Boat Accident Lawyer in Miami
Miami’s coastline, Biscayne Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway are some of the most beautiful boating areas in the world — but when accidents happen on the water, the consequences can be catastrophic. Whether it involves a yacht, a jet ski, or a charter boat, boating crashes often cause severe injuries and complex legal questions involving state and maritime laws.
If you or a loved one were injured in a boating or jet ski accident, you need an experienced boat accident lawyer in Miami who understands both Florida negligence law and maritime regulations.
At Romeo Gonzalez Law, we help victims of boat collisions, rental accidents, and personal watercraft incidents recover full compensation for their medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win.
Call 1-800-219-6299 or email info@romeogonzalezlaw.com today.
Common Causes of Miami Boating Accidents
Boating should be enjoyable and safe — but negligence, inexperience, or lack of safety measures can quickly turn a day on the water into a tragedy.
Frequent Causes
- Operator inexperience or lack of lookout — A leading factor in recreational boating accidents.
- Speeding or reckless operation — Ignoring wake zones or poor visibility conditions.
- Boating under the influence (BUI) — Alcohol remains a major cause of fatal waterway accidents in Florida.
- Navigation errors — Striking markers, running aground, or misjudging channels at night.
- Mechanical failures — Poor maintenance or defective equipment.
- Rental mishaps — Untrained tourists on high-powered vessels, often with inadequate briefings.
- PWC / Jet ski collisions — High speed and low visibility increase risk.
- Propeller injuries — Among the most severe, often involving passengers reboarding or falling overboard.
When these accidents occur, determining who is legally responsible can involve boat owners, rental companies, tour operators, or manufacturers. Our firm investigates every angle to build a solid case.
Florida and Maritime Basics
Boating injuries in Miami can fall under Florida state law or federal maritime law, depending on where and how the accident happened.
Statute of Limitations
Many Florida negligence claims must be filed within two years, but maritime cases can have different deadlines or procedural rules.
It’s critical to act quickly so evidence isn’t lost and the correct legal process is followed.
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)
If you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may not recover damages.
If you’re 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility.
Maritime Jurisdiction
If the accident occurred on navigable waters, it may fall under federal admiralty jurisdiction.
That means different procedural rules — but we handle both state and maritime claims, ensuring the right path from the start.
Limitation of Liability Act
Boat owners may attempt to limit responsibility under this act, but we can challenge these claims by proving knowledge or negligence.
Rental Waivers
Even if you signed a “liability waiver,” Florida courts often evaluate their wording and circumstances — they don’t automatically shield rental or charter companies from accountability.
How a Miami Boat Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case?
Our team acts immediately to protect evidence and your rights.
Evidence and Investigation
- FWC and USCG accident reports
- 911 and marine patrol communications
- Witness statements and photos/videos (phones, GoPros, drones)
- CCTV from marinas, docks, or waterfront restaurants
- Boat damage, propeller markings, safety gear condition
Digital and Technical Evidence
- GPS and chartplotter data showing vessel route and speed.
- Phone location data to confirm operator behavior or distractions.
- Maintenance and inspection records from the owner or rental company.
- Rental or charter contracts and any waivers signed.
- Weather and tide conditions documented from NOAA data.
Medical and Financial Proof
We gather all medical records, prognosis details, and income documentation to support both economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress).
Preservation of Evidence
We send spoliation letters immediately to owners, rental agencies, and marinas to secure logs, GPS data, and video footage before it’s lost or deleted.
Types of Boating and PWC Cases We Handle
Recreational Boats
Collisions involving center consoles, pontoons, or bowriders, often due to speeding or operator distraction.
Jet Ski and PWC Accidents
Crossing or overtaking incidents, rental collisions, and head-on crashes — frequently involving inexperienced operators.
Charter or Tour Boats
Injuries aboard fishing charters, snorkeling trips, or party boats. Liability may involve multiple companies and vessel owners.
Parasailing and Tow-Sports
Incidents caused by defective harnesses, operator error, or sudden weather changes.
Propeller Strikes and Man-Overboard
Severe, often catastrophic injuries that require fast investigation and expert reconstruction.
Marina and Dockside Accidents
Slip-and-fall injuries, dock collapses, or unsafe boarding conditions — sometimes tied to premises liability.
Damages You May Recover
Every boating accident case is unique, but you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and assistive devices
- Home modifications for permanent disability
- Property damage (vessel, gear, or personal items)
- Out-of-pocket costs related to recovery
In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for loss of support and funeral costs.
What to Do After a Boating or Jet Ski Accident
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Report the incident to the FWC or U.S. Coast Guard and obtain a report number.
- Photograph the scene — the boats, equipment, injuries, and any visible hazards.
- Collect GPS or app data (Navionics, VesselView, etc.) before it’s lost.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Check nearby marinas or restaurants for CCTV footage.
- Preserve damaged safety gear (life jackets, harnesses).
- Consult an attorney before giving statements to insurers or signing forms.
Time-sensitive evidence can make or break a boating case — call as soon as possible after the accident.
Results & Testimonials
Case Highlights
- $520,000 – Jet ski collision near Haulover Inlet; multiple fractures and shoulder surgery.
- $400,000 – Charter fishing accident caused by untrained deckhand; spinal injuries.
- $265,000 – Propeller injury at marina; defective safety cutoff switch identified.
“I never thought a simple day on the water could end like that. Romeo’s team handled everything with care and professionalism.”by M.P.
FAQs – Boat Accident Lawyer in Miami
It depends on where it occurred — accidents on navigable waters may fall under federal maritime law, while others stay within Florida jurisdiction.
Most Florida negligence claims must be filed within two years, though maritime claims may have different limits.
Waivers aren’t absolute; courts evaluate their clarity and whether negligence can still be proven.
Yes. Not wearing one doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation, though insurers may use it to argue partial fault.
Florida’s 51% rule means you can still recover if you’re 50% or less at fault.
You may have coverage options through your own policy or maritime claims involving hit-and-run situations.
Possibly — depending on their safety training, maintenance, and oversight responsibilities.
Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a boating or jet ski accident anywhere in Miami-Dade, the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of securing vital evidence and compensation.
At Romeo Gonzalez Law, we stand by victims and their families — combining compassion with proven results.
Call 1-800-219-6299 or email info@romeogonzalezlaw.com
Visit us at 850 NW Le Jeune Rd Suite 302, Miami, Florida 33126
