Miami Boating Accident Attorney

Miami is a boater’s paradise but unfortunately this means we have more than our fair share of boating accidents. Many of these boating accidents in Miami cause serious injury and death to the victims, often directly due to someone else’s negligence. A competent Miami boat accident lawyer who is familiar with maritime law can investigate your boat accident to determine exactly who is to blame, before getting you a fair settlement for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other hardships caused.

Unlike many normal law suits, many maritime claims have a 3 year statute of limitations, while other claims that involve US Government ships have an even shorter 18 month statute of limitations and some cruise ship contracts state that claims must be filed within 6 months. It is important to find a Miami boat accident lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies and specifics of maritime law in Miami so that your claim isn’t lost on a technicality like this. For instance, did you know that a Boating Accident Report (BAR) must be filed, by law, with the local boating authority within 48 hours of a serious accident, and within 10 days if the incident only involves vessel or property damage? Comparative fault is also taken into account in boating accidents and you need a boating accident lawyer that understands all of this. There are many different kinds of boats cruising around Miami’s crowded waters, resulting in:

Charter boat accidents

Charter boat captains are licensed by the US Coastguard and as such are held to a high responsibility of care to their passengers. They can be liable for injuries caused by crashes and even for injuries sustained by passengers because of their decision to sail in rough seas.

Private boat accidents & Cruise ship accidents
The owner of a private boat is also held responsible for the safety of passengers and may be liable for injuries sustained by being tossed around the boat or being thrown overboard.

Jetski accidents
Jetskis are often rented by inexperienced riders with very limited riding skills. They may have little or no understanding of right of way rules or what certain signs mean and can be a danger to swimmers and themselves.

Marina and dock accidents
Refueling at a marina can result in explosions, causing serious injury to boat passengers and bystanders. Docks can also be slippery or rotting away, resulting in slip and fall accidents.

Diving accidents
Many divers get seriously injured by boat propellers when a boat operator fails to notice or understand a dive flag, which they must steer clear of by law.

Drunk boating accidents
Operating a boat or any other kind of watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in Florida. Anyone found guilty of drunk boating will be liable to victims for any injuries caused.

Recovering damages from a Miami boat accident

Damages that you may be entitled to after your Miami boating accident include:
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Loss of income
Loss of enjoyment
Emotional damages

If the boat accident involved the death of a loved one you may be entitled to claim damages for:
Medical and funeral expenses
Lost future earnings
Emotional anguish
Loss of consortium (companionship)

Maritime law can be an especially difficult area of law so make sure you hire an experienced Miami boat accident lawyer that fully understands how to secure the compensation you need.