If you’ve suffered injuries in a boat accident in Boca Raton, you need the help of an experienced attorney who understands maritime laws and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Whether you were injured while on a recreational boat, jet ski, or commercial vessel, the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a boating accident can be significant. Working with a Boca Raton boat accident lawyer can help you protect your rights, understand your legal options, and work toward a fair settlement.
Boating accidents can happen for various reasons, whether it’s a careless operator, a mechanical issue, or unexpected weather. No matter what caused it, you may have the right to file a claim if someone else’s negligence led to your injuries. The team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can help you understand your options, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case. Call us today at 561-320-8285 to find out how we can help.
Types of Boat Accident Cases We Handle
Boat accidents can involve various vessels and may occur in a wide range of circumstances. Each case requires a thorough investigation to determine liability and damages. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we have experience with a wide range of boat accident cases, including:
Recreational Boating Accidents
Recreational boats like pontoons, speedboats, and fishing boats are prevalent along the Boca Raton coastline. When boat operators engage in reckless behavior by speeding, drinking while operating, or ignoring navigation rules, the results can be catastrophic. Our attorneys will investigate the incident and gather proof to help you build a strong case.
Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Accidents
Jet skis and personal watercraft can be exciting but also dangerous if operators are inexperienced or reckless. Collisions, falls, and high-speed crashes can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and spinal cord damage.
Charter Boat and Tour Boat Accidents
Charter and tour boats must follow safety regulations to protect passengers. If these safety standards are neglected, passengers can suffer from slips and falls, equipment malfunctions, or other preventable accidents. We can help hold the negligent parties accountable.
Commercial Boating Accidents
Commercial vessels, such as fishing boats, ferries, and cargo ships, are required to follow strict safety protocols. If crew members become hurt due to unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or a lack of proper training, they may have the right to file a maritime injury claim.
Drunk Boating Accidents (BUI)
Boating under the influence (BUI) isn’t just illegal – it’s incredibly dangerous. Alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and coordination, which makes accidents much more likely. If you were hurt because of an intoxicated boat operator, we can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll it’s taken on you.
Drowning and Near-Drowning Accidents
Tragic drowning accidents can occur due to negligence, such as a lack of proper safety equipment or failure to monitor passengers. We handle cases involving wrongful death claims and support families who have lost loved ones due to boating-related negligence.
Collisions with Fixed Objects or Other Boats
Collisions with docks, piers, buoys, and other boats can cause severe injuries and property damage. Our legal team will investigate the crash, identify the liable parties, and help you seek compensation for your losses.
Boating Accident Statistics
Boating accidents are more common than many realize, and the consequences can be devastating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 4,040 boating accidents nationwide in one recent year resulted in 658 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and approximately $63 million in property damage. Operator inattention, inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use were among the leading causes of these accidents.
Florida consistently ranks among the top states for boating accidents due to its year-round weather and high number of registered vessels. In a recent year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recorded 735 boating accidents, the highest in the nation. Broward and Palm Beach counties, including Boca Raton, are among the most active boating areas, increasing the risk of accidents.
How Our Firm Handles Boat Accident Cases
Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia knows how devastating boating accidents can be. That’s why we take a straightforward approach to helping injured victims seek compensation following accidents like:
- Jet Ski Collisions – We gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction specialists, and interview witnesses to build a strong case and prove negligence.
- Slip-and-Falls on Boats – Our attorneys investigate unsafe conditions, like wet decks with no warning signs, and review records to hold the responsible party accountable.
- Boating Accidents Involving Alcohol – We obtain law enforcement reports, toxicology results, and witness statements to prove impairment and pursue compensation for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boating Accidents
Below are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about boat accidents. Reach out to us for answers to your own.
How much is my boat accident case worth?
The value of a boat accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, lost income, and the emotional toll of the incident. Our attorneys will carefully assess your case, gather relevant documentation, and provide an honest evaluation of what you might recover.
Why should I seek compensation after a boat accident?
Filing a claim can help you receive compensation for medical bills, rehab costs, lost wages, and property damage. It also holds the responsible party accountable, which can encourage safer boating practices and help prevent accidents in the future.
How long do I have to file a boat accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, personal injury claims, including those involving boating accidents, typically need to be filed within two years of the injury. However, if the accident occurred on waters where federal admiralty law applies, the statute of limitations is usually three years. Recent legislative changes have also reduced the statute of limitations for general negligence cases to two years, depending on the circumstances. Reaching out to an attorney sooner rather than later can help you stay on track and avoid missed deadlines.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Why should I choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia to handle my case?
Our experienced attorneys have a strong track record of handling boat accident cases in Boca Raton and across Florida. We take a personalized, compassionate approach, ensuring you understand your rights and stay informed throughout the process.
What should I do immediately after a boat accident?
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the authorities, gather contact information from witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene if possible. Contact an attorney as soon as you can to begin building your case.
Contact a Boat Accident Attorney in Boca Raton to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a boat accident in Boca Raton, you don’t have to go through this alone. The team of Boca Raton personal injury lawyers at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia is here to help you make sense of your options, gather the proof you need, and build a strong case. Contact us today at 561-320-8285 for a free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work protecting your rights and helping you move forward.
