One second, you are cruising along the Intracoastal; the next, metal scrapes, bodies jolt, and panic sets in. Boat crashes rarely give warning, leaving everyone on board stunned and unsure of the first move. At Zweben Law Group, in Stuart, we have spent more than two decades guiding injured Floridians through the aftermath of sudden mishaps on the water. This guide lays out clear actions you can follow right away, helping you stay safe and protecting every legal right you hold.
Immediate Actions Following a Boating Accident
The moments after impact shape both health outcomes and future claims, so moving fast yet calmly is the goal.
Ensure the Safety of All Persons
Start with people, not property. Check every passenger for bleeding, broken bones, or head trauma, and give basic first aid if you can. Make certain life jackets are on and count heads to be sure no one went overboard.
Call for Help
If you have cell service, dial 9-1-1 and report your position. With only a VHF radio, issue a Mayday call on Channel 16 so nearby boaters and the Coast Guard hear you.
Preserve the Scene
Drop the anchor to stop drifting if conditions let you, then, if possible, use a phone or camera to capture the damage, injuries, weather, and GPS read-out; those images often settle later disputes.
The three steps above keep people alive and evidence intact, giving you a solid starting point once authorities arrive.
Information Exchange and Reporting Requirements
Florida law sets firm duties after a crash, and skipping them can bring fines or lost compensation.
Gather Necessary Information
Swap details with the other operator, if there is one, and talk with witnesses before they leave.
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of every operator and passenger
- Hull identification or registration numbers for each vessel
- Insurance carriers and policy numbers
- Names and contact data for anyone who watched the collision unfold
Handling the Legal and Insurance Landscape
Once safety concerns are handled, financial recovery rises to the front. A few prompt moves can guard your pocketbook.
Notify Your Insurance Carrier
Report the incident even if you think another boater is fully to blame. Send photos, the police or FWC report number, and a short timeline of events to start the claim file.
Potential Claims and Lawsuits
Florida’s two-year statute of limitations, found in § 95.11, sets the outer boundary for suing over property loss or injury, yet waiting that long weakens evidence and witness memory. If the other captain acted carelessly, you may pursue payment for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Damage to your vessel and gear
- Lost wages or business income
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
Criminal charges can also flow from reckless or drunken operation, but those cases run separately from your civil claim.
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule under § 768.81. You may collect damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault, though any award shrinks by your share of blame. Quick evidence gathering helps push that percentage downward.
Understanding these legal levers early lets you plan the next steps with a cool head.
How a Boating Accident Attorney Can Assist
A lawyer who focuses on water-related injury cases does more than fill out forms. The right team can investigate the collision, interview witnesses before memories fade, and hire marine-engineering professionals when needed. They also field calls from pushy adjusters, sparing you from lowball settlement pitches. By building a strong liability picture, an attorney often trims any alleged fault share, raising the final payout.
With medical bills piling up, having a legal ally can be the difference between full recovery and lingering debt.
Suffered Injuries in a Boating Accident? Contact Zweben Law Group Today!
Zweben Law Group has stood with injured boaters across Florida’s Treasure Coast since 2001, and we treat every client like a neighbor. Our crew digs deep, from combing through navigation apps to arranging professional testimony, always pushing for top dollar from insurers. If a recent crash has left you hurting, call 772-223-5454 or reach us through our website for a free, no-pressure chat about your options. Let us handle the legal tides while you focus on healing and getting back on the water.
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