Stuart, FL, March 22, 2012 — Florida boating accident lawyer Philip DeBerard, III, today urged fishermen headed out for bass fishing on Lake Okeechobee and other recreational boaters on Treasure Coast waters to make safe and smart decisions as they enjoy their time on the water.
DeBerard pointed to a recent TCpalm.com report that noted that perfect water levels, spring spawning and attention generated by televised pro fishing tournaments have made Lake Okeechobee an extremely popular destination for fishermen each spring.
“Local anglers have known about the bounty of spring bass fishing at Lake Okeechobee for ages, but as the world catches up to them on the lake’s abundance, we hope they stay out ahead when it comes to their knowledge of safe boating,” said DeBerard, of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, which serves clients throughout the Treasure Coast.
“Boat fishing is one of the best pleasure sports, especially in South Florida, but Florida also leads the nation in the number of recreational boating accidents,” DeBerard said. “We want to see that change.”
DeBerard’s Florida personal injury firm assists boating accident victims with insurance claims and personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. He said too many accidents are the result of carelessness or recklessness. That means they can be prevented, he said.
“We see so many people injured in incidents that should never have happened,” DeBerard said. “Too often, boat wrecks and other watercraft accidents are caused by inattention or lack of someone acting as a lookout. Speeding, alcohol use and other recklessness on the part of the boat operator or passengers can also cause injuries.”
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 668 reportable boating accidents and 79 boating-related fatalities occurred in Florida in 2010.
A “reportable” boating accident is one in which a person dies, disappears in circumstances that indicate the possibility of a fatality or suffers injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid. It also includes accidents in which there is property damage worth at least $2,000.
“When someone is seriously injured or killed in a boating accident that is someone else’s fault, they have a right to seek compensation for their losses,” DeBerard said.
Anyone hurt in an accident involving a boat or another type of watercraft should consult an experienced South Florida boating injury attorney about their legal options, he said.
“We’ve been investigating boating accidents and protecting the rights of boating accident victims all over the Treasure Coast and South Florida since 1975,” DeBerard said. “We know South Florida’s waters, and we know its courts.”
About Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney
Since 1975, the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, has provided compassionate and professional legal assistance to personal injury and accident victims in the Treasure Coast and South Florida. The firm’s practice areas include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, product liability, dog bite injuries, swimming pool accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims.
The firm represents clients throughout the South Florida communities of Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Stuart, Okeechobee, Vero Beach and Palm Beach, and across the state of Florida. For more information, call (800) 299-8878 or use the firm’s online contact form.
