Boat Collisions
Boat-on-boat collisions are among the most common and serious types of boating accidents on Florida's waterways. These collisions can result from operator inattention, excessive speed, failure to follow navigation rules, or impaired operation.
Our attorneys investigate the cause of boat collisions to identify all liable parties, including negligent operators, boat rental companies, and vessel owners. We pursue full compensation for injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and drowning-related injuries.
- Head-on collisions between vessels
- Collisions with fixed objects (docks, bridges, channel markers)
- Collisions caused by impaired or inexperienced operators
- Hit-and-run boating accidents
Capsizing & Sinking Accidents
When a boat capsizes or sinks, passengers can be thrown into the water without warning, often without life jackets. These accidents are particularly dangerous because victims may become trapped under the vessel or be unable to reach safety in open water.
Capsizing accidents may be caused by overloading, improper weight distribution, sudden weather changes, or design defects in the vessel itself. Our firm works with maritime experts to determine the cause and hold responsible parties accountable.
Jet Ski Accidents
Personal watercraft such as jet skis are involved in a significant number of boating injuries each year in Florida. The high speeds, lack of protective barriers, and frequent use by inexperienced riders make jet ski accidents particularly dangerous.
Common jet ski accident injuries include broken bones, spinal injuries, lacerations from the impeller, and traumatic brain injuries. Our attorneys handle jet ski accident claims against negligent operators, rental companies that fail to provide adequate instruction, and manufacturers of defective watercraft.
- Jet ski collisions with other vessels or swimmers
- Ejection injuries from personal watercraft
- Rental company negligence and inadequate safety instruction
- Jet ski mechanical failures and defects
Wake & Wave Injuries
Large wakes created by boats traveling at excessive speeds in no-wake zones or near other vessels can cause serious injuries to passengers in smaller boats, kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers. Wake injuries can include back and spinal injuries, concussions, and ejection from vessels.
Boat operators have a legal duty to operate at safe speeds and maintain a proper lookout. When they create dangerous wake conditions that injure others, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Drowning & Near-Drowning Incidents
Drowning is one of the most devastating outcomes of boating accidents. Near-drowning incidents can result in permanent brain damage, long-term respiratory problems, and other life-altering injuries. In many cases, drowning occurs because of inadequate safety equipment, failure to provide life jackets, or negligent rescue efforts.
Our attorneys represent families who have lost loved ones in drowning incidents as well as survivors of near-drowning events. We investigate whether proper safety measures were in place and whether the accident was preventable.
Dock & Marina Accidents
Injuries at docks and marinas are more common than many people realize. Slip and fall accidents on wet docks, injuries caused by improperly maintained dock structures, electrocution from faulty marina wiring, and accidents during boat loading and unloading all fall under maritime injury claims.
Marina owners and operators have a duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail to address hazards such as broken dock planks, inadequate lighting, or dangerous electrical conditions, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
- Slip and fall injuries on wet or damaged docks
- Electric shock drowning from faulty marina wiring
- Injuries during boat launching or loading
- Fueling accidents and fires at marinas