Types of Florida Boating Accidents

Florida has the highest number of registered boats in the country. With nearly 2,000 miles of coastline; 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways; and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country, Lake Okeechobee, this should be no surprise. Unfortunately, the large number of boats also makes Florida the nation’s leader in recreational boating accidents.

In many cases, the reckless or negligent operation of a boat or watercraft leads to serious injuries or death. If this has occurred to you or a loved one, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Contact Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney.

Our Florida personal injury attorneys are familiar with the different factual and legal issues that arise in different types of Florida boating accidents. We are aggressive advocates who are ready and willing to take cases to trial.

We represent clients throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast, including Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and Vero Beach. Call us today at 1-800-299-8878 or use our online contact form for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. 

Florida Boating Accidents Involve Different Types of Watercraft

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission reports, 735 reportable boating accidents occurred in Florida in 2023. These resulted in 65 deaths and 457 injuries.

Personal watercraft accounted for 16 percent of all registered water vessels in Florida in 2022 but were involved in 24 percent of the reported boating accidents.

The different types of watercraft that can be involved in a boating accident include:

• Motorized boats
• Sailboats
• Speed boats
• Fishing boats
• Canoes
• Kayaks
• Jet skis
• WaveRunners
• Sea Doos

Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida

Boating-related injuries can occur if you are the passenger on a boat, the operator of a watercraft or the participant in a water sport such as skiing or parasailing. Factors that can cause boating accidents include:

• Excessive speed
• Inadequate training
• Drinking or being under the influence
• Lack of proper lookout
• Failure to heed weather warnings
• Reckless or careless behavior by the operator
• Inappropriate behavior by passenger or participant

If the recklessness or negligence of an individual or company contributed to injuries you or a loved one sustained in a boating accident, then you may be entitled to money damages. 

Contact Our Florida Boating Accident Lawyers Today

For more than three decades, the Philip DeBerard legal team has been working to protect the rights of boating accident victims across South Florida and have offices in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach. Our aggressive approach has resulted in obtaining millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury victims. For a free case evaluation, call Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, today at 1-800-299-8878 or fill out our online contact form. We can put our team to work for you