Boating in Coral Gables should be fun – not end in injury. If you’ve suffered injuries in a boat, jet ski, or commercial vessel accident, you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether it was caused by a careless operator, faulty equipment, or bad weather, you may have the right to seek compensation. The team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia is here to help. Call us today at 305-845-4470 to arrange a free consultation with a Coral Gables boat accident attorney.
Boating Accidents We Can Help With
Boating accidents come in many forms, and every situation is unique. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we understand the challenges these accidents bring and are equipped to assist with a variety of maritime injury claims, such as:
Recreational Boating Accidents
Coral Gables’ scenic waterways attract countless boaters looking to enjoy a day on the water. But when boat operators act irresponsibly – whether by speeding, operating under the influence, or disregarding safety regulations – accidents can happen in an instant. If you’ve suffered harm in a recreational boating accident, our attorneys can help. We’ll investigate the incident, gather critical evidence, and work with you to pursue fair compensation.
Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Injuries
Jet skis and other personal watercraft offer an adrenaline rush, but they can quickly become dangerous when operators lack experience or disregard safety rules. High speeds, sudden collisions, and unexpected falls often result in severe injuries like concussions, broken bones, and spinal damage. Staying safe on the water requires caution, but if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have grounds to seek compensation.
Accidents on Charter and Tour Boats
Charter and tour boats are a popular way to explore the beautiful waters around Coral Gables, but passenger safety depends heavily on proper maintenance and responsible operation. When boat operators or companies overlook safety protocols, passengers can get hurt due to slippery decks, faulty equipment, or other avoidable hazards. If you’ve been injured on a charter or tour boat, we can help you pursue accountability and fair compensation.
Injuries on Commercial Boats
Commercial boats – like fishing vessels, ferries, and cargo ships – are expected to follow specific safety standards to protect their crew. Unfortunately, accidents can happen when employers cut corners, equipment malfunctions, or workers don’t receive proper training. If you were injured while working on a commercial vessel, you might have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Boating Accidents Caused by Intoxicated Operators
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both illegal and extremely risky. Impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and poor coordination can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a devastating accident. If you were injured due to a boat operator’s intoxication, A boating accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional distress caused by the crash.
Drowning and Water-Related Accidents
Drowning incidents can happen when safety precautions are ignored – like missing life jackets, poorly maintained equipment, or a lack of proper supervision. These accidents can lead to life-altering injuries or, in the worst cases, the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. Our team helps families pursue wrongful death claims and seek accountability when negligence contributes to these tragedies.
Boat Collisions with Objects or Other Vessels
Collisions on the water can happen when boats strike docks, piers, buoys, or even other vessels, often resulting in serious injuries and costly damage. If you were hurt in a boating crash, let us help. We’ll look into what went wrong, determine who’s responsible, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your losses.
Boating Accidents: A Look at the Numbers
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,040 recreational boating incidents reported nationwide in one recent year, resulting in 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and $63 million in property damage. Florida led the nation with 735 accidents, and Coral Gables remains a high-risk area due to its active boating community and year-round boating conditions.
Examples of How We Handle Boating Accident Claims
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we know how tough boating accidents can be. Our team takes a straightforward, results-driven approach to help victims seek compensation. Here are a few examples of how we handle these cases:
- Jet Ski Collisions – We review crash reports, gather evidence, and work with specialists to prove negligence.
- Slips and Falls on Boats – We investigate unsafe conditions, like slippery decks or poor maintenance, to hold owners accountable.
- Alcohol-Related Accidents – We use police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements to demonstrate impairment.
Common Questions About Boating Accidents
When you’re faced with a boat accident claim, you may have many questions about your legal rights and options. Check out the answers to common questions below, and reach out with any others you may have!
How much could my boating accident claim be worth?
The potential value of a boating accident claim depends on several factors – how severe your injuries are, the cost of your medical care, any lost income, and the emotional toll of the incident. We’ll take a close look at the details, gather the necessary proof, and give you an honest idea of what you might be able to recover.
Why should I consider filing a claim after a boat accident?
A boating accident can leave you with medical bills, rehab costs, lost wages, and even property damage. Filing a claim gives you the opportunity to seek compensation for these losses. It also holds the negligent party accountable and helps promote safer boating practices in Coral Gables and beyond.
How long do I have to file a boat accident claim in Florida?
The deadline to file a boating accident claim depends on the situation. In most Florida personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file. However, if your accident happened on federal waters, federal maritime law might apply, giving you three years to act. Talking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help you avoid missing important deadlines.
What if I was partially at fault for the boating accident?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means if you were partially responsible, you can still recover compensation if you weren’t more than 50 percent at fault. However, your payout will be reduced by your share of the blame.
Why should I trust Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia with my boating accident claim?
Our legal team has extensive experience handling boating accident cases in Coral Gables and South Florida. We focus on providing clear, straightforward advice so you always know where you stand. Plus, we’re committed to getting results while making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
What should I do right after a boating accident?
If you’ve been in a boat accident, your safety comes first. Get medical help immediately, even if you think you’re fine – some injuries take time to show up. Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, exchange contact information with anyone involved, and take photos of the scene if you can. Then, reach out to an attorney to start building your claim.
Take the Next Step – We’re Here to Help
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident in Coral Gables, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. The team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia is ready to help you understand your options, collect the needed evidence, and build a solid legal claim. Call us today at 305-845-4470 or contact us online for a free consultation. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can start working to protect your rights and help you confidently move forward.
