Boating Accidents/Maritime Negligence

While Florida ranks third in the country for total number of boats registered in each state, it has more boating accidents than any other state. If you have been injured in a boating accident, or your property damaged due to the negligent operation of a vessel, you need
an experienced maritime negligence attorney on your side to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

There are many factors that contribute to the high rate of boating accidents in Florida, but most commonly they involve lack of attention, inexperience, and/or drug or alcohol use. Because these accidents take place on the water, typically with no seat belts, the chance of survival can be much lower when compared to auto accidents.

While most boating accidents are the fault of an operator, sometimes a defective part on the vessel itself can cause an accident. The attorneys Lopez & DeFilippo investigate all potential sources of liability including potential manufacturing or design defects of a vessel in order to secure compensation for your injury or property damage.

There are many serious injuries that often occur in boat accidents such as:

Common Injuries Associated with Boating Accidents:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Fractures
  • Paralysis
  • Disfigurement
  • Drowning

Common Types of Boating Accidents:

  • Collision with another vessel
  • Collision with land
  • Running onto ground
  • Collision with marker or dock
  • Collision with rocks
  • Hitting a flat

Types of Damages Associated with Boating Accidents:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Property Damage
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Lost Wages

What You Should Do if Injured in a Boating Accident:

  • Call the Police: After your boating accident make sure you are in a safe location and call 911. Make sure to never admit fault after any accident, and have the officer create an accident report indicating who was at fault for the accident.
  • Seek Medical Attention: If you are hurt or injured after your boating accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention right away and have your injury documented. A documented injury will assist in proving your claim against the negligent party.
  • Document the Details of the Accident: If you are not seriously injured, make your own detailed account of the boating accident scene. This can include videos, pictures, diagrams, or whatever other evidence might be helpful to prove your case.
  • Contact a South Florida Boating Accident & Maritime Negligence Attorney: Calling the boating accident attorney of Lopez & DeFilippo today can drastically affect your chances of recovering the full amount you may be entitled to. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers ready to defend their negligent policyholders, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our attorneys have the maritime and legal knowledge and experience to effectively investigate and advocate for you. Call our office today and speak with a licensed boat operator and experienced attorney to learn about your options.

Why hire Lopez & DeFilippo? Our boating accident and maritime negligence attorneys are committed to providing comprehensive personalized representation and we have the resources and skills to aggressively fight to recover the compensation you deserve.

What is a contingency fee? It’s simple, you don’t pay us anything unless we secure a financial recovery in your case.