Boating in Florida is a popular, year-round activity. Unfortunately, the high volume of boating activity also leads to a high number of boating accidents that can result in devastating injuries and even boating fatalities.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a Florida boating accident, the boat accident attorney team at Saka Bryant can fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.

Florida Boating Regulations

Boating is a popular activity in Florida, yet there are comparatively few restrictions on operating a watercraft. There is no minimum age to operate a boat in Florida. Individuals born after 1998 are required to take a boater safety course. However, this class is not conducted on a boat. It is classroom-based, and today, many people take it online.

Common Injuries in Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can happen in an instant, but the injuries they leave behind can last a lifetime. Because boats offer little protection compared to a car or truck, the forces involved in even a minor collision can cause serious injuries or even death.

Common injuries caused by a boating accident include:

  • Bruising
  • Burns
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Head, neck, and spine injuries
  • Hypothermia
  • Loss of limb
  • Shock
  • Sprains and strains
  • Wrongful death

Who Is Liable for a Boating Accident in Florida?

Determining who is liable for injuries suffered in a boating accident can be challenging. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, potentially liable parties include:

  • Boat owner
  • Boat operator
  • Boat manufacturer
  • Another at-fault party that contributed to the crash

In many cases, the boat operator is responsible for causing a boating accident. Boat operators have a legal duty to act in a reasonably prudent manner. A boat operator violates their duty by, for example, failing to maintain a proper lookout, speeding, or operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Secure the Compensation You Deserve After a Florida Boating Accident

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a Florida boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Compensation for injuries suffered in a Florida boating accident may include payment for:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Damage to your relationship with your family

Types of Boat Accidents We Handle

Boating accidents can happen on any type or size vessel. Regardless of the circumstances, every case deserves a thorough investigation to determine liability and damages. Our boat accident attorneys handle a broad range of boating accident injury claims, including:

  • Accidents involving pontoons, speedboats, and fishing boats
  • Jet ski and personal watercraft (PWC) accidents
  • Capsizes
  • Accidents involving charter boats and tour boats
  • Commercial boating accidents
  • Drowning and near-drowning accidents
  • Collisions with fixed objects or other vessels
  • Boating accidents involving alcohol or drugs

When Boating Accidents Injure Swimmers or Divers

When a boat operator is speeding, fails to keep a proper lookout, or is operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they place everyone in the water around them in serious danger. Swimmers, divers, snorkelers, water skiers, tubers, and wakeboarders are all at risk of being injured in accidents.

Unfortunately, some boat operators think they can flee the scene after striking a person in the water. Even when these operators are later identified, they may claim the collision never occurred or that the injured person was not wearing proper safety equipment. If you were struck by a motorized boat while swimming, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, tubing, or wakeboarding, you can seek compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Florida Boat Accident Attorney at Saka Bryant Today

Our Florida boat accident attorneys at Saka Bryant represent people injured in boating accidents throughout Florida. Contact our law office today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.