If you or a loved one is injured aboard a boat or aboard a recreational vessel such as a personal watercraft, you have legal rights. Those responsible for causing your boating accident can be held liable and made to compensate you for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering or the wrongful death of a family member. Florida has the highest number of registered recreational boats and water vessels of any state in the U.S. Unfortunately, as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports, Florida is also No. 1 in boating accidents.
In 2012, for example, there were 661 accidents aboard recreational vessels in Florida that caused at least $2,000 in damage. To obtain full and fair compensation after a boating accident, you need to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim. A Florida boating accident attorney at Steinger, Greene & Feiner can help you take legal action to pursue the money you deserve. Call today to schedule a free evaluation of your case and to find answers to key boating accident questions including:
- What are my legal rights after a boating accident?
- What should I do if I have been involved in a boating accident?
- How can a boating accident attorney help me?
What Are My Legal Rights After A Florida Boating Accident?
After a boating accident, you can recover monetary compensation for your losses if someone else was responsible for the accident. You can take legal action against the driver of another vessel that caused your injury, or against the driver of the boat that you were on. If you were injured while aboard a friend’s boat, you should not hesitate to make a damage claim since it is the insurance company, and not your friend personally, who will be responsible for compensating you for the losses and damages you have experienced.
You can also pursue a claim against a boat manufacturer or a boat mechanic if the parts or maintenance were defective in a way that led to your accident. Knowing how to pursue a claim after a boating accident can be difficult, so it is important to speak with a boating accident attorney for help. Your attorney can help you obtain evidence, gather the necessary proof of liability you need to make your claim, and work within the legal system to get the money the law says you deserve.
What Should I Do After I Have Been Involved In A Boating Accident?
After a boating accident, it is important to determine who was to blame for the incident that led to your injuries. There are many different causes of boating accidents including:
- Careless operation
- Boating while intoxicated
- Boat maintenance problems
- Failure to obey the rules set by federal and state law for safe boating
- Failure to have sufficient safety equipment aboard the boat
A boating accident attorney will assist you in investigating the accident and determining how the injuries occurred. Your attorney can then help you to either pursue your claim in court or negotiate a settlement with the responsible party (or the insurer).
How Can A Boating Accident Attorney Help Me?
After a boating accident, you have the burden of proving that the defendant was negligent or failed to live up to some obligation to you. You must prove that this negligence or breach of duty was the direct cause of the accident and you need to show how badly you were hurt. A boating accident lawyer can interview witnesses, help you find experts, review information from Coast Guard or law enforcement accident reports, and otherwise work to help you build a strong case.
Your attorney will also help you deal with the insurer or make a compelling case to a jury. We have represented more than 32,000 injured clients since 1997 and have recovered millions in compensation. Contact us today at one of our offices in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Fort Myers, Orlando, Okeechobee to learn more about how we can put our legal experience to work for you on your boat accident claim. Your initial consultation is free and there is no obligation to retain our services.
Client Testimonials
2727 NW 62nd St, Fort Lauderdale
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Working with Handel Edward has been one of the most reassuring experiences during what could have been an overwhelming and stressful process. From the very beginning, he made me feel at ease by taking the time to thoroughly explain every … More step, every option, and every possible outcome in a way that was clear and easy to understand.What stood out most to me was his patience and genuine care. No matter how many questions I had, he always took the time to address them, never rushing, and always making sure I felt confident moving forward. That alone relieved so much of the stress I was carrying.I gave my complete trust to him, and he truly honored that by consistently showing integrity, dedication, and professionalism. He worked efficiently to bring my claim to a resolution both effectively and quickly, which allowed me to move forward with peace of mind.My deepest gratitude goes to Handel for helping me overcome this chapter of my life. Because of his guidance and commitment, I can now focus on my healing without the weight of financial uncertainty, and I have the security of knowing I can continue to be there for my children.He truly deserves a raise for the outstanding work he does, and I will always refer him to anyone I know in need of an attorney. I cannot recommend him enough. -
Attorney Matt Weissberg and Roxanne Smith are absolutely amazing! During my whole process at this law firm, they both were always truthful, quick and efficient. Their communication with me was always flawless, very prompt and timely. My … More settlement surpassed my expectations.Don't go anywhere else but at Steinger, Greene & Feiner if you want the best attentive service.Thank you so very much Matt and Roxanne for your hard work and dedication.
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I want to sincerely thank attorney Barry for his support and commitment during a process that was deeply personal and important for me, both professionally and emotionally.He wasn’t just an excellent lawyer — he was someone who truly listened, … More explained everything with patience, and made me feel safe every step of the way.I never felt alone, and that means more than words can say.Thank you for your ethics, your clarity, and your unwavering support.I wholeheartedly recommend Barry — not only is he a brilliant professional, but also someone you can truly trust.Thank you ! BARRY
