Miami Boating Accident Lawyer - Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal, and Beyond
Miami's waterways are part of what makes this city special - but they are also the site of serious boating accidents every year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident on Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, or the Atlantic Ocean, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost income.
At Connect Attorneys, we represent boating accident victims throughout Miami-Dade County. No fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.
1-833-77CONNECTFlorida Boating Accident Laws and Your Rights
Florida has more registered boats than any other state in the country, and Miami-Dade County is one of the busiest boating regions in the state. With that volume comes a significant number of boating accidents - many of which result in serious injuries or death.
Operator Negligence
Just like drivers on the road, boat operators owe a duty of care to passengers and other boaters. Operator negligence may include speeding, reckless operation, failure to maintain a proper lookout, operating in restricted areas, and inexperience. When an operator's negligent actions cause an accident, the injured party may generally pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Under F.S. §327.35, it is illegal to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol limit for boat operators is 0.08% - the same as for motor vehicles. BUI is a significant factor in boating fatalities across Florida. If the operator who caused your accident was under the influence, this may support a claim for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Rental Boat Company Liability
Miami is home to hundreds of boat rental and charter operations. Rental companies have a duty to properly maintain their vessels, provide safety equipment, and in many cases ensure that renters receive adequate safety instruction. When a rental company fails in these duties - providing a vessel with faulty steering, a defective engine, or inadequate safety gear - they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Maritime Law Considerations
Boating accidents that occur in navigable waters may fall under federal maritime (admiralty) law rather than or in addition to Florida state law. Maritime law has its own rules regarding liability, damages, and filing deadlines. For example, the general maritime statute of limitations for personal injury is three years, but certain claims may have shorter deadlines. An attorney experienced in both Florida personal injury law and maritime law can determine which legal framework applies to your case.
FWC Reporting Requirements
Florida law requires boat operators to report accidents to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) when there is a death, disappearance, injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or property damage exceeding $2,000. FWC accident reports can be valuable evidence in a personal injury claim.
Statute of Limitations
Under F.S. §95.11(3), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Questions about Florida boating accident law? Call 1-833-77CONNECT for a free consultation. Se habla español.
Where Boating Accidents Happen in Miami
Miami-Dade County's waterways attract millions of recreational boaters, fishermen, jet ski riders, and commercial vessels every year. The most common locations for boating accidents include:
- Biscayne Bay - Miami's signature body of water sees heavy recreational traffic year-round. Shallow areas, sandbars, and congestion near popular destinations like the Sandbar (Haulover) create conditions where collisions and groundings are common.
- Intracoastal Waterway - Running along the coast from North Miami Beach through Miami Beach and south, the Intracoastal sees a mix of large yachts, small boats, jet skis, and paddleboarders. Wake zone violations and no-wake zone accidents are frequent.
- Atlantic Ocean - Deep-sea fishing trips, dive boats, and recreational cruises off the Miami coast carry risks including rough seas, vessel mechanical failure, and collisions with commercial shipping traffic.
- Miami River - Commercial and recreational traffic share this narrow waterway through downtown Miami, creating collision risks at bridge openings and dock areas.
- Government Cut / Port of Miami - The shipping channel near the port sees interactions between cruise ships, cargo vessels, and recreational boats that stray too close to commercial lanes.
Common Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accident injuries can be severe due to the lack of protective structures on most vessels. Common injuries include:
- Drowning and near-drowning - resulting in brain damage from oxygen deprivation
- Traumatic brain injuries - from falls, collisions, or being struck by equipment
- Spinal cord injuries - from high-speed impacts and ejections
- Propeller injuries - deep lacerations, amputations, and fatal wounds
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns - from engine fires, fuel explosions, or sun exposure after being stranded
- Hypothermia - from extended time in the water
Injured in a boating accident on Miami waters? Call 1-833-77CONNECT. Se habla español.
Damages in a Miami Boating Accident Case
If you were injured in a boating accident caused by another party's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses - emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Lost wages - income lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering - physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
- Disability and disfigurement - permanent impairments resulting from the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages - if a loved one was killed in a boating accident
- Punitive damages - in cases involving BUI or extreme recklessness
Under Florida's modified comparative negligence system (F.S. §768.81), your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you generally recover nothing. Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently try to shift blame to the injured party - an experienced attorney can counter these tactics.
Our Miami personal injury attorneys work with maritime experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical professionals to build the strongest possible case for your full compensation. We also handle car accident and catastrophic injury cases throughout Miami-Dade County.
Want to understand what your boating accident case may be worth? Call 1-833-77CONNECT for a free evaluation. Se habla español.
Miami Boating Accident Lawyer - Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs provide general information about Florida law and are not legal advice. The answers may not apply to your specific situation. Consult with an attorney for guidance on your particular case.
Who is liable for a boating accident in Miami?
Liability may fall on the boat operator, a boat rental company, a boat manufacturer, or even a bar or restaurant that over-served alcohol to the operator. In many cases, multiple parties share responsibility. An attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage available for your claim.
What is BUI and how does it affect my boating accident claim?
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a criminal offense under F.S. §327.35. If the at-fault operator was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, it may strengthen your personal injury claim and, in some cases, support a claim for punitive damages - compensation designed to punish particularly reckless behavior.
How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under F.S. §95.11(3). However, if your boating accident occurred in federal navigable waters, maritime law may apply, which can affect the timeline. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Does my PIP insurance cover boating accident injuries?
No. Florida's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under F.S. §627.736 applies only to motor vehicle accidents, not boating accidents. Recovery for boating injuries generally comes through the at-fault party's liability insurance, the boat rental company's policy, or your own health insurance and uninsured boater coverage if applicable.
How much does a Miami boating accident lawyer cost?
At Connect Attorneys, we handle boating accident cases on a contingency fee basis. No fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.
Have a question not listed here? Call 1-833-77CONNECT. Se habla español.
Injured in a Boating Accident in Miami?
Boating accident cases involve unique legal challenges - from identifying the responsible parties to navigating maritime law. Our attorneys handle the investigation, the insurance companies, and the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
1-833-77CONNECTConnect Attorneys PLLC
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1550
Miami, FL 33131
No fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.
Miami Personal Injury Lawyer · Car Accidents · Catastrophic Injuries