Federal, state and international maritime laws each have their own regulations regarding boating accidents. As a result, building a claim to receive compensation can be a complicated process.

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At Woodard & North, our boating accident attorneys have Years of experience handling these complex claims. We have helped clients who were in injured in boating accidents throughout Florida recover compensation for their losses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the ins and outs of your local boating laws, the small details that can make or break a case and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

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Types of Boating Accident Claims Handled By Our Firm

Negligence: An operator may be considered negligent for:

• Hitting a big wave or wake at an excessive speed;

• Deciding to navigate in heavy weather, causing individuals to fall overboard;

• Contact with propellers,

• Operating at a high speed;

• Failing to carry safety equipment on board;

• Collisions with other boats or fixed object(s);

• Failing to know the “rules of the road,” as required by the FFWCC; and

• Overcrowding and overloading the vessel.

Boating Under the Influence

Under Florida state law, it is illegal to operate a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If an individual is suspected of operating a vessel while intoxicated, they must submit to sobriety tests. Refusal to submit to the test will result in the revocation of the operator’s boating and driving privileges. An individual is intoxicated, according to the law, if their blood or breath alcohol level is at or above .08.

Anyone under 21 who has a blood or breath alcohol level above .02 is considered to be intoxicated. Any individual registering a blood or breath alcohol level exceeding the permitted limit may be subject to fines, jail time, and/or probation.

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What Legal Action is Available for Boating Injuries?

Victims of boating accidents may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for personal injuries and/or property damage. In some cases, criminal charges may be brought against a boater if they operated recklessly, with gross negligence, or under the influence.

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