Plantation Boating Accident Lawyer
Injured On the Water in Florida? Our Attorneys Can Help
Florida’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters offer year-round opportunities for recreation – but a relaxing day on the water can turn tragic in seconds. Boating accidents happen far too often in Florida, and they often involve serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need a lawyer who understands Florida’s boating laws and how these cases work in the Sunshine State.
At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, we know exactly what to do. With over 40 years of combined experience, our Florida boating injury attorneys have handled numerous complex boating accident cases involving serious injuries, wrongful death, and insurance disputes. We want to learn more about what happened so we can fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How do boating accidents happen in Florida?
Boating accidents often involve careless or reckless actions by the operator of a boat or personal watercraft. Many of these crashes are preventable – and the result of someone not taking safety seriously.
Some of the most common causes of Florida boating accidents include:
- Boating under the influence (BUI), which is illegal and just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Operating a boat at an unsafe speed, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas.
- Inattention or distraction by the boat operator.
- Lack of experience operating a boat or watercraft.
- Violating navigation rules or failing to yield the right of way.
- Equipment failure due to poor maintenance.
Whether the accident happened on a lake in Central Florida or off the coast in South Florida, the effects can be devastating. Passengers can be thrown overboard. Boats can collide or capsize. Many boating accidents involve drowning accidents. Victims can suffer life-altering injuries or worse. If this happened to you or a family member, contact our law firm right away. We can help you demand justice.
Who’s at fault for a boating accident?
Determining fault in a boating accident depends on who was operating the boat and how the crash happened. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault party might include:
- Driver of the boat you were riding in if they acted recklessly or were under the influence.
- Operator of another boat that collided with yours.
- Rental company that failed to maintain or repair a boat before allowing it on the water.
- Manufacturer if a defective part caused the accident.
- Event organizer or tour company if the accident happened during a guided excursion.
Florida boating accident claims can be complicated, especially when multiple at-fault parties and maritime laws are involved. That’s why it’s important to talk to a Florida boating accident lawyer who understands how the state’s legal system works and how to build a strong case from the start.
What are common injuries from boating accidents?
People involved in boat crashes often suffer severe and sometimes fatal injuries. In many cases, boat passengers have no time to react before being thrown against hard surfaces, into the water, or off the vessel. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from being thrown or struck.
- Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones or fractures.
- Deep cuts, bruises, or lacerations.
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries, including lung damage.
- Burn injuries caused by onboard fires or fuel explosions.
These injuries can result in long-term disability, ongoing medical costs, and a loss of income. In fatal cases, surviving family members are left grieving – and searching for answers.
What if I was injured as a passenger in a boat?
Passengers injured in a boating accident may be entitled to compensation, even if the person operating the boat was a friend or family member. Florida law protects passengers from the consequences of reckless or negligent boat operation.
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Emergency medical bills and future care needs.
- Lost wages or loss of future earnings.
- Pain and suffering related to the injury.
- Emotional distress or mental trauma.
Some passengers hesitate to take legal action if the boat operator is someone they know. But often, these claims are handled through insurance policies – not out of the driver’s pocket. Our attorneys can explain how this process works and help you decide what approach you want to take after your boating accident.
What should I do if my loved one drowned in a boating accident?
If a family member drowned because of a boating accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Florida’s wrongful death law allows certain family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior.
You may be able to recover compensation due to a drowning accident for:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Lost financial support the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care.
- Emotional pain and suffering.
We know that no amount of money can replace a loved one. But holding the at-fault party accountable can provide a sense of justice and help ease the financial burden caused by the accident. Our legal team can assist your family during this challenging time. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Talk to a Florida boating accident attorney who knows how to help
Boating accident cases in Florida involve unique challenges – from identifying the right insurance coverage to navigating state and federal boating laws. That’s why injury victims and families trust Personal Injury Legal Solutions to make things right.
Our trial-tested lawyers bring more than 40 years of legal experience to the table. Attorneys Robert Gioia and Stephanie Balint understand how the Florida legal system works in cases involving boating accidents, having represented both injury victims and, in the past, defended insurance companies. All that experience gives them an edge when negotiating fair settlements or going to court.
You’re not just another case to us. We take the time to understand what happened and how it’s affected your life. We offer personalized attention and professional legal insights, so you can receive honest answers and make informed, smart legal decisions.
Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation with a Florida boating accident attorney you can count on in a crisis. We’re available 24/7. We speak Spanish. We handle boating injury claims and lawsuits throughout Florida.