Orlando's Hometown Attorneys
Orlando Boat Accident Attorney
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Page & Eichenblatt represents people injured in boating accidents in Orlando, Central Florida and elsewhere in Florida. A boating accident can involve legal and factual questions that do not arise in an ordinary motor-vehicle crash. The firm has represented boating-injury clients for more than 25 years and offers free initial consultations.
Key Takeaways
Florida Has Specific Boating Accident Rules
Florida law imposes duties after certain vessel collisions and accidents, including reporting requirements for qualifying incidents and a duty to render aid in covered circumstances.
Liability May Extend Beyond the Operator
Depending on the facts, a vessel owner, rental company, tour operator, maintenance provider or manufacturer may need to be investigated.
State and Federal Law May Intersect
Some boating injuries may raise maritime or admiralty issues in addition to Florida negligence law. Which law applies depends heavily on where and how the accident occurred.
Do Not Rely on the Old Four-Year Rule
Florida's current general limitations period for negligence actions is two years, not four years. Other deadlines may apply depending on the claim and applicable maritime law.
How We Help
Compensation May Be Available After a Boat Accident
Compensation may include:
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Medical expenses
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Future treatment
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Lost wages
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Reduced future earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Disability or impairment
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Property damage
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Other legally recoverable losses
Boat-Specific Evidence
Boat Accident Representation in Orlando
After a serious boating accident, investigators may need to examine much more than statements from the people involved.
INCIDENT PATTERNS
Common Types of Boating Accidents
01
Boat-to-boat collisions
03
Personal watercraft and Jet Ski accidents
05
Propeller injuries
07
Capsizing
09
Rental boat accidents
11
Collisions involving swimmers
13
Defective vessel equipment
02
Collisions with docks or fixed objects
04
Passengers being thrown from a vessel
06
Wake-related injuries
08
Falls aboard a vessel
10
Tour or charter boat incidents
12
Alleged alcohol-related boating incidents
14
Serious or fatal boating accidents
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Responsability
Who May Be Responsible for a Florida Boat Accident?
Ownership, operation, maintenance, rental and commercial activity should be examined separately.
The Vessel Operator
An operator may face liability when negligent or reckless operation causes an accident.
Florida law requires people operating vessels on state waters to comply with navigation rules.
The Vessel Owner
Ownership and control should be investigated separately from who was operating the vessel. Whether an owner has legal responsibility depends on the facts and applicable law.
Boat or Personal-Watercraft Rental Companies
Rental records, safety instructions, vessel condition and other circumstances may become relevant when an accident involves rented equipment.
Commercial Tour or Charter Operators
An accident involving a commercial excursion can raise questions concerning the operator, vessel owner, crew, maintenance, passenger safety and potentially maritime law.
Maintenance Companies
If a mechanical or equipment failure contributed to the accident, maintenance history and responsibility for the vessel's condition should be reviewed.
Manufacturers
A defective boat or component can raise product-liability issues separate from operator negligence.
Why does prompt action matter?
Identifying potentially important information early can help preserve a clearer record of what happened. Doing it ASAP gives the claim more strength because of it.
Injury and Recovery
Florida Boating Accident Reporting Requirements
Florida Statute § 327.30 requires prompt notice to the appropriate authorities for boating accidents involving circumstances including: -Death -Disappearance suggesting possible death or injury -Personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond immediate first aid -Damage to vessels or other property apparently totaling at least $2,000 Certain other reportable vessel casualties. The statute identifies FWC law enforcement, the county sheriff or the applicable municipal police chief among the authorities that may receive notice. The operator also has legal duties concerning aid and remaining at the scene in covered accidents.
When in doubt, report the incident promptly and preserve the report information
The Firm
Why Choose Page & Eichenblatt
Boating cases require an attorney to look beyond the injury itself and determine:
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Who operated the vessel
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Who owned or controlled it
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What law applies
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Whether navigation or safety rules were relevant
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Which agencies investigated
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Which insurance policies may apply
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What vessel-specific evidence exists
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Whether other businesses or parties should be investigated
Page & Eichenblatt has represented boating-injury clients in Central Florida for more than 25 years. The firm's initial consultation is free and provides an opportunity to discuss the accident, injuries and potential legal options without an obligation to hire the firm.
Gregg Page
Owner & Partner
Steve Eichenblatt
Owner & Partner
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