Experienced representation for boat and watercraft accident victims on Florida’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
The Orlando boat accident attorneys at Matthew M. Boren’s firm offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no fees unless they win for you. With offices conveniently located in Winter Park, they serve clients throughout Central Florida’s popular boating areas, including Lake Nona, the Butler Chain of Lakes, and the inland waterways of Orlando.
By holding negligent boat operators and rental companies accountable, Attorney Boren aims to ease the financial burdens that can follow a serious watercraft collision. Call (407) 636-4681 to learn your options. Compassionate support combined with aggressive advocacy is at the heart of Attorney Boren’s practice.
Florida leads the nation in boating accidents, with thousands of incidents each year resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. These cases involve unique maritime laws and regulations that differ significantly from standard vehicle accident claims.
Attorney Matthew M. Boren has extensive experience navigating the complex intersection of Florida state law and federal maritime regulations that govern boat accident cases. Whether your accident involved a pleasure craft, fishing boat, jet ski, or commercial vessel, our team provides the specialized legal knowledge needed to secure fair compensation.
Many boating accidents involve alcohol, excessive speed, operator inexperience, or improper lookout—all preventable factors that may constitute negligence. Our firm thoroughly investigates each case to identify all responsible parties, from boat operators to rental companies and manufacturers.
Boat accident cases involve unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge. Our team handles everything from investigating maritime regulations to dealing with multiple insurance carriers, allowing you to focus on recovery.
We understand the complex interplay between state and federal maritime laws that apply to Florida waterways.
We identify all responsible parties, from boat operators to rental companies and equipment manufacturers.
We handle complex negotiations with marine and personal insurance carriers to maximize your compensation.
We collect and preserve critical evidence including weather conditions, operator experience, and equipment maintenance records.
We understand Florida's boating regulations and use violations to strengthen your claim for compensation.
The steps you take immediately following a rideshare accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
1
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
2
Florida law requires reporting boating accidents that result in injuries, death, or property damage over $2,000 to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
3
Take photos of injuries, damage to vessels, and the accident scene. Collect contact information from witnesses and other involved parties.
4
Before speaking with insurance companies, consult with a boat accident attorney who understands maritime law and can protect your rights.
Distracted boating is as dangerous as distracted driving. Operators who fail to maintain a proper lookout can miss crucial visual cues of upcoming hazards.
Florida does not require formal boating education for operators born before 1988, leading to many inexperienced boaters on crowded waterways.
High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of impacts, particularly dangerous in congested areas or limited visibility conditions.
The incentive structure of rideshare platforms can encourage drivers to speed or take risks to complete more rides in less time.
Malfunctioning steering systems, engines, or safety equipment can lead to accidents. Rental companies and manufacturers may share liability.
Florida's rapidly changing weather patterns can create dangerous boating conditions. Operators must monitor forecasts and respond appropriately.
A boat accident can disrupt every aspect of your life. The Orlando boat accident attorneys at the Boren firm fight to secure damages that reflect these wide-ranging losses, which may include:
Doctor's visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and future treatments related to your boat accident injuries.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services needed to restore function after a boat accident.
Wages missed during recovery and any reductions in earning potential due to permanent injuries from a boat accident.
Repairs or replacement costs for your damaged watercraft, equipment, and personal property lost in the accident.
PTSD, anxiety, and depression that can follow traumatic motorcycle accidents.
In cases of gross negligence, such as boating under the influence, additional damages may be awarded to punish reckless behavior.
Get answers to common questions about rideshare accidents and related legal matters.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including boat accidents, is four years from the date of the accident. However, if maritime law applies, different deadlines may govern your case. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
Unlike car accidents, there is no Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requirement for boats in Florida. Medical bills may be covered by your health insurance initially, but our goal is to recover these costs from the at-fault party’s insurance. In some cases, your homeowner’s insurance or boat insurance may provide coverage.
Yes, boat rental companies may be held liable if they failed to properly maintain their vessels, provided inadequate safety equipment, or rented to an obviously inexperienced or intoxicated operator. However, waivers of liability may complicate such claims. An experienced attorney can help determine if the waiver is enforceable and identify potential claims despite such agreements.
Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible, you can still recover 70% of your damages.
(407) 636-4681
498 Palm Springs Dr Suite 116 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
24/7 Emergency Service
If you’ve been injured in an Orlando boat accident, don’t wait to protect your legal rights. Attorney Matthew M. Boren and his dedicated team are ready to provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation. Reach out now or call at (407) 636-4681. Consultations are always free, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
