Boat Accidents

Boat Accident Attorney

Delray Beach

Have you been injured in a boating accident? Get a free case review with an experienced boat accident attorney in Delray Beach, Florida.

The sunshine state upholds an outstanding reputation for its beautiful beaches, laid back atmosphere and countless recreational activities. Among those interests, boating remains one of the most favored pastimes between locals and visitors to Delray Beach.Unfortunately, an injury in a boating accident caused by another party’s negligence is not uncommon in Florida. Operator inattention, excessive speeding, operator inexperience and machinery failure are all leading contributors to the number of boat and jet ski accidents each year.

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Speak with a trusted boat accident attorney in Delray Beach, Florida.

What We Do

Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury law, representing those harmed by these injuries. We investigate the details of your accident, identify every liable party—from property owners to major corporations—and pursue accountability without compromise. We don’t just process cases; we advocate for people.

What to Expect

Step 01 .

Immediate Case Evaluation:

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to listen to your story, review the evidence, and determine the strength of your claim.

Step 02 .

Strategic Investigation:

Our team moves quickly to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and secure documentation.

Step 03 .

Medical & Recovery Support:

We ensure you are receiving the proper medical attention and that your injuries are fully documented to reflect the true impact on your life.

Step 04 .

Determined Negotiation:

We present a comprehensive demand to the insurance companies. We handle all direct communication, protecting you from their high-pressure tactics.

Step 05 .

Resolution & Litigation:

While many cases settle out of court, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Boating Accidents

Boating Accidents

The sunshine state upholds an outstanding reputation for its beautiful beaches, laid back atmosphere and countless recreational activities. Among those interests, boating remains one of the most favored pastimes between locals and visitors to Delray Beach. Florida has always been a hotspot for fun on the water. Boating regulations and laws are designed to keep boaters and their guests safe, but boating accidents on the water unfortunately happen.

Unfortunately, an injury in a boating accident caused by another party’s negligence is not uncommon in Florida. Operator inattention, excessive speeding, operator inexperience and machinery failure are all leading contributors to the number of boat and jet ski accidents each year.

Our boat accident lawyers in Delray Beach can help with many different types of watercraft accidents, including boating under the influence, crashes, rough waters and bad weather, and maintenance or equipment negligence. If you or a loved one has experienced pain and suffering from a recent boat accident or other watercraft-related accident, contact us today to discuss your options.

Do you need a boat accident attorney in Florida?

If you or a loved one suffered injuries and/or loss of life from a motor boat accident after a day at sea, it’s time to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable boat accident lawyer. Contact our team today to learn about the process of filing a boat accident claim.  

Do you need a boat accident attorney in Florida

Causes

Our personal injury attorneys in Delray Beach can help with many different types of boating accidents, including:

Boating under the influence

With the amount of beach and boat party events throughout the year, it’s not out of the ordinary to hear of boating mishaps with the driver of the vessel under the influence. If the captain of the boat is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and fails to follow the proper navigation rules that result in a mishap or crash, anybody who is hurt or killed onboard or in another vessel has a substantial case to bring to the table. These types of boat accident cases are more common than you might think.

Rough waters and bad weather

It’s the first and most essential rule of boating and all captains or crews need to be aware of the weather conditions before leaving the dock. If the boat you’re on capsizes and there is a physical drowning or long-term bodily damage, you likely have a boating accident case.

 

Collision with another boat or object

Waterways can get tricky, especially when boat drivers don’t know where they’re going and misread navigation markers. Unfortunately, bad scenarios like this happen all of the time. Boaters collide due to captain and mechanical error or a lack of situational awareness.

 

Maintenance and equipment negligence

Boat accidents occur due to mechanical malfunction or equipment neglect quite often too. Safety checklists are required for all boat rental companies. If certain criteria isn’t met and it results in bodily injury or death, you should file a boat accident lawsuit immediately. Depending on the rental agreement or waiver you signed, if you’ve lost a loved one or were hurt in a boating accident, you should contact our boat accident lawyers to review your case as soon as possible.

Maintenance and equipment negligence

Seek justice for your loved ones.

Common types of boating accidents

  • Barge Worker Accidents: Barges are responsible for transporting a wide range of materials, many of which require expertise in handling out at sea. Frequent types of barge accidents include slip and fall, barge collisions, and fire and explosions.
  • Boat Operator Negligence: Speeding, distracted boating, impaired boating, and any other form of negligence from boat operators can result in a tragic day on the ocean.
  • Propellor Accidents: A propellor accident occurs when an individual comes into contact with a boat propellor that is in motion. If a person falls overboard, the boat operator must pivot the stern in the opposite direction of the person to avoid injury.
  • Licensing of Boat Operator: A Florida resident can obtain a boating license with online training and a one-time payment. Any person that operates a watercraft without licensed training is an imminent danger to themselves and others on the water.
  • Alcohol Related Accidents: The blood alcohol limit for boating is 0.08 — the same for driving a motorized vehicle. It is against the law to operate a watercraft vessel while under the influence on alcohol or drugs.
  • Jet Ski / Personal Watercraft Accidents: The number of personal watercraft accidents have increased in recent years due to a spike in popularity. Operating a jet ski or personal watercraft without sufficient experience will increase your odds of a boating accident. In these cases, you will need a jet ski accident lawyer.
  • Insurance for Boat Accidents: Florida law requires boaters to have personal liability coverage in the event of an at-fault accident. Without registered insurance, you can be sued for damages relating to property or bodily injury.
  • Paddle Board Accidents: Novice paddle boarders and even those who are experienced are susceptible to bad weather, rocky water conditions, and drowning out at sea. For these reasons, it’s imperative for paddle boarders to wear a life jacket at all times.
  • Water Skiing Accidents: Lacerations to the head and neck, whiplash, and concussions are among the most common injuries arising from a water skiing accident.

 

Wrongful Death Boat Accidents: Negligence of any kind can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. Boating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and excessive speeding tend to be the main causes of wrongful death boat accidents.

Barge Worker Accidents

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punitive damages in Florida

Liability in Florida

From the panhandle and the Florida Keys, to Lake Okeechobee and up the East Coast, there are thousands of boaters and aquatic adventure seekers who find their aquatic fix riding jet skis, fishing, or joy riding on yachts or speed boats. From sunset cruises and airboat excursions, to charter fishing trips and parasailing tours, each corner of the peninsula offers a new water adventure. The Florida regulations and laws on the water are designed to keep boaters and their guests safe, but boating accidents on the water unfortunately happen. When they do, the owner or captain of the boat is held liable.

Confer with a boat accident attorney in Delray Beach to review your case

Confer with a boat accident attorney in Delray Beach to review your case

Were you recently injured in a boating accident in Florida that was caused by another party’s negligence? You could be eligible for financial compensation for any pain, suffering, and extenuating damages resulting from a rough day on the water. Our boat accident lawyers in Delray Beach handle thousands of personal injury claims involving property damage and bodily injury.

Because your boat accident lawsuit must be filed within four years from the date of the boat accident, we encourage victims to take legal action as soon as possible. Reach out to the legal experts at Porcaro Law Group to discuss the options available.

Boat Accident FAQs

Many things can transpire in the moments following a boat accident. However, the first thing you should do is evaluate whether you or anyone else involved in the boating accident requires immediate medical attention or first aid assistance.
Operator inattention, excessive speed, operator inexperience and machinery failure are the most common causes of boat and jet ski accidents in Delray Beach.
Passengers on board with an inexperienced operator are the most susceptible victims of boating accidents. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard reports nearly 77 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received proper safety instructions.
Florida law requires a written report within 48 hours to state authorities when a boating accident occurs. If the boating accident resulted in bodily injury beyond first aid, one or more deaths and/or missing persons, authorities must be informed immediately.
Any property damage above $2,000 or more requires mandatory reporting under Florida boating regulations. Though the extent of damage may vary, the threshold amount must include any destruction to the boat, nearby structures, and personal property around and/or on the vessel.

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Why Choose Us

Fast Response

• Calls and messages returned promptly
• Same-day consultations when possible

High-Touch Representation

• Direct access to your attorney
• You are never passed off to a case manager

Proven Experience

• 20+ years handling personal injury cases
• Millions recovered for injured clients
• Deep familiarity with South Florida courts and insurers

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No fees unless we win • Same-day consultations available

FAQs

What should I do after an accident?

If you’re injured in an accident, your first priority should be your health. Seek medical attentionright away, even if you feel okay at first. Document the accident scene, collect contactinformation from others involved or witnesses, and report the incident to the appropriateauthorities or property owner. It can also help to speak with a personal injury lawyer early toprotect your rights

To have a potential personal injury case, there generally must be: (1) someone else’s negligence,(2) an injury, and (3) a direct connection between the negligence and your injury. A lawyer canhelp review the facts of your situation and explain whether you may have a valid claim

No. Porcaro Law Group offers afree consultationso you can discuss your accident and legaloptions with us at no cost or obligation

Most personal injury lawyers, including Porcaro LawGroup, work on acontingency fee basis.This means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless your case results in a recover

Florida has time limits, called statutes of limitations, that apply to personal injury cases. In mostcases, you havefour yearsfrom the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. It’s important to act earlyso you don’t miss the deadlin