wieringen, my main point of contact, would explain in laymans terms all details.
Anonymous, Personal Injury Client
My case was off to a pretty rough start , once I had gotten in contact with John B. , he helped solve my car accident case amazingly ! He was responsive , professional & personal . I will definitely be going back if anything happens in the future ! Would highly recommend !
K. L.
I am thankful for your assistance and your professionalism. Continue to provide good services to the community.
K. Martinez, Personal Injury Client
Even though Mr Halvorson has retired I would still recommend this law firm to anyone who needed an accident injury attorney
D. B.
You dealt with my step father & he was very pleased with all your help.
R. Hart, Personal Injury Client
I have to start out by saying that the paralegal Heidi R.was AMAZING! She was on top of everything and always was there to answer my questions and concerns. Brad Pace was the investigator on my case and he was very professional and knowledgeable regarding every aspect of my injury case! He always addressed my concerns and even if I didn’t want to hear it he ALWAYS explained to me what was best for myself and my injuries ! Thank you so much for all you do you all are an amazing team that actually feels more like a family!!!
R. O.
Thank you for taking my case. I am pleased with the outcome. This is a perfect opportunity for me to recommend your company to my family and friends. It is so important to be courteous and return phone calls. Thank you
W.W, Personal Injury Client
Thank you for the great professional courteous treatment during a difficult time. Jason your firm is responsive and on target. I want to thank Jason (Mr. Weisser) for listening on personal issues I was facing during my situation. I recommend them 100% on legal matters. They stuck through it over 1.8 years during this difficult time.
L. S.
Tammy Manning is a very valuable asset to your firm. She was amazing!
L. Tatum, Personal Injury Client
Best Lawyers in town I was referred to them by a friend.
N. J.
I am deeply appreciative of the level of care and expertise that was provided through Mr. Overbeck.
T. Jones, Personal Injury Client
John was amazing ! He kept me updated with everything , he helped me when I wasn’t sure of a decision and was always available to talk to answer any questions I had ! Thank you so much , Again , you guys are worth all 5 stars !
C. R.
I would like to thank everyone at this firm for helping me with this incident. I look forward to using you guys again in the future. 🙂
L. Hansen, Personal Injury Client
Bill and Jon were great to me! They handle everything for you with your best interest at heart! Truely the good guys you want in your corner. Forever grateful for them.
B. F.
It was nice to have you guys working on my case. I already recommend a friend of mine to your office. Very nice people.
Anonymous, Personal Injury Client
I was in a motorcycle accident: the bike was totaled and my back injured. Jon and the team helped me get a pretty quick settlement to help me get pay my medical Bill’s and get a new motorcycle. The best firm!
M. B.
Attorney Gregory Cummings and his law firm are consummate professionals. Atty Cummings and his TEAM had our best interest and even followed up periodically keeping us informed until closure. The staff has great interpersonal skills which are reflective in via email, phone conversation and especially in person. Great firm. Thank you all.
Vinoo Ramdat
HANK IS A REAL MENSCH. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH HIM.
S. Weinstein, Personal Injury Client
My experience with Amanda Coates and Mr. Hayden was amazing when i had questions there were able to answer. They was very professional they even got me back more then i was expecting. Keep up the good work and God bless you both.
L. W.
I worked very closely on my case with attorney Greg Cummings, investigator Jon Blumengarten and paralegal Johanna over the past 2.5 years. Outstanding and professional law firm, with excellent communications and follow-up, making sure I was kept up to date on everything regarding my case. They worked so diligently and effectively on my case that I didn’t even realize had much time had gone by from when they took the case to when everything was finalized. They took my case about a week after my car accident and Jon took the time to come to my house and meet with me and learn more about my accident and I knew right then and there that I was in excellent hands, because he actually cared about me, not just as a client but as a person. The entire team was an absolute pleasure to work with, I would recommend this law firm to anyone looking for someone to represent them in any personal injury matters. Thank you for everything!!
Catalina Reinhardt
Overall it was a very satisfied and good experience to interact with your firm and associates. Good luck to you always!
W. Rana, Personal Injury Client
Outstanding expertise, service, communication. Brad Pace was excellent to work with – a true professional. For those reading these reviews in order to make a decision, you really don’t need to search any further.
A. W.
This team is PHENOMENAL with everything, I can’t thank them enough seriously. I’m still young and I’ve been in multiple car accidents and have just settled before. With me having two kids John and Mr.Zoeller worked exceptionally for my case. They were very very patient because it was not easy for me at all losing everything behind my car accident so sudden and they understood and walked with me the entire way. I would highly recommend them to anyone I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else if god forbid something was to happen again. I could go on and on but honestly they were amazing, wasn’t slow on their feet at all, kept me updated with communication through the entire time and the staff was great as well as a team in general. They definitely gave me another chance to make sure I got back everything I’ve lost for my kids and I and for that I will forever be grateful for even having a chance to work with them and them working with me most of all. I really want to thank them again seriously for helping me when it was super rough for me being a single mom you guys are greatly appreciated from the bottom of my heart and keep up the good work 10 stars from me!!!!
Deja T
Attorney Jason Weisser was very informative from the beginning of the case. His team including Mr. Hank was always available to answer any questions we had. Highly recommend them to anyone involved in auto injury or personal injury.
Mohammed I, Personal Injury Client
Eric Hayden and Amanda Coates were the best legal team! All of my questions were answered throughout the entire process, and I received a fantastic result on my case. Thank you to the entire firm!
S. J.
I worked with Erick! He was an amazing guy who managed to get the full 60,000$ dollar settlement. Was able to lower my medical expenses to put more money in my pocket what an absolute godsend I will be recommending friends and family.
Rosie M
While I was being represented by Attorney Jason Weisser, I felt as if I was being represented by family. They were always friendly, kept me well informed & answered any questions I had. Also, Michele (paralegal) Was always supportive & encouraging as I went through medical treatment, legal issues, and the stress from the insurance companies. They are #1 in my book!
Amber C, Personal Injury Client
I love this law firm!!! Hank is the best he very professional respond to all my questions
N. S.
I am very happy with the way you handled my case.
Libya. R, Florida Personal Injury Client
Just call Mr.Overbeck! Freaking awesome!
C. E.
Very Good relationship, excellent results-Very Happy-I have since referred a possible client to you. P.S. Hank was great to me!!!
Sheldon H, Florida Personal Injury Client
This law firm cares and it shows! They’re attentive and thorough. Every time I got a call from them was always more good news. Highly highly recommend!
J. N.
Hank and company were excellent to work with. They went to bat for me and settled my case in under a year. Recommended me to some of the best doctors to get my injuries sustained in my accident taken care of to the best of their ability. Also negotiated their medical bills down substantially from full price to make my net settlement fair to me in the end. Would highly recommend these guys to anyone.
DRTORQUENSTEIN
Your Professionalism is Top Notch! Also, we were treated like family. I would recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you so much
Barbara F, Florida Personal Injury Client
John was great and very easy to communicate with highly recommend!
H. L.
Their service was excellent! I never had an issue concerning the firm. Thank you for everything!
Renoal M, Personal Injury Client
I’m not one to write reviews but I wish I could rate this firm higher than five stars. During possibly the worst time in my families life this team stepped in to advocate on our behalf. Jason and Eileen are apart of our family forever and we have so much gratitude for them. If you want lawyer who will fight beside you then you found the right team. Very quick and efficient and will always keep you in the loop. I had millions of questions and they found answers to every one. Eileen is possibly the sweetest and kindest personal ever simply put she’s a badass.
N. J.
I found Mr. Schuler and Mr. Pace to be both professional as well as very personable. Never having found myself in this type of situation, I was quite nervous;however, within a very short time I knew I was in good hands. Throughout the process Mr. Pace kept me apprised of developments and answered all of my questions. He took care of everything and I was extremely pleased with the results. I would most definitely recommend the firm of Schuler, Weisser, Zoeller, Overbeck & Baxter P.A. to anyone embroiled in a legal matter.
Laurene V, Personal Injury Client
I cannot thank this law firm enough for everything they did for my case after my car accident. My Attorney, Mr. Zoeller, my Legal Assistant, Jennifer, and the Investigator, Hank, went above and beyond for me. You never anticipate a bad car accident to happen to you, but they all collectively took the time to make this experience very easy and less stressful. I would highly recommended this amazing law firm to anyone. Thank you so much for everything from the bottom of my heart!
C. B.
Brad was great! Always responded to my phone calls and emails in a timely manner. He was professional, patient, and thorough. Thanks Brad!
Ashley G, Personal Injury Client
Professionalism, reliability and quality service.
J. W.
Very satisfied with the outcome of the case.
Jack S, Personal Injury Client
Mr. Blumengarten was quite informative, easy to reach and was quite professional in his approach and response. He helped me to understand the process and was quite helpful in dealing with my personal plight. I would certainly recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks for the continued assistance.
E. T.
I thank you!
Barbara N, Personal Injury Client
Hank and company were excellent to work with. They went to bat for me and settled my case in under a year. Recommended me to some of the best doctors to get my injuries sustained in my accident taken care of to the best of their ability. Also negotiated their medical bills down substantially from full price to make my net settlement fair to me in the end. Would highly recommend these guys to anyone.
Dr. T
I was satisfied with everyone that worked on my case. Thank you for everything.
April S, Personal Injury Client
I have been a loyal customer and I will recommend all my family and friends to Jason D. Weisser, Schuler, and Halvorson for the wonderful job!!
Marline J, Personal Injury Client
Excellent staff, professional, effective
Anthony P, Personal Injury Client
Excellent team work! Your commitment to your clients is reflected in the quality and dedication of work.
Lucia B, Personal Injury Client
Very pleased by the prompt attention given this matter. The concern shown for our family at a very sad time was appreciated. Your professionalism was first class!
Daniel D, Personal Injury Client
I would highly recommend the firm. Our experience was very good! We never imagined an outcome that matched our request. This firm worked hard to make things come together. Thank you so much!
Cynthia W, Personal Injury Client
Hank was very helpful with any questions we had.
Anonymous, Personal Injury Client
I was very satisfied with Jason Weisser. I will always recommend.
Cory N, Personal Injury Client
Thanks for all that you did. I appreciate you and would recommend you to my family and friends & family. You’re the best Hank.
Milton H, Personal Injury Client
I appreciate everything you all did on my behalf. Me and my family would like to thank you and the staff of your firm for such a unique job.
Vana T, Personal Injury Client
Hank VW was awesome!
Tiffany S, Personal Injury Client
Hank was a rep of your office! Handled everything very well.
Robert C, Personal Injury Client
Brad was awesome. Explained everything very clearly and always told me the next step.
Jeanette E, Personal Injury Client
I was extremely satisfied with how the law firm dealt with my case and I would highly recommend this firm.
Jenny H, Personal Injury Client
Mr. Pace was very informative and very honest with me at all times. Thank you very much for all your work.
Cathy G, Personal Injury Client
Brad was wonderful! He was always pleasant, helpful and very professional! I was very happy with the firm and my outcome & would use the firm again!
Janet W, Personal Injury Client
From beginning to end, my association with this firm, in particular Brad Pace, was outstanding! I was kept informed at every step, phone calls returned beyond promptly and I always felt my best interests were paramount to them. Even had the outcome not been favorable, my impression would be the same – Their desire to achieve the best possible results for me always the goal. A very courteous, professional and approachable environment made me feel comfortable immediately. You are in good hands with this firm.
Pamela W, Personal Injury Client
Once again I experienced outstanding efficiency. It’s always great to work with Hank and I’m sure he’s the best in the business at what he does! I’d like to thank all involved with my case. I deeply appreciate your efforts! Thank You!!!
Brett W, Personal Injury Client
Very Pleased with the services we received.
Jazmin B, Personal Injury Client
You guys are wonderful and always very professional and caring. Brad is excellent and does a very good job.
Marsha N, Personal Injury Client
I want you to know of the high regard I have for your investigator, Bradford Pace. The accident was one of the worst experiences of my life and if it had not been for his kindness, expertise and readiness to answer my questions and concerns, it would have been much worse. You should be very proud of having such fine gentleman in your law firm.
Ruth L, Personal Injury Client
Hank did a great job helping us through the insurance maze after our auto accident. We really appreciate his courtesy and professionalism. Your receptionist is so skilled it’s amazing. Her people skills are so good they should be bottled in gold.
Clinton J, Personal Injury Client
I am impressed with the personal attention and the expediency that my case received. I would gladly recommend this outstanding law firm with complete confidence!
Elaine H, Personal Injury Client
Very professional as well as compassionate in handling the entire case. Thanks so much.
Gail G, Personal Injury Client
Use them! They were supportive in my claim and mad me feel assured everything was going to be handled to the very end. The team was always in step with every level of the claim, and each attorney that represented me was well versed on their field of law. In the end I was very satisfied with their confidence and follow through. I would highly recommend this law firm and its vast team of experience and knowledge to represent you in any area of the law they practice.
Personal Injury Client
