Boat Accidents

Boat Accident Attorney

Delray Beach, FL
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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No fees unless we win • Same-day consultations available

boat accident lawyer delray beach

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.

Delray Beach Boat Accident Attorney

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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.

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.  

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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.

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Seek justice for your loved ones.

FAQs

What is the first thing to do after a boating accident?

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. 

What is the most common boat accident?

Operator inattention, excessive speed, operator inexperience and machinery failure are the most common causes of boat and jet ski accidents in Delray Beach. 

Who are the most common victims of boating accidents?

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. 

What is a legal reason to report a boating accident in Florida?

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. 

What amount of property damage is required to report a boating accident under Florida?

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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No fees unless we win • Same-day consultations available

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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.

Other Services

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Other Cases Related to Boat Accidents

Delray Beach Boat Accident Attorney

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Hear from our clients

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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 is the deadline to file a catastrophic injury claim in Florida?

For injuries on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years from the date of injury under Fla. Stat. §95.11. Injuries before that date may fall under the prior four-year deadline. Wrongful death carries a separate two-year deadline from the date of death.

Yes, as long as you are found 50% or less at fault. Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule reduces your recovery by your share of fault; more than 50% at fault bars recovery entirely.

Longer than most clients expect, and for good reason. Building an accurate life-care plan, completing expert analysis, and applying the right pressure takes time. I give you an honest timeline in our first meeting.

Nothing upfront. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover for you. Case costs are advanced by the firm and recovered from the settlement or verdict.

Local knowledge matters. I know the Palm Beach County courts, the local adjusters, and the defense firms that handle these cases in South Florida. I also handle cases throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

We pursue every available source: your own underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, umbrella policies, and any third-party defendants whose negligence contributed. See also our Florida Car Accident Insurance Claims Guide.

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