Contact Us if You Have Been Affected by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton.
Hablamos Español & Nou Pale Kreyòl
Free Consultations
800-555-4011

Fort Lauderdale Boat Accidents Lawyers

Boat Injury Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale

With miles of coastline, lakes, canals, and inland waterways combined with the year-round boating opportunity provided by our temperate weather, boating accidents are everyday occurrences in Florida. Like in any other case, injuries can range from the mild to fatal. Drowning deaths are unfortunately sometimes a consequence of a boating accident. If the accident was caused by another person or party's careless, reckless, or wrongful actions, you can seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In most cases, determining the cause of the accident will reveal whether another party was negligent and whether you are eligible for compensation. Whether you were involved in a personal watercraft collision or slipped and fell on the deck of a cruise ship, you shouldn't have to suffer the consequences of someone else's negligence on your own. If you have been involved in a boat accident, get help from the Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. We offer free consultations to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover.

Dial 800-555-4011 now or contact the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. online to get started on building your case.

What Causes Boat Accidents?

Accidents can happen when you least expect it, whether you are on the lake or cruising international waters. These accidents can result in serious injuries and, in tragic cases, they can even be fatal.

Some of the most common causes of boating collisions and accidents include:

  • Alcohol Use: Operating any type of water vessel while under the influence of alcohol is not only dangerous, it is also illegal. Unfortunately, many boaters mix drinking and a day on the water.
  • Distractions: Just like a distracted motorist, a distracted boater can cause serious accidents on the water. Boat operators are often distracted by passengers, including those being towed on water skis or wakeboards, as well as a number of other distractions, such as cell phones.
  • Excessive Speed: Boat operators are required to operate vessels at safe speeds. Traveling at excessive speeds can cause boaters to lose control and hit other vessels, docks, and other hazards. Speed-related boating collisions are often some of the most devastating.
  • Inexperienced Operators: Florida does not require boaters to obtain a special boat "license." As a result, there are many inexperienced boaters who may make disastrous mistakes or violate waterway laws.
  • Failure to Follow Regulations: Florida has many boating regulations in place to protect the safety of boaters, swimmers, and others sharing our many waterways. When boaters fail to follow these regulations, it can lead to devastating and even deadly accidents.
  • Improper Lookout: Boat operators must keep a proper lookout for swimmers, paddle boarders, personal watercraft operators, and other people and hazards in the water. Failure to do so can—and often does—have severe and fatal consequences.

While these represent some of the most common causes of boat accidents, this is not a complete list. A boat accident can result from nearly countless circumstances, including unsafe waters, machinery failure, or improper maintenance. Regardless of what happened, if your injuries or the death of your loved one was caused by someone else's negligence or unlawful behavior, our Fort Lauderdale boat accident attorneys can help.

Who Is Liable for Boat Accidents?

In the case of personal watercraft accidents involving recreational boats, jet skis, and other similar watercraft, the negligent individual is typically legally liable for the injured victim's damages. However, this is not always the case. If the accident was caused by a defective part or faulty machinery, the manufacturer and/or distributor may be liable. Liability in boat accident cases quickly becomes even more complex when there are multiple parties and/or vessels involved or when the vessels involved are commercial boats/watercraft. For example, bringing a claim for an injury that occurred on a chartered fishing boat or cruise ship will likely involve taking action against the company that owns and/or operates the vessel. Because the cruise ship industry has a large presence in Florida, it is important that your legal representative be able to navigate through issues raised by Federal maritime law and the ticket contract itself. Most cruise ship ticket contracts contain shortened statutes of limitations in addition to notice provisions that can defeat a claim if not followed. In any case, it's important that you discuss your situation with an experienced boat accident attorney. Our firm understands how to navigate the legal system, as well as how to seek full compensation for all of your damages, both current and future. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to learn more about how our lawyers can assist you.

The boating accident attorneys at the Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. have several convenient locations in South Florida including:

  • Boca Raton
  • Boynton Beach
  • Coral Springs
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Hollywood
  • West Palm Beach

Boat Accidents FAQs

Q

What Should I Do Immediately After a Boat Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

Answer: Try to stay as calm as you can and assess the situation. Determine whether anyone in the vessel needs immediate medical care, and try to move to a safe location if possible. Then, dial 911 emergency services, providing them with all the necessary details. They will dispatch assistance, including the Coast Guard, if needed. Even if no one appears to be badly injured, you may still need to call emergency medical services, as some injuries may not be readily apparent.

Q

When Should I Contact a Boat Accident Attorney After the Incident?

Answer: Once you have been seen by a medical professional, and any injuries you suffered have been accounted for, you will want to contact an attorney. It is often wise to consult with a lawyer before you contact an insurance company. These companies often employ deceptive tactics to try to get an injured person to say something that may be detrimental to their case. Insurance companies are businesses looking to pay the injured party as little as possible. Your attorney will work with you on what to say and not say to the insurance company. It is also likely that your lawyer will do much of the talking for you, ensuring that you do not say anything that could limit your ability to receive compensation for your injuries.

Q

What Information Should I Gather at the Scene of the Boating Accident?

Answer: If other parties are involved, share contact and insurance information with them. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and boat registration numbers are all important information to take down. If it is safe, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the boats involved. This visual evidence will likely be helpful when it is time to deal with insurance companies and legal claims later on.

Q

Is it Necessary to Report a Boat Accident in Fort Lauderdale to the Authorities?

Answer: It is imperative and necessary to report the boat accident to the authorities in Fort Lauderdale. The subsequent police report that is created will be an important piece of evidence in your injury claim. If you are in a boat accident, and you fail to alert the authorities of the incident, you will be putting yourself in critical legal jeopardy that may worsen your situation.

Q

What Are the Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?

Answer: Operator inattention and distraction, excessive speed, alcohol or drug impairment, inclement weather conditions, equipment failure or malfunction, overloading the boat with passengers or cargo, and other issues may play a role in causing boat accidents.

Q

What Damages Can I Potentially Recover After a Boat Accident?

Answer: Like other cases involving motor vehicle accidents, you may be able to seek compensation for physical and emotional damages. Physical damages include broken bones or fractures, contusions, and other forms of bodily injury, and compensation may address the costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other ways you have been affected. Emotional damages may involve pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life in cases involving serious injuries, and more, and you may be able to receive compensation to address how these issues have affected your life. The compensation you pursue can help address the damages you suffered in the accident and the after-effects you have experienced, like medical costs and loss of income due to your injury.

Q

How Can I Determine Liability in a Fort Lauderdale Boat Accident Case?

Answer: It will be the job of your qualified attorney to determine who may be held liable for your injuries, which is another reason why hiring a lawyer is so important. Your attorney will examine all factors in the case while providing guidance on how the laws in Florida will apply in your situation.

Let us help you get the representation you need to recover from damages sustained in a boat accident. If you have been injured in a boating, cruise ship, wave runner, or jet ski accident, call us at 800-555-4011 for a free consultation.

Back to Top