Hollywood Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accident on a South Florida waterway near Hollywood, FL

A simple day on the water in Hollywood can change your whole life when another boater makes a careless decision. Whether your accident happened on the Intracoastal Waterway, near Port Everglades, or during a recreational boating trip in South Florida, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses.

A Hollywood, Florida boat accident attorney at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. can help you understand your legal options after a crash. Our team has more than 50 years of combined experience representing injury victims throughout South Florida. We’re ready to put our knowledge, skills, and resources to work for you, too. Call us today for your free consultation to get started.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in South Florida

South Florida’s waterways stay busy year-round, leading to heavy boat traffic. Unfortunately, not everyone out on the water is an experienced, safe boater.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that operator inattention and improper lookout are the leading causes of boating accidents in the state. Fatal collisions frequently involve alcohol use or the failure to wear life jackets.

Some of the other common contributing factors in boating accidents include:

  • Excessive speed
  • Boating while impaired
  • Inexperienced boat operators
  • Equipment failure
  • Mechanical defects
  • Dangerous weather conditions
  • Violations of navigation rules

However, crashes between boats aren’t the only type of accident on Hollywood waters that can lead to injuries. People may also suffer harm in:

  • Jet ski accidents
  • Propeller accidents
  • Falls overboard
  • Dock accidents
  • Charter boat accidents
  • Parasailing accidents
  • Tour boat incidents

Our boating injury lawyers in Hollywood, FL can investigate what caused your accident and determine whether someone may be legally responsible.

Steps to Take After a Boating Accident in Hollywood, FL

What you do after a boat crash affects both your health and your legal claim. Generally, you should try to:

  • Get medical care as soon as possible.
  • Report the accident to the proper authorities.
  • Take pictures of the scene, vessel damage, and visible injuries.
  • Gather contact information from witnesses.
  • Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
  • Keep copies of medical records and expenses.
  • Stick with your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
  • Speak with a boat crash attorney near Hollywood, Florida before dealing with insurers.

Insurance companies often contact injured people shortly after a boating accident. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements or try to settle the claim quickly. Before accepting an offer, it’s important to understand the full extent of your injuries and financial losses. Rosen & Ohr, P.A. can handle the insurers while you focus on medical treatment and recovery.

Who Is Liable for a Boating Accident in Florida?

Depending on the circumstances, several different parties could be liable for a Florida boat crash, including:

  • Boat operators
  • Boat owners
  • Rental companies
  • Tour companies
  • Manufacturers of defective boat parts or equipment
  • Maintenance providers
  • Property owners
  • Government entities

For example, a boat operator may cause a collision by speeding through a no-wake zone, while a rental company may have failed to properly maintain the vessel. In other cases, defective steering equipment or missing warning signs could contribute to crashes.

A recreational boating accident lawyer in South Florida can identify all available sources of compensation and build a persuasive claim, all while you focus on recovery.

Proving Negligence in a Hollywood Boat Accident

Successful boating accident claims usually depend on proving that someone else’s negligence caused the collision and your injuries. That often requires a thorough investigation into how the accident occurred, as well as a deep understanding of Florida law and federal maritime regulations.

Our lawyers use a variety of evidence to support boating accident claims, including:

  • Boating accident reports
  • Medical records
  • Surveillance footage
  • Witness statements
  • GPS or navigation data
  • Cell phone records
  • Toxicology results
  • Vessel inspection reports
  • Maintenance records
  • Expert analysis

Rosen & Ohr, P.A. has decades of experience handling personal injury claims involving complex liability issues. Our skilled lawyers know how to secure vital evidence and present it to clearly establish fault.

What Compensation May You Be Entitled to After a Boat Crash?

Compensation in a boating injury claim largely depends on how severe your injuries are and the circumstances of your case. Generally, you may be able to pursue:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Property damage

Insurance coverage in boating accident claims may involve several policies, including boat insurance, homeowner’s insurance, umbrella policies, or commercial coverage. Determining which insurance policies apply can become complicated, particularly in collisions involving rental boats or commercial vessels.

An experienced personal injury attorney from our firm can calculate your damages and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Talk to a Hollywood Boating Accident Lawyer at Rosen & Ohr, P.A.

We understand the challenges that follow a serious boating injury. You may be facing painful injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you deserve to hold them accountable and demand maximum compensation for your losses.

Rosen & Ohr, P.A. represents injured victims throughout Hollywood and South Florida in boating accident cases and other personal injury matters. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience and have recovered substantial results for our clients, including multi-million-dollar recoveries.* While every case is different, our history of past results shows our commitment to pursuing full compensation for the people we represent.

One client recently wrote,

“Amazing law firm! By far, the most professional firm I have dealt with. Every staff member is friendly and professional, making sure their clients have been taken care of to the best extent. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking positive help and results. Thank you.”

– Mohamed C.

Contact us today to talk with a Hollywood boating accident lawyer about your case.

*Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.