Since Florida is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, recreational boating is a popular pastime for residents and tourists alike. There are numerous types of boats available for hire including cruise ships, casino boats, and fishing charters. Personal watercrafts have become quite popular and are found on virtually every body of water in the state.

There are a number of factors that contribute to devastating Florida boating accidents. Weather conditions, such as wind, rain and storms, make it more likely for someone to be involved in boat collisions. Boats may hit channel markers and sand bars causing injury to its occupants. Often times, the boat operators are drunk or distracted, unnecessarily endangering the safety of the passenger. On board fires or even sinking ships can also cause injury.

Every year, hundreds of people sustain serious injuries or lose loved ones as the result of a boating accident. As a result, they typically incur expenses related to the accident such as medical treatment, rehabilitation, medication, or lost income due to their inability to work. They may also lose the ability to perform various activities of normal daily living, in both the short and long term, and may endure pain and suffering as a result of the accident.

However, it is important to note that personal injuries sustained as the result of a boating accident differ from those of the victim of a car crash. Different laws apply to boating accidents. Florida law creates a higher standard of care that boaters must live up to. Since boats may travel outside of the state’s territorial waters, federal statutes (often referred to as admiralty or maritime laws) will often apply.

If you have been injured while boating, you may be able to bring a claim against the operator and owner of the vessel. Commercial vessels tend to carry insurance. Private vessels are often insured under a policy of insurance purchased specifically to cover the boat, or sometimes by the owner’s homeowner’s insurance. You may be entitled to compensation for your loss.

Therefore, it is important for you to seek the advice of a lawyer in order to protect your right to fair compensation. If you or someone you know has been involved in a boating collision, contact I Law and allow our experience to go to work for you. At I Law we are dedicated to representing the injured - not insurance companies. We work side by side with you to ease the worry of having to fill out forms, request information, and speak to insurance adjusters. We allow you to focus on what is most important – getting well and recovering from your loss. At I Law, we understand your concerns and will do our best to ease your burdens. We will dedicate the necessary resources to ensure that you are adequately represented and your rights are protected. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your loved ones with regard to any potential case. There is never any charge for an initial consultation and we are happy to schedule appointments at your home, in a hospital or at a location that is convenient for you. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. If for any reason there is no recovery, then we receive no fees or costs. Simply stated, we are paid fees and costs only if you win. At I Law, personal attention matters.