Boating Accidents in Broward County

There’s nothing quite like a day on the water in South Florida. But when the carelessness of another person turns that day into a disaster, the aftermath can leave you with serious injuries, confusing maritime laws, and large insurance companies.

At The Cochran Firm South Florida, we step in to lift that burden. Our boating accident lawyers navigate maritime law for you, hold the negligent parties accountable, and fight for the full and fair compensation you need to heal.

Why You Need a Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents are governed by complex federal and state laws known as maritime or admiralty law. These rules differ significantly from those that apply to car accidents, including how fault is proven, how long you have to file a claim, and what responsibilities boat owners carry. Hiring an attorney who doesn’t specialize in this area can jeopardize your case.

At The Cochran Firm South Florida, we are specialists in maritime injury law, and we know what it takes to win. Our team does more than just file paperwork. We conduct thorough accident investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish liability. We also handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that any settlement demand truly reflects the full extent of your damages. And if a fair outcome isn’t possible through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you in court.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in South Florida

While every accident is unique, most stem from preventable negligence. Our investigations frequently expose careless choices that put innocent people at risk.

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Alcohol is the single leading contributor to fatal boating accidents. Operating a vessel while intoxicated is a reckless choice that endangers everyone on the water.
• Operator Inexperience: Florida has very lax requirements for operating a boat. Inexperienced operators often misjudge conditions, are unaware of navigation rules, or simply lose control of the vessel.
• Reckless Operation & Speeding: Creating a dangerous wake in a no-wake zone, operating at excessive speeds for the conditions, or attempting reckless maneuvers can easily cause collisions or capsize a vessel.
• Distracted Boating: Just like with cars, an operator who is focused on their phone instead of the water around them can cause a devastating accident in seconds.
• Mechanical Defects: Sometimes the accident is caused by a faulty engine, a defective steering component, or another equipment failure. In these cases, the boat manufacturer may be held liable.

Boating Accident Cases We Handle in South Florida

At the Cochran Firm in Broward County, our firm has the resources and experience to handle a wide range of accidents that occur on South Florida’s waterways.

Recreational Boating Accidents

The Cochran Firm South Florida represents victims injured in collisions or mishaps involving motorboats, sailboats, and yachts due to operator negligence.

Jet Ski & Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents

These vessels are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents. We hold reckless operators and negligent rental companies accountable.

Dock & Marina Accidents

Your injury may have happened before you even left the shore. We hold marina owners accountable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions, such as slippery fuel spills, rotten planks, inadequate lighting, or faulty equipment on their property.

Serving Boating Communities Across South Florida

Based in Broward County, The Cochran Firm South Florida provides experienced legal representation for boating accident victims across the region. Our boating accident attorneys understand the challenges of South Florida’s waterways, from the Jupiter Inlet to the Florida Keys. Our law firm brings deep knowledge of both maritime law and local conditions. We proudly serve clients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, and surrounding coastal communities, helping them pursue justice after serious boating incidents.

Your Options for Financial Recovery After a Boating Accident

Securing the compensation you need after a serious boating accident requires exploring every possible avenue for recovery. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to pursue financial damages through several types of claims:

• A Claim Against a Negligent Boater: If your accident was caused by another boater who was speeding, intoxicated, or otherwise careless, we can file a claim against their boat liability insurance policy.
• A Claim Against a Negligent Company: If a faulty repair or poor maintenance caused an equipment failure, we can pursue a claim against the marina or repair company responsible.
• A Product Liability Claim: If a design or manufacturing defect in the boat or one of its components (like the engine or steering system) caused the accident, we can file a claim against the manufacturer.
• A Claim for Negligent Entrustment: If the boat owner allowed someone they knew to be inexperienced or reckless to operate their vessel, they can be held liable for "negligently entrusting" the boat to that person.

Our first step is always a thorough investigation to identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries. We then build a strategy to maximize your recovery from all available sources.

What to Do After a Boating Accident in South Florida

Outlined below is a guide to handling safety concerns after a boating accident and preserving evidence for your case:

1. ​​Check for Injuries. After a boating accident, assess injury concerns for all involved and seek medical attention if needed.
2. Make Sure the Accident Is Officially Reported. This means calling the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Coast Guard, or local police. An official report puts your accident on the record and becomes a piece of evidence. In Florida, it’s also a legal requirement for any accident involving significant injury, death, or property damage.
3. Become an Evidence Collector. The evidence that exists at the scene is priceless and can disappear quickly. Take pictures of everything: the damage to both boats, the other vessel's registration number (HIN), any open alcohol containers, and your injuries. Get the names and phone numbers of everyone involved, especially independent witnesses. This is evidence that can never be recreated later.
4. Be Aware of Insurance Adjusters. Avoid giving recorded statements or discussing details of the incident until you’ve consulted with a qualified attorney. It is acceptable to let them know you will speak once you have legal representation.
5. Call an Experienced Maritime Lawyer.  Before you make any other moves, call a boating accident lawyer. Getting a lawyer who specializes in these cases immediately ensures your rights are protected from day one and that all the right steps are taken to preserve the value of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Boating Accidents

How Long Do I Have To File A Boating Accident Claim In Florida?

In most Florida boating accident cases involving negligence, you have six months to formally report the accident, and two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your accident occurred on a cruise ship, different rules may apply. Many cruise lines, especially those departing from Florida ports, include clauses in their passenger contracts that shorten the filing deadline to as little as one year. It’s important to review the fine print on your ticket and speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What Kind of Compensataion Can I Receive After a Boating Accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for all of your accident-related losses. This includes your current and future medical bills, lost wages if you're unable to work, and damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured.

Why Can't My Car Accident Lawyer Handle My Boat Accident Case?

Maritime law has unique rules, deadlines, and standards of proof. Hiring an attorney who doesn’t specialize in this complex area of law means you are not giving your case the best possible chance of success.

Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer in South Florida Today

Contact our South Florida office to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced maritime attorney. We will review the details of your case and help you understand your best course of action. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you incur no fees unless we successfully resolve your case. You have nothing to lose by getting the expert advice you deserve.