Boating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, from broken bones to life-threatening head trauma. If you were injured due to a reckless boat operator, a defective vessel, or unsafe water conditions, a boating accident injury attorney in Orlando with Matthew R. Boren, Attorney at Law can help you pursue justice. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to learn how we can fight for your financial recovery.
Florida Boating Laws and Accident Liability
Florida has some of the highest numbers of registered boats in the country, making boating safety a serious concern. Under Florida Statutes § 327.32, boat operators must follow specific regulations to prevent accidents and ensure safe vessel operation. These laws govern speed limits, required safety equipment, and operator responsibilities to protect both passengers and others on the water.
Boat operators are responsible for avoiding reckless or negligent behavior that could lead to accidents. This includes driving at excessive speeds, failing to yield to other vessels, and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When boaters fail to follow safety regulations, they can be held legally accountable for any injuries or damages they cause.
Top Causes of Boating Accidents in Orlando
Boating accidents often result from negligence, inexperience, or failure to follow proper safety protocols. Many crashes occur due to reckless behaviors, such as boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, excessive speeding, or failing to maintain a proper lookout. Understanding the most common causes of boating accidents can help determine liability and strengthen a legal claim.
How Alcohol Contributes to Boating Accidents
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is just as dangerous as driving a car while intoxicated. Alcohol slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and affects coordination, increasing the risk of collisions. In Florida, boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal under Florida Statutes § 327.35, and violators may face criminal charges and civil liability if they cause an accident.
Speeding and Reckless Boating Maneuvers
Just like on the road, speeding on the water reduces a boater’s ability to react to sudden obstacles or changing conditions. High speeds make it harder to avoid other vessels, swimmers, or floating debris, leading to catastrophic crashes. Reckless maneuvers, such as sharp turns at high speeds or ignoring no-wake zones, can also result in serious accidents.
Inexperienced Boat Operators
Many boating accidents involve operators who lack the experience or training needed to handle a vessel safely. Unlike driving a car, boating requires knowledge of water navigation rules, right-of-way laws, and how to respond to emergencies. Inexperienced boaters may misjudge distances, fail to recognize hazards, or struggle to handle rough waters, leading to preventable accidents.
Lack of Proper Safety Equipment
Every boat must be equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and other essential safety gear. Failing to have these items on board can increase the risk of injury or death in an emergency. If a boating accident occurs due to missing or defective safety equipment, the boat’s owner may be held liable for negligence.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Boating Accident?
A boating accident can lead to serious injuries, significant property damage, and emotional distress. If you were harmed due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your financial and personal losses. Examples of potentially recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses – Covers hospital visits, emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation for injuries caused by the accident. Severe cases may require long-term physical therapy or specialized treatments.
- Lost income – Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries. If the accident causes long-term disability or reduced earning capacity, victims may also receive compensation for future lost wages.
- Property damages – Covers repairs or replacement of damaged boats, personal belongings, or other watercraft involved in the accident. This may include fishing equipment, electronics, or other valuables lost in the crash.
- Pain and suffering – Accounts for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life experienced after a boating accident. Victims who suffer disfigurement, permanent injuries, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may receive additional compensation.
- Wrongful death damages – If a boating accident results in loss of life, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
How Boating Accident Insurance Claims Work in Florida
Filing an insurance claim after a boating accident in Florida can be complicated due to maritime laws, insurance coverage limits, and disputes over fault. Unlike car accidents, where liability is often determined by traffic laws, boating accidents involve multiple factors such as operator negligence, vessel conditions, and weather-related hazards. Because of this, insurance companies may attempt to deny or minimize claims to avoid paying full compensation.
In Florida, boating insurance is not required by law, but many boat owners carry policies that cover collision damage, medical payments, and liability for injuries caused to others. However, insurance companies often dispute claims by arguing that the boat operator was reckless, intoxicated, or failed to follow navigational rules. Working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Why Boating Accident Investigations Take Longer Than Car Accidents
Boating accident investigations often take significantly longer than car accident investigations due to jurisdictional complexities, environmental factors, and lack of immediate physical evidence. When an accident occurs on the water, law enforcement agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Coast Guard, or local police marine units may be involved, depending on where the incident happened. Coordinating between these agencies can cause delays in gathering reports and determining fault.
Unlike car crashes, boating accidents leave little to no physical evidence at the scene. Water currents, wind conditions, and waves can alter crash sites, making it difficult to reconstruct exactly what happened. Additionally, witnesses may be harder to locate since boaters often disperse quickly after an accident. These challenges make it essential to collect as much evidence as possible immediately after a boating accident, including photos, video footage, and eyewitness accounts.
Contact an Orlando Boating Accident Lawyer Today
A day on the water should not end in a serious injury, but negligent boat operators, equipment failures, and unsafe conditions can lead to devastating accidents. If you were injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An Orlando boating accident injury attorney with Matthew R. Boren, Attorney at Law is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.