Hurt in a Florida Boating Accident? You’re Not Alone — And You Don’t Have to Face This Alone.
Boating is part of life in Florida — from fishing trips and family outings to weekend cruises in the sun. But when others act recklessly on the water, those peaceful moments can turn into devastating tragedies.
If you or someone you love was injured — or killed — in a boating accident, it’s important to know the facts. According to the 2024 Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report:
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685 boating accidents were reported, up from the previous year
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81 people lost their lives, a 22-person increase over 2023
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31% of accidents involved collisions with fixed objects
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And in fatal crashes, 65% of boat operators had no formal boating education
These aren’t just numbers. They’re lives permanently changed — and families left to pick up the pieces.
Even if you followed every safety rule, a distracted, untrained, or intoxicated boater could cause life-threatening injuries in an instant. High-speed collisions, careless maneuvers, and operator negligence are some of the leading causes of serious boating injuries and wrongful death in Florida.
At Zoeller Law, we understand what you’re going through. We help victims and families hold negligent boaters accountable — and we fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
If you’ve been hurt on the water, don’t wait. Call our Florida boating accident attorneys now for a free case review. You pay nothing unless we win.
Were You Hurt in a Boating Accident? Let Us Help You
Were You Hurt in a Boating Accident? Let Us Help You
Get your FREE & confidential case review todayCompensation You Can Seek After a Boat Accident
The source of your compensation will depend on who was at fault for the accident. For example, if you were on a boat with someone who crashed into something, you could hold them liable if they behaved negligently. You could file a claim with their insurance company to compensate you for the losses you suffered.
However, boat insurance is not mandatory in Florida. That means you might have to file a lawsuit. Either way, the compensation you receive could cover a range of losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to personal property
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
You may also be entitled to punitive damages if you file a lawsuit. An award of this type punishes the at-fault party instead of compensating you for your losses. You must show clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence for a jury to provide this financial award.
Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Florida
If you choose to file a lawsuit after a boat accident, you must follow the statute of limitations. This is the timeframe required for initiating legal action against another person. Florida generally has a two-year statute of limitations. That means you would have a limited about of time to file your lawsuit so you don’t want to wait. The sooner the better because the evidence is still fresh, memories are better and you’ll be better positioned legally.
The general ruse is to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident if you want to pursue compensation. While this is a general rule, there are several exceptions so don’t wait!
You can request an ambulance to transport you to the hospital if you have suffered an injury, or you can drive yourself if it is not too severe. After the initial evaluation, follow up with all recommended doctors. You should continue treating your injuries until you recover or your medical providers release you from their care.
Common Types of Accidents Involving Boats
Various factors can result in a boat accident. You probably picture two boats crashing into each other when you think of an accident on the water. While that does happen, many other scenarios can cause injuries and death that don’t involve a collision.
The most common types of boat accidents include:
- Collisions with other boats
- Collisions with docks and other stationary structures
- Crashing into a swimmer, inner tube, or another floating object
- Flooding
- Fires or explosions from leaking fuel
- Grounding
- Capsizing
- Striking objects underwater
- Sinking
- Falling overboard
- Slip/trip and fall on the boat
- Contact with the propeller
There is a false sense of safety for most people when they’re on the water. Unfortunately, that laid-back attitude can put everyone at risk of serious harm. The boat operator must obey all laws and carefully maneuver around other vessels and structures to avoid a crash. If they behave recklessly, they could become financially responsible for any injured victim’s medical bills and additional incurred costs.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida
Florida is the perfect place to enjoy a nice day on the water. The Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean provide excellent opportunities for fishing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and tubing.
Water sports are popular in the Sunshine State, and anywhere you go on the coast, you’re likely to see people hanging out on their boats with friends and family.
Some people think there isn’t much to look out for while navigating the waters, but obstacles can exist anywhere. Turning to look at passengers or becoming distracted by a cell phone can turn a fun day into a dangerous situation.
The most common causes of boating accidents are:
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Speeding
- Inadequate lookout
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Equipment failure
- Adverse weather conditions
- Overcrowded boat
- Violation of Boat Navigation Rules
- Hazardous waters
- Lack of safety gear and devices
Boat accidents can happen at any time of day. However, many occur at night when it’s harder to see where you’re going. If the operator doesn’t have lights for navigation or so others can see them, a collision is likely.
Common Injuries Sustained in Boat Accidents
Injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Sometimes, victims die in a collision with another vessel or accidental drowning. The most common injuries boating accidents cause include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Drowning
- Accidental amputation
- Electrocution
- Burns from a fire or explosion
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Back injury or spinal cord damage
- Neck injuries
- Sprained ankles and wrists
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Pulled muscles
- Cuts and bruises
Getting hurt in a boat accident is a traumatic experience. You could end up with severe injuries that lead to a physical disability. If you struggle with mobility issues, chronic pain, and other problems, you need ongoing treatment to manage these medical conditions. The costs you incur can reach thousands of dollars and put you into debt if you can’t afford to pay. You shouldn’t be responsible for any of these expenses if your actions didn’t contribute to the accident.
Were You Hurt in a Boating Accident? Let Us Help You
Were You Hurt in a Boating Accident? Let Us Help You
Get your FREE & confidential case review todayContact Zoeller Law — Florida’s Trusted Boating Accident Trial Team
Since 1978, the attorneys at Zoeller Law have stood beside victims of devastating boating accidents across Florida. We don’t just file claims — we fight for justice. When lives are upended by negligence on the water, we work aggressively to pursue maximum compensation and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis — that means you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win your case. No legal fees. No pressure. Just committed, results-driven representation focused on your recovery.
We understand how overwhelming life can become after a serious boating injury or wrongful death. The medical bills, insurance games, and emotional toll can be crushing. Let us take that burden off your shoulders. From handling the paperwork and insurance adjusters to building a powerful legal strategy, we handle it all — so you can focus on healing and rebuilding.
Call now for your free consultation. When you’re ready to fight, Zoeller Law is ready to lead.