Florida Boating Accident Lawyer
Florida leads the nation in both the number of registered recreational vessels and boating accidents. In 2023, the state reported 922,915 registered boats and personal watercraft, the highest in the U.S. This high number of vessels helps clarify why Florida experienced the most boating accidents. In 2023, there were 619 incidents, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division. Despite continued efforts in education and enforcement, boating accidents remain high, although they decreased from 723 in 2022.
The number of serious injuries resulting from these accidents remains high. The number of people injured in Florida boating accidents reached 399 during the previous year. The victims experienced various injuries, including bone fractures and head trauma and spinal cord damage, and internal injuries. The number of fatal accidents reached 54 because victims lost their lives after drowning or falling from boats.
A Florida boating accident victim who suffered injuries must cope with emotional distress and physical discomfort and financial difficulties. The situation becomes overwhelming for everyone who experiences it, according to Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys. Our legal team provides support to your family during this challenging period. Our law firm is committed to helping Florida residents achieve justice and compensation. We have extensive experience in handling injury cases across the state.
What Kinds of Boating Accidents Occur in Florida?
The state of Florida features 8,346 miles of Atlantic and Gulf coastline. The state features numerous bays together with lakes, rivers and additional water routes. The area’s natural features allow boating activities to continue year-round for local residents and visiting tourists. The state enables the use of every type of watercraft starting from yachts through kayaks and jet skis.
Any watercraft type becomes susceptible to accidents that can occur in any location throughout Florida. The Florida Statute Section 372.02 defines a boating accident. It occurs when any vessel collides, has an accident, or experiences a casualty while entering or exiting the water. The definition includes accidents and incidents involving watercraft collisions, capsizing, and sinking. It also covers injuries, fatalities, disappearances, and damage to vessels or dock structures.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement, most boating accidents stem from collisions between watercraft. The main reason behind fatal accidents in water involves falling from boats. The majority of deaths stem from drowning. Other types of accidents include watersports like skiing and tubing. They also involve human-powered crafts such as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboards.
What Kind of Injuries Do Boating Accidents Cause?
Boating accidents create various types of injuries for their victims. Drowning stands as the leading fatal injury among water accident victims. However, victims can also suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lung injuries
- Broken bones
Boating accidents frequently lead to injuries when vessels hit other boats and stationary objects such as docks and rocks. The use of jet skis and water sports can be dangerous. Accidents often occur, putting individuals at a high risk of serious injuries.
How Can a Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys Florida Boating Accident Lawyer Help Injured Victims?
If you or a family member has been seriously injured or killed in a Florida boating accident, you may be able to take legal action against the negligent boater/vessel operator who caused the accident and obtain substantial compensation for the damages you suffered. The Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys are experienced Florida boating accident lawyers. We have assisted numerous victims of boating accidents. We are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Under Florida law, individuals who operate boats or personal watercraft carelessly can be held responsible for damages. This includes individuals who operate vessels while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It also includes those who fail to follow standard boating safety precautions. Depending on the details of your accident, a reckless boater may have caused it without a collision
Your Florida boating accident attorney will carefully investigate the accident. They will identify who is at fault and what caused the incident. Furthermore, we will:
- Gather the evidence necessary to demonstrate liability
- Determine if the boat owner or rental company has insurance. They may be liable for allowing someone without boating experience to use their boat or personal watercraft
- Work with medical experts to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and future health care needs
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies for the settlement you deserve
- Be well prepared to fight in court for your legal rights and the compensation you deserve for the damages you suffered.
What Financial Compensation Can Florida Boating Accident Victims Obtain?
The Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators. They understand the tactics insurance companies use to reduce payments to accident victims. We will not back down and settle for less than you deserve, possibly including compensation for your:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished capacity to enjoy life
- Current and future medical and care expenses
- Lost income
- Decreased or lost earning capacity
- Damaged property
- Other damages recoverable under Florida law
Get Legal Help from an Experienced Accident Attorney
Our law firm at Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, represents boating accident victims throughout Florida. Our legal approach emphasizes preserving evidence and exploring all possible legal options. We will effectively present your case to the court. We avoid early settlement because we are prepared to take cases to court.
Our team dedicates every available resource to secure both full and fair compensation for you. Our law firm offers you full dedication and strong legal defense from the start of your case to its end.
Call us at 855-LAW-DENNIS or fill in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to get started on your case.
