Florida Boat Accident Lawyers
Suffering a boat accident on Florida waters can leave you with serious injuries and questions about how to hold wrongdoers accountable for negligence and carelessness. With experienced legal guidance, you can take action to secure a fair settlement quickly and get your life back on track.
The Florida boat accident lawyers at Chubb Law are dedicated to helping victims in Lake Mary, Seminole County, and throughout the Sunshine State. We have a record of substantial recovery for our clients as a result of our commitment to personalized solutions for each individual’s needs. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your circumstances with a Florida personal injury lawyer at no cost and with no obligation.
What You Need to Know About Florida Boat Accidents
Florida boat accidents can involve local, state, and even federal admiralty law, which is very complicated. At Chubb Law, we have experience in all aspects of boating and yacht accidents in the waters surrounding Seminole County.
Personal Injury Statistics for Boat Accidents
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported almost 400 injuries and 81 fatalities in 2024. The most common injuries were:
● Lacerations – 95 cases
● Contusions – 83 cases
● Broken bones – 58 cases
● Head injuries – 38 cases
Additional injuries included back injury, internal injury, burns, sprains, hypothermia, and amputation.
Understanding Boating Accidents in Florida
Boat accidents may involve someone falling from a boat, being run over by a vessel, or involve insufficient safety measures by the boat owner. Your Florida boat accident lawyer can evaluate your circumstances and explain how we will approach your case.
Key Legal Concepts in Florida Boat Accident Claims
Boat operators are not required to have a license under Florida regulations, and there is no lower age limit. Only those born after January 1, 1988, must take boat safety education courses. As a result, many people on the water could be negligent and cause accidents that harm others.
While you may bring a personal injury claim against another boater under Florida law, many areas fall under federal admiralty jurisdiction and maritime laws. This can make your case very challenging unless you hire a skilled Florida boating accident attorney who understands how to interpret these laws to your advantage.
Legal Rights of Florida Boat Accident Victims
You have the right to do the following as a Florida boat accident victim:
- File a claim against the other party’s insurance.
- Hire a Florida boat accident law firm to represent you.
- Gather evidence to support your case.
- Present evidence that shows negligence by the other person.
- File a lawsuit in state or federal court.
- Request compensation for the damages caused by the other party.
- Pursue claims against negligent dog owners or caretakers
Your Florida boat accident attorney at Chubb Law will explain every step of the legal process so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Damages You Can Recover in Boat Accidents
Because boat accident injuries can be very serious, you may have substantial expenses associated with your recovery. Whether through an insurance claim or lawsuit, your boating accident lawyers can help you calculate the full value of your claim. Potential damages might include:
● Cost of hospital, surgical, and follow-up treatment
● Repair or replacement for your vessel and other property
● Lost wages while you are out of work
● Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
You can also request compensation for your non-economic damages, such as mental anguish, scarring and disfigurement, and other types of pain and suffering.
Insurance Coverage for Boat Accidents in Florida
While Florida law describes what marine insurance must cover, it does not require boat owners to purchase separate insurance policies for their vessels. Unless the other party has boat insurance, you will likely file a claim against their homeowner’s insurance policy. However, most of these policies only cover a small fraction of what your claim is likely worth.
Your Florida boating accident lawyer can investigate the other party’s insurance coverage and help you determine whether it is better to file a claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
COMMON TYPES OF BOAT ACCIDENTS WE HANDLE IN SEMINOLE COUNTY
Within Seminole County and throughout Florida, we can manage any kind of boat accident claim, including:
● Falling on a slippery dock, the owner failed to maintain
● Injuries that occurred because the boat operator did not have enough life vests
● Boaters who were under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
● Boaters speeding through no-wake zones
● Substandard repairs that leave you stranded with exposure injuries
We will investigate all aspects of your claim, developing relevant evidence and creating a compelling narrative about what happened and who is to blame. We will negotiate with insurance providers for a fair settlement and prepare your case for trial if appropriate.
COMMON CAUSES OF FLORIDA BOAT ACCIDENTS
The most common causes of boat accidents in Florida are falling overboard, colliding with an object or vessel, and being struck by a boat. The primary cause of boat accidents is human error.
Whether from insufficient training, negligent boating decisions, disobeying boating laws, or ignoring others in the water, most injuries on the water can be traced to a person or company. This allows your boat and yacht accident attorney to hold them accountable for their actions.
What to Do After a Boating or Yacht Accident
Call local police through 911 or the Coast Guard if you are offshore. This allows you to get medical help and obtain an official report of the accident. Next, you must report the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Collect photos and other evidence at the scene, then call a qualified boat and yacht accident law firm.
At Chubb Law, we will discuss your case for free, help you build your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and manage the details for you. With our help, you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
The Cost of Boat Accidents
Boat accidents can cost more than just medical bills and boat repair. They can leave you with life-altering injuries and conditions, preventing you from earning a living or enjoying life again. Those who suffer near-drowning may experience traumatic brain injuries from hypoxia. A swimmer may lose a limb from being run over by a boat with a propeller.
Your Florida yacht accident attorneys at Chubb Law will help you determine the full value of your claim, including special calculations for pain and suffering. We will fight fiercely to obtain the settlement you need to move forward with your life.
The Boat Accident Claim Process in Seminole County
There are several steps your boat and yacht accident lawyer must follow to handle your claim. These include the following:
● Building a Strong Case for Your Boat Accident Claim
● Statute of Limitations
● Establishing Negligence
● No-Fault/Comparative Fault Considerations
● Liability in Boating Accidents
Building a Strong Case for Your Boat Accident Claim
As leaders of your Florida boating accident law firm, Chubb Law will bring together all our team members to determine the best course of action for your case. Each boating accident attorney will use their knowledge of federal and state law to identify all those to blame and establish how they were negligent.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for your case depends on whether it is filed in a state or federal court. Florida allows four years to bring a boat or yacht accident claim, but federal admiralty law only allows three years. Your Florida yacht accident lawyers can explain which laws apply to your case and whether there are any exceptions that may shorten or lengthen the statute.
Establishing Negligence
Your boat accident lawyer will work to show that the other person owed you a duty of care to operate their boat safely, yet they failed in that duty. Your lawyer will also demonstrate how the other party’s actions directly caused your injuries and that you have expenses associated with the accident. By doing so, they support a claim of negligence, allowing you to secure the compensation you need from the other person.
No-Fault/Comparative Fault Considerations
The at-fault parties may try to say you are partly to blame for the boat accident and try to reduce their liability under Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws. As long as you are less than 50% responsible for the collision, you can still seek compensation from others. However, your settlement or jury award will be reduced by the same amount.
LIABILITY IN BOATING ACCIDENTS
During their investigation, your Florida boating accident law firm team will identify all at-fault parties to hold them accountable. This may include the boat operator, boat owner, other individuals on the vessel, repair shops, manufacturers, or other parties.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CHUBB LAW ACCIDENT & INJURY ATTORNEYS
Trust Chubb Law as your Florida boat and yacht accident law firm because we will fight tirelessly for your interests. We offer the following services:
- Free consultations: You can get the answers you need without cost, so you can decide whether to take legal action.
- Contingency fee structure: When we accept your case, we only get paid if we secure a settlement for you.
- Research and investigation: We will gather evidence, including photos, videos, police reports, and witness statements. We also collaborate with various experts to construct a powerful case.
- Negotiation skills: Your boating accident attorney is a skilled negotiator, able to reach a satisfactory compromise with the other side without sacrificing the compensation you deserve.
- Litigation skills: When needed, we fight fiercely in court to show how the other party is liable for your losses.
Once you partner with us, we handle the legal details and paperwork so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries. We make it easier for you to get your life back together and move forward with the resources you need.
Meet With a Qualified Florida Boat Accident Lawyer Today
It is vital that you act quickly after your boat accident to ensure the best chance of getting the results you want. By contacting us through our online form, you can arrange a free case review at our boating accident law firm with a boat and yacht accident attorney to learn about your options. We treat each client with care, diligence, respect, and honesty. Schedule your free consultation today.
PERSONAL INJURY FAQs
How is Chubb Law different?
We could list all the awards we’ve received or tell you how much better our results are than other law firms– but that’s not what makes us different. We are different because we truly care about our clients. Because we care, you won’t feel like you’re one of 10,000. You will feel heard and prioritized. You will feel confident in your legal team. You will feel like you’re in the right place.
How much does it cost to start a case? I heard it’s free? How do you make money?
It doesn’t cost anything to start your case and you will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. Our fee comes in the form of a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount we obtain.
Do I really need an attorney or should I just work things out with the insurance?
We tell people all of the time, “if insurance companies would just treat people right there would be no need for what we do.” Unfortunately, most of the time insurance companies don’t treat people right. The only way to ensure you are protecting your rights is to consult with an attorney.
Should I take an insurance offer?
No. Not without consulting an attorney. We make all clients an “Increased Offer Guarantee.” If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
I already have an attorney, can I change attorneys?
Yes. In the state of Florida, you can change attorneys mid-case. In fact, you can fire your current lawyer for practically any reason. The Florida Supreme Court has set out “10 Basic Rights” that every client is entitled to from their lawyer. Read more about those here.
Mitch’s 8 Promises
1
Full-story, free consultation.
Our initial conversation does not have a time limit. We want to connect and hear your full story.
2
110%
We are selective in the cases we take so we can give 110% to those we do.
3
$0 out-of-pocket fees.
You will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. There are never upfront costs on your case. We only get paid if we win your case.
4
Unlimited.
Our clients are guaranteed unlimited communication with their legal team.
5
Proactive communication.
We consistently communicate with you to keep you updated on your case.
6
You call the shots.
You call the shots, we lead the way. We never make decisions against your desires.
7
Increased offer guarantee.
If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
8
The “why should I hire an attorney guarantee.”
When you hire us, not only will we handle everything, but the result we get will leave you with more in your pocket— even after attorney’s fees.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Do not wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Contact our Seminole County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your consultation, we will review the details of your case, explain your rights and legal options, and provide you with honest and straightforward advice about how to proceed.
Remember, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let Mitch and Christopher fight for you so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
