Clearwater Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating is a popular activity throughout Florida, including Clearwater. Sadly, thousands of people are killed or injured in boating accidents each year. If you or a family member sustained injuries because of a boating accident, we want to help.

Our Clearwater boating accident attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. We have recovered millions of dollars in the over 20 years since our firm was established.

Attorneys Bill Winters and Marc Yonker and the trial lawyers at our firm have over 119 years of collective legal experience, they have successfully taken on cases like workplace injuries in Clearwater, maritime accidents, slip and fall cases, wrongful death, and Clearwater dog bites, to name a few.

When you need aggressive trial lawyers in Clearwater, FL, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is the firm you hire. We are known as “The Aggressive Attorneys” because of our dedication to winning cases for our clients.

Let us help you recover maximum compensation for a boating accident. Contact us now for a free consultation with an experienced Clearwater personal injury attorney at (727) 493-4418.

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How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, Can Help After a Boating Accident in Clearwater, Florida

Boating accident victims are often traumatized by their experiences. Additionally, many sustain permanent disabilities impacting all aspects of their lives.

Unfortunately, the insurance company, boat owner, and other responsible parties are not interested in paying you a fair amount for your personal injury claim. A Clearwater personal injury attorney at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, believes you deserve compensation for all damages.

Attorneys Bill Winters and Marc Yonker have assembled an experienced legal team of lawyers, paralegals, and investigators. Our law firm has the resources necessary to hire expert witnesses and handle complex legal claims. Therefore, you can trust you are in good hands when you hire Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers

Our clients benefit from our decades of experience. When you hire our lawyers to handle your case in Clearwater, Florida, you can expect them to:

Thoroughly investigate the cause of the boating accident to gather evidence proving fault and liability
Identify all parties who contributed to the cause of the boating accident
File insurance claims and handle all matters related to the claims
Work with you and your physicians to document the severity of your injuries
Calculate how much your claim is worth and fight to get you that amount
Work with the top expert witnesses and specialists in their field, if necessary
File a lawsuit and have a skilled trial lawyer argue your case before a judge and jury

You should not bear the expenses caused by a boating accident that was not your fault. You deserve a fair settlement to compensate you for your losses and damages.

Our law firm accepts cases on a contingency fee basis. We do not believe your financial status should prevent you from hiring a personal injury attorney. Instead of paying a retainer to hire our law firm, you pay our attorneys’ fees when we recover money for you.

Contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review with an experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer.

Florida Leads the Nation Again in Boating Accidents

With over 8,400 miles of coastlines, miles of intracoastal waterways, and numerous lakes, it is not surprising that Florida has the most boating accidents in the country. According to the United States Coast Guard, Florida had 723 recreational boating accidents in 2021, including 61 fatalities. California had the second-highest number, with 454 accidents.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Clearwater, FL

Hillsborough County had the 10th-highest number of boating accidents in Florida in 2021. The primary cause of accidents, according to the report, were:

Operator inexperience
No proper look-out/inattention
Alcohol use
Machinery failure
Improper loading
Failure to vent fumes
Excessive speed
Overloading
Weather

In addition to the primary reasons, passenger negligence, defective equipment, violation of navigational rules, and overly congested waters can contribute to the cause of a boating accident. It only takes seconds of distraction or one moment of poor judgment to cause a tragic boat accident.

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers handles all types of boating accidents. Regardless of the watercraft or the circumstances of your accident, our Clearwater boating accident attorneys are here to help.

The primary types of boating accidents are:

Collision with a fixed object
Collision with a vessel
Flooding
Colliding with a floating object or person
Struck by a skeg or prop
Falls overboard
Sinking
Grounding

In addition to these types of accidents, slips and falls on boats cause injuries. Also, injuries could be caused by fires and explosions.

Determining the cause of a boating accident is essential for identifying the parties responsible for your damages. Attorneys Bill Winters and Marc Yonker and the rest of the legal team at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers perform an exhaustive investigation to ensure we pursue all liable parties.

Injuries and Damages Caused by Clearwater Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can cause many different injuries, including:

Drowning
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injury
Hypothermia
Loss of limbs and amputations
Spinal cord injuries
Back and neck injuries
Paralysis
Internal organ damage
Soft tissue injuries
Lacerations and puncture wounds
Scarring and disfigurement
Severe burns

The damages caused by these injuries include both economic and non-economic damages. Florida personal injury laws provide a legal cause of action to recover monetary compensation for damages.

The types of damages you could receive for a boating accident claim include:

Past and future lost wages
Property damage
Medical bills and expenses
Rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy
Out-of-pocket expenses
Cost of medications and medical devices
Loss of future earning capacity
Scarring and disfigurement
Physical pain and suffering
A decrease in quality of life
Emotional distress
Disability and impairment
Mental anguish

The amount of money you receive for a boating accident claim depends on the facts of your case. Our Clearwater personal injury lawyers use the evidence to build a strong case to support maximum compensation for damages.

Can I Recover Money for a Clearwater Boating Accident if I Am Partially To Blame?

Many people are surprised to learn they can receive money for an injury claim even if they are partially at fault for causing their injuries. Florida’s modified comparative fault laws do not bar you from recovering compensation if you contributed to the cause of your injury — so long as you are not mostly at fault.

If you are more than 50% at fault for your boating accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are under 51%, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Therefore, if a jury finds that you were 20% to blame for the boat accident, you can only receive 80% of the value of your award for damages.

Proving Liability for a Boating Accident in Florida?

One or more parties could be liable for your damages. However, you have the burden of proving a legal claim to hold a party financially responsible for damages.

Most personal injury claims are based on negligence. Negligence in a personal injury case is failing to take reasonable care to avoid injuring another person. It requires you to prove the following:

The party you allege to have caused your injuries owed you a legal duty of care
The party did something to breach the duty of care
The breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of your injury
You sustained damages because of the breach of duty

Most boating accidents in Clearwater are based on negligence. However, if a defective part caused the accident, a manufacturer could be held strictly liable under product liability laws.

It can be difficult to prove your claim without the help of an experienced Clearwater boating accident attorney. You must have sufficient evidence to prove your case. The insurance company and at-fault party will likely deny the claim to avoid liability.

At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team knows how insurance companies and defense lawyers handle boating accident claims. We are prepared for their tactics and defenses. Our lawyers are not afraid to take cases to trial if that is necessary to protect our clients.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit in Clearwater, FL?

Florida imposes statutes of limitations on personal injury claims. The statutes set deadlines for filing lawsuits. If you miss the deadline, you cannot pursue a legal claim.

The filing deadline for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the injury date. However, exceptions to the rule could shorten or lengthen the deadline. For example, if you got into an accident prior to 3/24/23, you will be subject to the state’s older four-year statute of limitations. (This change is the result of a new tort reform bill).

Also, because you are dealing with a boating accident, federal and maritime laws could apply in your case. Those laws could decrease the deadline to file a lawsuit or claim.

The best way to avoid problems and protect your right to take legal action is to discuss your case with one of our Clearwater boating accident attorneys. Our lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, have decades of experience handling complex legal claims. We monitor all deadlines to ensure that your claim is filed timely.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Clearwater Boating Accident Lawyers

Navigating the claims process after a boating accident can be stressful. You do not have to do it alone. You can have the full resources of a top-rated Clearwater personal injury law firm on your side.

Contact us by phone or online to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced Clearwater boating accident attorneys.

Karla Rogers

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Best lawyer ever! I had an accident gave them a call and like three months later, case Settled and full payout... Excellent service!

Lenette Montalvo

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Christopher from Winter and Yonker was amazing. Very nice person to talk to, listen to what I had to say, and even gave his opinion when needed. From start to finish I felt very important and I was impressed by this law firm every one i spoke to made me feel safe and comfortableto. My accident has done a lot of damage to me, and knowing I had an attorney from Winters and Yonker on my side made me feel great. My compensation for my accident is amazing and it will help me in my life. Thank you very much I will definitely recommend this law firm.

coleman vera

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I went to Winter & Yonker Law Firm for my Tampa car accident case I was involved in. My case manager throughout the process and she took care of me from start to finish. The process was very seamless, I received the medical treatment that I needed immediately and at the very end, concluded with a very rewarding settlement. I've worked with a few law firms from prior accidents and none can compare to the service OR expertise I received from Mr. Yonker.👉 If you're seeking help for an injury related case, I would definitely recommend working with him and their amazing legal staff at Winter & Yonker Firm in Tampa. I will always use this firm for all my Personal Injury Claims! If you are l@@king for an Attorney to give you Top Notch legal help and the MOST money for your Pain & Suffering then take it from me I'm a paralegal and this firm continues to OUTSHINE them all!

Meredith Wilson

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This was my first personal injury experience. I wanted to choose a law office I could trust. A friend of mine recommended the law offices of Winters & Yonker, Personal Injury Lawyers in Tampa. Through the entire process Attorney Marc Yonkers was helpful and communication was stellar. I never felt out the loop. I felt confident throughout entire process. Which this month (Sept. 2023) they were able to settle my accident case successfully and to my 100% satisfaction. I cannot recommend Winters & Yonker and or Marc any higher. In short they are firm, fair, aggressive, responsive, super smart and know the numerous ins and outs of Personal Injury cases (which can be quite complicated). Upon hiring them you get a law firm that will leave you confident that your case will be handled expertly and with your interests front and center.

Geneva Ramirez

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Winters and Yonkers has been a legend of the Tampa Bay personal injury Attorney community for a long time. I was in a car accident recently with my husband, we suffered back and neck pains after two days and thought to get someone’s help. I found Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers through a google search and called them right up. The same day Mr. Winters contacted both of us, listened, and was compassionate to our situation. He helped us through the entire process including getting me seen by a Doctor so we could heal our injuries correctly, and we got our medical bills reduced! Bill Winters, my case manager, and the entire staff were very knowledgeable and exceptional at their work. We would like to express my sincere gratitude to them and recommend them without any hesitation to anybody who needs help, don't try and fight the at fault's insurance on your own. If you're injured and need someone to protect your rights you won't find a better Attorney than Bill Winters at Winters & Yonkers!-Geneva, Tampa FL#personalinjurylawyer #caraccidentlawyer #tampainjuryattorney

Shelley Torres

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Bum Boi

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My wife and I are work in Mediation and Arbitration but know nothing about personal injury cases. When a young delivery Truck driver who was distracted by his phone hit us at full speed and rear-ended us as we were stopped in traffic on Wesley chapel. We knew we needed to hire the best lawyers with PI experience and expertise in the Tampa legal community that we could.From our first phone call with Bill Winters and then all the way through Trial preparation then Trial, we never felt any bad about our case because we knew Bill and the entire staff at Winters and Yonker would take care of us.Their dedication, innovation, motivation, reliability, unparalleled intellect, and exceptional skill as trial lawyers make them extraordinary individuals. My experience working with them was nothing short of exceptional. Experiencing a car accident is an ordeal that encompasses fear, trauma, and frustration. It's a life-changing event in anyone's life. There was no amount of money that could ever make me alright, because I would give any amount of cash to not have to go through the nightmare that the car accident was and continues to be.It took almost 2 years from the time of the car crash to go to trial, but ultimately the jury verdict that Bill Winters got for my family was worth fighting for. There were so many times over the course of the three years that we actively realized how amazing it was that we felt no anxiety or concerns or worries about our case, because Bill is truly outstanding!If you or anyone you know gets hurt in a car accident, call Winters and Yonkers RIGHT AWAY! And then rest assured that you, your family, or friends are being cared for by the ABSOLUTE BEST legal team in Tampa Bay. Thank you, Winters & Yonker!

Glenda Litimco

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Winters & Yonker law firm did excellent work with my injury case. Luckily, I was referred to Winters & Yonker from a good friend after I was injured in a car accident. I did some initial research about injury lawyers near me, but the reviews for this office really stood out to me in Tampa. I decided to call and after a single phone conversation, the choice was easy to make! Not only was everyone extremely professional, they made the entire process smooth and clear. I was at ease with each step of the way because they were always there to answer my questions and keep me informed of what was happening. All expectations were met and my settlement was exceeded. I got much more than I thought was even possible from the insurance company. I highly recommend the Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, and their team in Tampa to anyone in need of help after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident. You'll be in good hands!

Dandrea Ikner

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This is the best lawyer in town

Nicky Warner

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Max was amazing! He kept me updated throughout the whole process and was extremely easy to talk with. He also explained everything so I can completely understand it. It was an amazing experience. Thank you, Max!

Erika Smith

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I had a great experience with them! They truly care about you!! Thank you so much🤗

Jonathan Clem

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I was injured in a car crash here in town. Since it was essentially a "he said she said" accident case the opposing insurance claimed it was a 50/50 fault. Even though it clearly could not have been my fault. However, Bill worked diligently to get me everything I was needed to get my life back. He worked to get me access to all the doctors I needed and medical treamtment for my neck and back. Plus, a large settlement amount. Bill even took the time to calm me down when I saw the initial amount and cost for seeing my medical bills piling up! He even managed to get them to reduce their bills significantly! Plus, I received as much as possible. Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers in Tampa provided a great legal service. They were strait forward and honest about the approach, and communicated every aspect of the process. The firm took care of everything. I would 100% without a doubt recommend him if I knew someone that need a personal injury attorney. Given the circumstances of our introduction I hope I never have to, BUT Bill Winters will definitely be my first call if I'm ever injured again!

marie silvers

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They are the Best! They care about you as a person!

jorden reagan

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Everyone on their staff is amazing! Chris and Sara won my case and helped me out with an accident that occurred a few months back. They made the entire process so easy! They called with case updates but not too often where it was constant phone calls. It was just enough to know what was going on the whole time without being bombarded. Thankful for Tayler on their staff who helped inform me on why Winters and Yonker was the best choice to go with!

Kimberly Rushton

1691849813

Yes, I would highly recommend winners in Yonkers. I worked with Trevor and Trevor was the best. I recommend anyone that ever needs a lawyer to go to them. They are the best.

Pat Pawelkop

1691761083

Highly recommend. Bill Winters and his staff took time to answer my questions, and handled my case in a timely and professional manner. I almost didn't contact a lawyer over my "small" injury case because I feared it would be so difficult and stressful. But he got me the settlement that my insurance company owed me, and I would never have been able to do that on my own. And with less stress that I anticipated. I'm glad I called them.

Amysway Barton

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Always available

Certified Soul

1691535470

Winters and Yonker is who you want to go to when you get in a car accident because they will take care of you and won’t let you get low balled on your settlement. I got in a car accident where my back and shoulder was injured and I was referred to a attorney named Trevor. I appreciate Trevor for handling my case and keeping me informed with all the information I needed.

Sean S

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One of the best law firms in Tampa. My family was involved in a serious car accident. We went to that other personal injury firm with the two M's they were trying to make us settle the case quickly and they we're not listening to us with the arrogant attitude that they were the experts and we were just ignorant. We promptly fired them and then hired Winters & yonker. Our settlement was 5 times higher than what the MM wanted to settle for.I would like to thank Winters and Yonkers entire staff for a wonderful experience. They were all very knowledgeable and walked us through the whole process. We really felt like they cared, unlike the other firm.

Linda Robinson

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I’m giving Winters & Yonker a shout out. My mother fell in Winn Dixie afew months ago. Her first choice wasMorgan & Morgan; however, after theinterview with them they decided not to take the case. My perception was that it was not a big enough case for them. I knew that she deserved to be compensated for her injuries, and I had mad faith in Winters & Yonker from using them in the past. They not only took the case but settled it in record time. Thanks Winters and Yonker, and I like to send a special thank you to Christopher Smith, who was never to busy when I needed answers. I would recommend your law firm to anyone. I found you to be ethical, professional, and respectful to my family, but most of all you will fight for the little guy. Much love and respect. God bless you all and your families👏👏👏👏

Reuben Rodriques

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Other said it couldn't be done called your law firm and immediately you got on it impressive shocking furthermore you showed integrity did what you had to do though you didn't have to do it and I was shockingly pleased thank you you surprised me had I to choose any other law firm I would not hesitate to call you or share my experience with my friends thank you once again from me and my family amen

Hameed Owens

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PATRICK IS THE GOAT 🐐 I WAS INJURED ON A PROPERTY THAT CLAIM THEY DIDN'T COVER MY INJURY PATRICK SAID BE PATIENT & LET HIM WORK!:& HE DEFINITELY DID JUST THAT!!!: HE CHANGED MY LIFE 🐐💯

Enrique

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Myrtle Graham

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I was searching for a local car accident lawyer near me after I was rear-ended by someone earlier this month. I was being pushed around by the at-fault driver's insurance company and needed some legal help.I found Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers through Google Maps and decided to get a free consult. I called the Tampa office of this firm and talked to them about my options. I briefly told them of my situation and was connected to Bill shortly after. He was extremely informative and was very professional. By the end of the same day he had me meet with a private investigator and referred me to a chiropractor nearby. Great customer service, and I look forward to how well my settlement will turn out. I know I am in good hands!