According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state had 60 deaths from 751 reported boating accidents in Florida waterways in 2021. While Florida offers some of the best boating conditions of any state in the country, the number of boats operating on the water at any given time increases the risk of an accident.

Reach out to us at Zweben Law Group to find an experienced boating accident lawyer in Stuart, FL, serving the state of Florida. We have experience helping injured victims pursue appropriate compensation within the three main jurisdictions, including state, federal admiralty, and international waters.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Many boating accidents are avoidable with care and attention. Unfortunately, many boaters may not take the appropriate precautions to keep themselves and other boaters safe when behind the wheel on the water. Some common causes of boat accidents include:

• Reckless speed or behavior when driving, especially in low wake zones
• Failure to keep enough distance away from other vessels or notice smaller vessels nearby
• Boating under the influence (BUI)
• Driver inexperience
• Failure to maintain the vessel or equipment malfunction or failure

Drowning poses the greatest risk for injury or death after a boating accident. Drowning is not always fatal, and victims face an increased risk in the future of secondary drowning if their lungs fill with fluids due to lung damage or infection.

Injuries and Negligence in a Boating Accident

At Zweben Law Group, we know how to help you pursue compensation for personal injury or property damage after a boat accident, regardless of jurisdiction. For example, if a smaller vessel cuts you off while operating a larger boat on the St. Lucie River, who would be liable for the accident?

Florida maritime laws also offer limited liability for boat owners for circumstances beyond their knowledge or control. This means if someone rents a jet ski and causes a boat accident, the jet ski rental business may not be liable for injuries caused by the rider. An experienced boating accident lawyer at Zweben Law Group can review the liability issue and determine the at fault parties.  

For accidents involving a cruise or cargo ship, we understand and have experience with maritime law. Call us today for a free case evaluation with a boating accident lawyer in Stuart, FL.

Boat Accident Wrongful Death Claims

If you lost a family member in a boating accident, you have the right to pursue applicable damages from the negligent party who caused the accident. You may seek damages including:

• Medical bills (if the decedent originally survived their injuries)
• Final expenses, including funeral and burial costs
• Lost income or benefits of the decedent
• Loss of companionship

Choose an Experienced Boat Accident Attorney in Stuart, FL

Zweben Law Group brings you over 25 years of experience representing those injured in car accidents, boating accidents, wrongful death, and other injuries. Call us today at 772-223-5454 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with a boating accident lawyer in Stuart, FL, and across the state of Florida.