Collier County Airboat and Boat Accident Attorney
South Florida Boat Accident Lawyer
Helping Victims of Watercraft Accidents for More Than 70 Years Throughout South Florida
Boat accidents are unfortunately common in Florida due to the state’s abundant waterways and thriving tourism industry. Airboats, with their high speeds and unique design, can pose unique challenges, such as limited visibility, difficulty maneuvering, and increased risk of capsizing. These accidents often result in severe injuries, from head trauma to drowning.
At Schlesinger Law Offices, we understand the complexities of boat accident cases, especially those involving airboats. With over 70 years of experience handling personal injury cases, our team has the expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional trauma, our Collier County boat accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injury as a result of a boating accident in Fort Lauderdale, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Call Schlesinger Law Offices (954) 467-8800 to learn more about your legal options. We’ve been serving the area since 1955.
What to Do After a Boat or Airboat Accident
If you’ve been involved in a boat accident, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health and legal rights:
- Ensure Safety First: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others. If possible, move to a secure area and call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like internal damage, may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the accident scene as you are able. Try to include images of the vessel(s) involved, visible injuries, and any hazardous conditions.
- Gather Information: Collect the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved. If there are witnesses, get their statements and contact information.
- Report the Accident: Notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or local authorities. Failing to report the accident could impact your case.
- Avoid Statements to Insurers: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Consult with an experienced boat accident attorney before making any statements.
- Consult an Experienced Boat Accident Attorney: At Schlesinger Law Offices, we’ll investigate the accident, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Devastating Boat Accidents in Florida in 2024
Airboat Collision in the Everglades
In Collier County, two airboats carrying a total of 33 passengers collided near Ochopee, resulting in the hospitalization of 16 people. This incident highlights the inherent risks of airboat tours, where limited visibility, high speeds, difficult maneuverability, and crowded waterways can create dangerous conditions. The crash occurred near Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours and was investigated by multiple agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Investigators reported that one airboat had 20 passengers, while the other carried 13.
Fatal Yacht Collision in Biscayne Bay
A tragic yacht accident in Biscayne Bay claimed the lives of two individuals, after a 51-foot yacht collided with a smaller 17-foot vessel. Authorities determined the yacht’s operator, Roberto Perez, violated multiple U.S. Coast Guard navigation rules, including failing to maintain a proper lookout and yielding to the smaller boat. Investigators described Perez’s actions as reckless, citing GPS data that showed the yacht was traveling at 30 mph just moments before the crash. This incident underscores the risks of negligence and the critical importance of adhering to boating safety rules.
Fatalities in the Florida Keys
In another tragic incident near Pumpkin Key, a sudden turn by a 34-foot vessel ejected three passengers into the water. One person was killed, and two others were airlifted to a trauma center. Rescue operations included air rescues, divers, and search teams, highlighting the complexities of responding to boating emergencies. Just days earlier, a separate accident in Key West claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman who was ejected from a boat during a powerboat race. These events demonstrate the inherent dangers of boating and the catastrophic consequences of sudden maneuvers or high speeds.
How Schlesinger Law Offices Can Help
At Schlesinger Law Offices, we understand the devastating impact boating accidents can have on individuals and families. With over 70 years of experience and a proven track record of success, our attorneys have handled complex boating accident cases across South Florida, including those involving airboats, yachts, and personal vessels. Whether it’s navigating legal complexities, negotiating with insurance companies, or pursuing litigation, we are committed to securing the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, contact our team today for a free consultation. Let us advocate for the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Schlesinger Law Offices for Your Boat Accident Case?
The Collier County boat accident attorneys at Schlesinger Law Offices have:
- Extensive Experience: With over 70 years of legal expertise, we’ve handled numerous boat accident cases and secured substantial compensation for our clients.
- Local Knowledge: Based in South Florida, we’re familiar with the unique challenges of Collier County waterways and boating regulations.
- Proven Results: From multimillion-dollar settlements to significant verdicts, we have a history of delivering justice for our clients.
- Personalized Guidance: We treat every client as an individual, ensuring your case gets the attention it deserves.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Boat accidents can result in life-altering injuries and financial strain. If you or a loved one has been involved in an airboat or boat accident in Collier County, don’t face the aftermath alone. Schlesinger Law Offices is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Collier County boat accident attorney.
Florida Boating Accidents in 2023: The Alarming Reality
Florida leads the nation with over 1 million registered vessels, but with this distinction comes significant risks. In 2023 alone, there were 659 reportable boating accidents, resulting in 408 injuries and 59 fatalities. These numbers underscore the inherent dangers of boating and the importance of safety measures.
Key 2023 Statistics:
- Accidents: Collisions with fixed objects were the leading cause, accounting for 28% of all incidents.
- Fatalities: 56 fatal accidents led to 59 deaths, with drowning being the leading cause (50%). Alcohol or drug use played a role in 23% of these fatalities.
- Injuries: 39 injuries occurred per 100,000 registered vessels, highlighting the frequency of boating accidents.
- Counties: Monroe County reported the highest number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- Personal Watercraft (PWC): PWCs, such as jet skis, were involved in 23% of boating accidents, with 12 fatalities and 115 injuries.
The data also reveals a troubling lack of formal boater education among those involved in fatal accidents—83% of operators had no formal safety training.
These statistics emphasize the critical need for accountability and caution on Florida’s waterways. Whether it’s a personal watercraft accident or a larger vessel collision, victims of boating accidents often face life-altering consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, Schlesinger Law Offices is here to help. With over 70 years of experience handling complex boating cases, we’ll fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Florida boat accident attorney.
The Many Forms of Boating Accidents
Florida’s waterways are among the most beautiful in the world, but they also present significant risks for both locals and tourists. Boating accidents come in many forms and can involve a variety of vessels, from personal motorboats and sailboats to commercial airboats and tour fishing boats. Each type of accident comes with its own challenges, requiring specialized legal expertise to address.
Common types of boating accidents include:
- Collisions Between Vessels: As seen in recent airboat incidents, crashes between boats can cause significant injuries due to high speeds and limited maneuverability.
- Collisions with Fixed Objects: Boats striking docks, piers, or underwater hazards often result in damage and injuries to passengers.
- Capsizing and Overboard Accidents: These are especially dangerous, as they can lead to drowning or severe injuries.
- Operator Negligence: Reckless behavior, inexperience, or intoxication by a boat operator is a leading cause of boating accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained or defective boats can result in dangerous malfunctions during operation.
While accidents involving privately owned boats are often due to individual negligence, commercial tour boats and airboats bring a unique set of risks and responsibilities. Tour operators not only have a duty to ensure their equipment is in proper working condition but also to guarantee the safety of all passengers onboard. Unlike private boaters, tour companies must adhere to stringent safety regulations, provide adequate training for operators, and anticipate environmental challenges that could impact their customers.
When tour companies fail to meet these obligations, the consequences can be catastrophic. Injuries suffered on a commercial vessel are often preventable, making the negligence of a tour company particularly egregious. Contact Schlesinger Law Offices, if you’ve been injured in a boat accident—whether on a private vessel or a commercial tour boat—you need an experienced boat accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
The Duty of Care Owed by Tour Companies
Boat tour companies have a legal and ethical duty to prioritize the safety of their passengers at all times. This duty of care includes taking reasonable steps to prevent harm and ensuring that every aspect of their operations meets or exceeds safety standards. Key responsibilities of such businesses include:
- Proper Training for Operators: Ensuring that all airboat operators are adequately trained, certified, and experienced in navigating potentially hazardous waterways.
- Regular Maintenance of Equipment: Conducting routine inspections and maintenance on vessels to ensure they are in proper working condition and free of defects.
- Providing Safety Instructions: Educating passengers on safety protocols before and during the tour, including the use of safety equipment such as life jackets.
- Adhering to Capacity Limits: Avoiding overcrowding boats and ensuring that weight limits are never exceeded, which could affect the stability of the vessel.
- Monitoring Conditions: Accounting for environmental factors such as weather, water levels, and visibility to prevent accidents.
When a tour company breaches this duty of care, it can lead to tragic consequences like those seen in the recent airboat collision near Ochopee. Failing to uphold safety standards constitutes negligence, and injured passengers have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
What Happens When This Duty Is Breached?
A breach of duty occurs when a tour company fails to take reasonable measures to ensure passenger safety, and this negligence results in harm. Examples of breaches in duty include:
- Allowing untrained or uncertified operators to conduct tours.
- Failing to repair known issues with boats, such as faulty steering mechanisms or defective safety equipment.
- Ignoring environmental hazards like poor visibility or adverse weather conditions.
- Overloading boats beyond their safe capacity.
- Not providing passengers with adequate safety instructions before departure.
When a breach of duty leads to serious injuries:
The injured parties may pursue a legal claim to recover compensation. This can include damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Long-term care needs for permanent injuries.
How Schlesinger Law Offices Can Help
At Schlesinger Law Offices, we specialize in holding negligent companies accountable for breaching their duty of care. With extensive experience handling boat accident cases, we meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding each incident. From reviewing maintenance logs and operator certifications to analyzing the conditions at the time of the crash, we leave no stone unturned in building a strong case for our clients.
If you or a loved one were injured in boat collision or any other boat accident, contact our Collier County boat accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We are committed to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Boating Incident FAQ
Q: What should I do immediately after a boating accident?
A: After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, gather as much information as possible. Take photos of the scene, collect contact details from witnesses, and report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Then, contact an experienced boating accident attorney to guide you through the next steps.
Q: Who can be held responsible for a boating accident?
A: Liability for a boating accident can fall on various parties, including the boat operator, tour company, vessel owner, or even a manufacturer if mechanical failure was involved. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation, which is why having an experienced attorney is crucial.
Q: How can Schlesinger Law Offices help me after a boating accident?
A: With over 70 years of experience, Schlesinger Law Offices specializes in helping boating accident victims. Our attorneys will investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover after a boating accident?
A: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be pursued. Schlesinger Law Offices will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Q: Do I need an attorney if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
A: Yes. Insurance companies often aim to settle claims for less than their full value. An attorney can review the offer, determine if it’s fair, and negotiate on your behalf. Without legal representation, you risk leaving significant compensation on the table.
Q: How long do I have to file a boating accident claim in Florida?
A: In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances may alter this timeline. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Q: What makes tour company accidents different from private boating accidents?
A: Tour companies have a heightened duty of care to ensure passenger safety. They must properly train staff, maintain vessels, and provide safety instructions. When they fail in these duties, they can be held liable for injuries. Schlesinger Law Offices has extensive experience holding negligent tour companies accountable.
Q: How do I know if I have a strong case?
A: A strong case is built on evidence, including accident reports, witness testimony, medical records, and expert analysis. At Schlesinger Law Offices, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and provide honest guidance on the best path forward.
