Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents

Attorney in Jupiter, FL

The Law Offices of Todd Cash Alofs, P.A. helps people throughout the state of Florida, including, but not limited to Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County and Monroe county, as well as out-of-state.

Whether it’s on a boat, jet ski or other personal watercraft (PWC), there is no better way to spend a sunny Florida day than being on the water with family and friends. Unfortunately, being on the busy South Florida waterways also brings with it a great many risks and dangers. None greater than those posed by negligent or reckless watercraft operators. An inexperienced, inattentive, or impaired operator or a poorly maintained watercraft can cause catastrophic injuries or death on the water. Spinal cord injuries, back injuries, brain injuries, knee and other orthopedic injuries frequently occur as the result of the negligence of watercraft operators.

The most common causes of boating and personal watercraft accidents include:

  • Inexperience Operators
  • Inattentive Operators
  • Reckless Operators
  • Speeding
  • Weather and water conditions
  • Unsafe behavior of passengers
  • Equipment failure
  • Congested waterways
  • Drug or alcohol use
Law Office in Jupiter, FL

To learn more about our services and how we can protect your rights,
contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Mr. Alofs.

Law Office in Jupiter, FL

There are many ways to be seriously injured on the water:

  • Jet Ski Accidents
  • Wave Runner Accidents
  • Open Motorboat Accidents
  • Yacht Accidents
  • Sailboat Accidents
  • Kayak Accidents
  • Paddleboard Accidents

Florida boating laws are very strict. Boating laws and regulations exist to enforce safety in open waters and help prevent operator conduct that can result in fatalities and personal injuries. Operators who ignore the posted speed limits, do not pay attention to other traffic on the water, or disobey other navigation rules can be punished by fine or jail.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident due to a vessel or watercraft operator’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to boat injury compensation. Therefore, it is imperative to speak with an experienced Florida Bar Board-Certified Trial Attorney with experience representing boating accident injury victims as quickly as possible following the incident to discuss your options for filing a personal injury claim. It is also just as important to hire an attorney with personal boating experience. Mr. Alofs has been a boater for most of his life and he knows what it means to operate a watercraft safely as well as what constitutes negligence and recklessness on the part of a boater or PWC operator. His knowledge and experience are invaluable when representing individuals that have been seriously injured or the family of someone that has been killed due to another’s negligence while on the water.

The Law Enforcement Division of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is responsible for protecting Florida’s natural resources, including fish, wildlife, and the environment, while also providing a safe atmosphere for residents and visitors to recreate on the water. FWC officers have full police powers and statewide jurisdiction.

Pursuant to the definition established by the FWC an operator of a boat or personal watercraft is at fault when an accident or injury is caused by:

  • Speeding
  • Overloading, improper loading and not properly seating occupants of the boat
  • Lock of a proper look-out
  • Carelessness, failure to heed weather warnings
  • Operating recklessly in a congested area, not observing the rules of the road
  • Unsafe fueling practices
  • Lack of experience
  • Ignorance of aids to navigation
  • Lack of caution in an unfamiliar area of operation
  • Improper installation or maintenance of machinery or equipment
  • Panic, poor judgment or recklessness
  • Proceeding in an unseaworthy craft
  • Operating a motorboat near persons in the water
  • Overpowering the boat, starting the engine with clutch engaged or throttle advanced or irresponsible boat handling.

When you choose The Law Offices of Todd Cash Alofs, P.A. for your boat accident case, we will thoroughly determine your legal rights, and we will pursue the maximum compensation on your behalf. We will work to negotiate a favorable settlement that covers your repair or replacement costs, medical bills, loss of income, and other losses; and, if a fair settlement is not made by the boater’s insurance company or the boater himself (if he is uninsured) we will gladly file suit on your behalf and take your case to court. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, we are available to talk with you, give you a realistic assessment of your claim, and help you pursue justice. Please fill out our Contact Form or call us at 561-743-7650 to schedule an appointment for a free, confidential consultation with Mr. Alofs, an experienced Florida boater and boat accident lawyer.

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