MIAMI BOATING ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you have been injured in a boat accident in Miami, you might be dealing with painful injuries and mounting medical bills. If that’s the case, you’re probably missing work and worrying about making ends meet.
You deserve compensation for your injuries, and Payer Law can help. We’re committed to holding the responsible parties accountable, so you can heal and move forward. Call (305) 363-7099 to speak with our Miami boating accident lawyers and learn more about your legal options.
Reviewed by: James D. Payer
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Table of Contents
- Why Should I Trust Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers After a Miami Boating Accident?
- Common Types of Boating Accident Injuries
- How Payer Law Can Help After a Boating Accident in Miami
- Boating Regulations in Florida
- Who Could Be Liable For My Injuries After a Boating Accident?
- What Is My Miami Boating Accident Claim Worth?
- Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With an Experienced Miami Boating Accident Lawyer Today
Why Should I Trust Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers After a Miami Boating Accident?
Our firm has been helping accident victims in Florida for 30 years. With our aggressive, hands-on representation and commitment to holding responsible parties accountable, we’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients.
We’re dedicated to treating every client like family, from the moment you walk into our office to the day your case settles. We provide personalized service to every client and are dedicated to keeping open communication throughout your case.
We proudly share reviews and testimonials from our grateful clients, who come to us from across Miami and beyond. We serve all areas of Miami-Dade County, including:
- North Miami
- Westchester
- The Hammocks
- Miami Gardens
- Haileah
- Homestead
- Doral
- Kendall
- Miami Beach
Wherever you live in Florida, our boating accident attorneys can stand up for your rights.
Common Types of Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents have the potential to cause devastating and life-altering injuries. Our Miami injury attorneys skillfully represent clients who are dealing with:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Contusions and lacerations
- Teeth and jaw injuries
- Severe burns
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Hypothermia
- Concussions
- Paralysis
- Limb loss
- Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD
When you suffer serious injuries from a boating accident, our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to understand your circumstances. We’re dedicated to accounting for all your losses, including future expenses, to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
How Payer Law Can Help After a Boating Accident in Miami
Boating accidents can be complex and confusing. You need an experienced Miami boating accident attorney who can lead you through the process, from start to finish, and also present a strong case on your behalf.
You can expect our attorneys to:
- Explain your options: During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your accident and determine if you may have a case. We’ll also present options for moving forward and help you decide what to do.
- Investigate your accident: Our attorneys consider every detail of your accident, from weather conditions to the actions of everyone involved. We use that information to identify liable parties and argue against claims of your fault.
- Build a case: We continue investigating your accident by sourcing as much evidence as possible, including witness testimonies and police reports. Objective documentation allows us to value your case and demonstrate the validity of your compensation claims.
- Assist with paperwork: We can help you file claims with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit with the court. While many accident cases settle out of court, we are ready to litigate if it’s the best way to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Negotiate with insurers: Insurance companies often submit unfairly low offers to reduce the impact on their bottom lines. We protect your rights and work toward a fair settlement that meets your needs.
- Keep you informed: We know going through the legal process is stressful. We tell you what’s happening with your case so you can relax and focus on healing.
At Payer Law, we’re dedicated to being there for you during this difficult time. Our first priority is seeking the optimal outcome for your case.
Boating Regulations in Florida
Many boating accidents involve the responsible party violating Florida boating regulations, which require all boat operators to act responsibly and with respect for others’ safety. Any operator who fails to do so may be subject to a non-criminal infraction. Additionally, someone who willfully disregards the safety or property of others may receive a citation for reckless operation, which is a first-degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail.
Safety and Accident Laws
Florida law requires every operator to obey posted speed zones and operate with reasonable care. Careless operation—such as traveling at an unsafe speed or creating an excessive wake—is a non-criminal infraction. Reckless operation, defined as willful or wanton disregard for others’ safety, is a first‑degree misdemeanor..
There are other important rules to take note of, as well. For example, boating under the influence is a first‑degree misdemeanor for a first offense. If a crash causes death, disappearance, an injury requiring more than first aid, or at least $2,000 in property damage, each operator must render practical aid and file a written report with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the county sheriff, or local police.
Leaving the scene is a third‑degree felony when anyone is hurt or killed and a second‑degree misdemeanor when the damage is limited to property.
Boating Accident Statistics
Boating regulations exist to protect all recreational water users, an essential safeguard in this watersport-loving state.
Florida has more miles of shoreline and more registered boats than any other contiguous U.S. state, with 1 million vessels on the books as of 2023. The state is also a leader in reportable boating accidents, with 659 such accidents in 2023. These led to 59 fatalities and 408 injuries.
Miami-Dade County had the second-highest number of accidents in 2023, trailing only Monroe County. Given the apparent dangers, boaters certainly benefit from exercising caution at all times.
Who Could Be Liable For My Injuries After a Boating Accident?
Although Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, the rules differ for boats. The no-fault system applies specifically to motor vehicles, which Florida defines as having four or more wheels and operating on roadways. Boats are excluded by default, which means the at-fault party is responsible for accident-related damages.
It’s also important to note that Florida does not generally require liability insurance for private vessels, so some negligent operators are uninsured. In those cases, a direct negligence suit or an uninsured/under‑insured boater claim—if you carry that coverage—may be the only route to recovery. If the at-fault operator has insurance on their boat, the first step is typically to file a claim on that policy, as you would for a car accident. Otherwise, a lawsuit may be the optimal path to compensation. You may also file a lawsuit if your injuries are severe and the other party’s insurance does not cover your costs.
What Is My Miami Boating Accident Claim Worth?
Multiple factors affect the value of your legal case. More serious injuries often lead to higher compensation, as the victim is more likely to need costly long-term treatment and care. If you have significant property damage or have lost income due to the accident, these losses can be part of your compensation.
Also, due to recent changes in the law, an injured boater who is more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover in Florida, and most negligence suits must now be filed within two years of the accident as set by Florida’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations.
The strength of your case also plays a significant role. It’s crucial to have an experienced boating accident attorney in Miami who can investigate your accident, identify liable parties, and pursue maximum damages through strong, convincing evidence.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With an Experienced Miami Boating Accident Lawyer Today
When you are injured in a boating accident in Miami, it pays to call Payer Law. Our lawyers provide compassionate, personalized support and aggressive representation that focuses on the details of your accident and injury. We treat every case, big or small, with all the attention and detail it deserves.
Contact Us For a Free ConsultationAs a small, family-owned firm, we see every client as family. We know you are facing one of the most challenging times in your life, and we are here to help you through it. Our compassionate approach means you’ll know your attorney from day one and enjoy direct communication throughout your case.
Advocating for your best possible outcome is our number one priority. Don’t face your injuries and recovery alone—call (305) 363-7099 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.
12000 Biscayne Blvd STE 503
Miami, FL 33181
(305) 363-7099
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
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Client Reviews
Professional, efficient, helpful, and dedicated to their clients. Lysette West extremely attentive and responsive, answered every question or concern professionally and swiftly. She set my mind at ease during some of the most difficult times I have encountered. Even when I missed an appointment because of a natural disaster. She jumped right into the situation cleared it up and got the ball rolling again in short order. I only wish I was able to call on Payer Law for all my legal issues.
James has a heart for justice and is passionate about helping the ones in need of fair representation. Thank you for your professionalism and confidence in what’s right. Thank you for caring and being there for my mom and our family. God bless.
The staff are courteous and knowledgeable. Chris Payer treats me like family and I know he is fighting for me and my case. I highly recommend Payer Law.
