Florida Boating Accident Lawyer
Over 35 Years Experience

Experienced Florida Boating Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Victims Injured by Reckless and Negligent Boat Operators.

  • Over 35 Years Handling Complex Florida Injury Claims
  • In-Depth Knowledge of Maritime and Boating Laws
  • Millions Recovered for Injured Clients
  • No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
Get Your Free Boating Accident Consultation

Seeking Justice After a Serious Boating Accident

Florida is a paradise for boaters, with endless oceans, lakes and rivers to enjoy. While a day on the water is typically a great source of recreation, it can turn tragic in an instant due to the careless or reckless actions of another boat operator. Unlike on the road, there are few traffic signals or marked lanes on the water, making operator responsibility paramount.

When a boating accident occurs, the lack of protection can lead to catastrophic injuries. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one due to another’s negligence on the water, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.

At Lisa S. Levine, P.A., we are staunch injury advocates for injured boaters. With over 35 years of experience, Florida boating accident lawyer Lisa Levine understands the unique challenges of these cases and is prepared to fight aggressively for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

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How a Florida Boating Accident Attorney Can Help You

Boat Accident Attorney Florida

After a serious boating accident, it is crucial to have an experienced legal advocate on your side. Insurance companies for the boat owner or operator will often try to minimize their liability. We protect your rights by:

  • Conducting an Immediate Investigation: Securing official accident reports from the FWC or local authorities, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence like photos, videos, and vessel maintenance logs.
  • Preserving Critical Evidence: Documenting the scene, vessel damage and your injuries.
  • Hiring Experts When Necessary: We work with maritime accident reconstructionists and boating safety experts to prove how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
  • Handling All Insurance Company Communications: We manage all negotiations so you can focus on your recovery.
  • Fighting for Maximum Compensation: We meticulously calculate all your damages and fight for a settlement or verdict that covers your total losses.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida

Most boating accidents are preventable and are caused by operator negligence or recklessness. We handle cases involving:

  • Boating Under the Influence (BUI): The leading cause of fatal boating accidents, involving operators impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Operator Inattention or Inexperience: Distracted operators who are not paying attention to their surroundings or lack the skill to handle the vessel safely.
  • Excessive Speed: Traveling too fast for the conditions, in no-wake zones or in crowded waterways.
  • Improper Lookout: Failing to designate a lookout or to keep a vigilant watch for other vessels, swimmers, or hazards.
  • Violating Navigation Rules: Ignoring the “rules of the road” for waterways, leading to collisions.
  • Dangerous Wake: Creating a large, hazardous wake in close proximity to smaller vessels.
  • Equipment Failure: Accidents caused by poorly maintained engines, steering systems or safety equipment.
  • Water Skier or Tuber Accidents: Negligent operation of the boat pulling a skier, tuber or wakeboarder.
  • Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents.

The Devastating Injuries in Boating & Jet Ski Accidents

With minimal protection, a person involved in a serious boating accident can suffer catastrophic injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From falls overboard, collisions or being struck by equipment.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting from high-speed impacts or being thrown from the vessel.
  • Propeller Injuries: Causing deep lacerations, amputations and permanent disfigurement.
  • Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents: Leading to wrongful death or anoxic brain injury.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures.
  • Internal Organ Damage.
  • Severe Burns: From boat fires or explosions.
  • Wrongful Death.

Understanding Florida Boating Rules and Operator Duties

Florida law imposes specific duties on boat operators to ensure safety on the water. Violating these rules is often strong evidence of negligence:

  • Reckless and Careless Operation: It is illegal to operate a vessel with willful disregard for the safety of others (reckless operation) or to fail to operate in a reasonable and prudent manner (careless operation).
  • Duty to Report Accidents: The operator of a vessel involved in an accident with injury beyond first aid or property damage of at least $2,000 must report it immediately to the FWC, county sheriff or local police. Leaving the scene is illegal.
  • Safety Equipment: Vessels must be equipped with proper safety gear, including personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all aboard.
  • Boating Education Requirements: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete an approved boater safety course to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or more.

Why Choose Our Florida Boating Accident Attorney?

  • Over 35 Years of Florida Trial Experience: Lisa Levine is a seasoned trial lawyer who knows how to handle the unique aspects of maritime and boating accident claims.
  • A Staunch Advocate for Victims: We are committed to holding reckless boaters accountable and fighting for the rights of those they have injured.
  • A Proven Record of Success: Our firm has a history of securing substantial case results for victims of catastrophic accidents.
  • Personalized, Client-First Approach: We provide direct attorney access and compassionate guidance through a difficult time.
  • No Upfront Fees – Our Promise: We handle all boating accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no fees unless we win a recovery for you.
Florida Boating Injury Claims

Compensation for Your Boating Accident Injuries

A serious boating accident can lead to significant financial and personal losses. We fight to recover both economic and non-economic damages for our clients, including:

Economic Damages:

Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses

– Covering all financial costs for your medical treatment, now and in the future.

Loss of Income & Diminished Earning Capacity

– For lost wages and the impact on your ability to earn a living.

Non-Economic Damages:

Pain and Suffering

– For your physical pain and emotional trauma.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

– For the inability to participate in daily activities and hobbies.

Mental Anguish & Emotional Stress

– For lost wages and the impact on your ability to earn a living.

Loss of Consortium

– For the impact on a spousal relationship.

Proven Results in Personal Injury Cases

$2,500,000

jane doe
v. surgeon and hospital

Following a laminectomy where she sustained an intraoperative injury, Jane Doe (66) developed immediate CES signs. A hematoma was untimely diagnosed, and surgery to evacuate it occurred 4 days post-op, leaving her with permanent severe pain, gait issues, saddle anesthesia, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

$2,500,000

estate of john doe
v. hospital

Our client, a 40-year-old father of 2 minor children, entered the hospital for pain management because of kidney stones. He was given Demerol for pain management. Demerol is a respiratory suppressant and the patient needs to be monitored closely. He died within 24 hours due to hospital’s failure to monitor the patient.

See More Case Results

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents

Generally, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim based on negligence in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. However, some cases may fall under maritime law, which can have different deadlines. It is critical to contact an attorney immediately.

Yes. While it can be an uncomfortable situation, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Your claim is typically made against your friend’s boater’s insurance policy, similar to being a passenger in a friend’s car.

A BUI violation is strong evidence of negligence. In addition to standard compensation, if the operator’s actions were grossly negligent or intentionally reckless, you might also be able to pursue punitive damages.

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free.

Speak With an Experienced Florida Boating Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a boating accident, do not let the responsible party or their insurance company dictate your future. Protect your rights by speaking with a skilled legal advocate.

Contact Lisa S. Levine, P.A. today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to the details of your accident, answer your questions, and explain how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Case Review