Every year, thousands of boating accidents occur across the United States, with coastal states like Florida seeing some of the highest numbers of incidents. The ownership and operation of boats and ships are governed by federal, state, local and maritime laws, representing a complex web of rules that can be critical when determining who’s at fault after a boating accident.
Boating accidents can happen on various types of recreational and commercial watercraft commonly found on American waterways.
Recreational Vessels:
- Airboats
- Cabin cruisers
- Fishing boats
- Houseboats
- Inflatable boats
- Motorized personal watercraft (jet skis)
- Open motorboats
- Paddlecraft (canoe, kayak, standup paddleboard)
- Pontoon boats
- Sailboats
- Yachts
Commercial Vessels:
- Charter boats
- Cruise ships
- Ferry services
- Tour boats
If you’re a passenger or maritime worker injured in a boating accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Personal injury attorneys experienced in handling boat accident injury claims can help you or a loved one understand your legal options following a boating accident-related injury or death.
Alarming Boating Accident Statistics
According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), 2024 saw 556 boating fatalities nationwide. While this was the fewest fatalities recorded in the 50-plus years the USCG has been collecting this data, representing a 1.4% decrease from 564 in 2023, overall accidents continue to rise. It recorded a 1.1% increase in incidents overall, climbing from 3,844 in 2023 to 3,887 in 2024, with non-fatal injuries increasing 2.1% from 2,126 to 2,170.
Top Causes of Boating Accidents Nationwide
The USCG’s Boating Safety Division’s recreational boating statistics listed the following boating accidents as the top five nationwide in 2024:
- Collisions with a fixed object (69 deaths and 333 injuries)
- Collisions with another vessel (43 deaths and 570 injuries)
- Grounding the vessel (13 deaths and 223 injuries)
- Vessel swamping (57 deaths and 72 injuries)
- Someone falling overboard (138 deaths and 104 injuries)
The types of vessels with the highest number of casualties nationwide in 2024 were:
- Open motorboats (153 drownings, 102 other deaths and 1091 total injuries)
- Personal watercraft (10 drownings, 28 other deaths and 563 total injuries)
- Paddlecraft (124 drownings, 19 other deaths and 73 total injuries)
- Cabin motorboats (16 drownings, 20 other deaths and 169 total injuries)
- Pontoon boats (32 drownings, 12 other deaths and 139 total injuries)
The top 10 contributing factors in accidents nationwide in 2024 were:
- Operator inattention (551 incidents, 42 deaths, 294 injuries)
- Improper lookout (464 incidents, 24 deaths, 348 injuries)
- Operator inexperience (436 incidents, 42 deaths, 213 injuries)
- Machinery failure (289 incidents, 13 deaths, 94 injuries)
- Navigation rules violation (288 incidents, 17 deaths, 163 injuries)
- Speeding (279 incidents, 26 deaths, 245 injuries)
- Alcohol use (244 incidents, 92 deaths, 192 injuries)
- Weather (188 incidents, 55 deaths, 53 injuries)
- Hazardous water (172 incidents, 53 deaths, 69 injuries)
- Force of wave/wake (122 incidents, 5 deaths, 80 injuries)
Florida Leads the Nation in Boating Deaths
Dubbed the “Boating Capital of the World,” Florida continues to lead all states in boating accidents and fatalities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) listed 685 reportable boating accidents in Florida in 2024 (26 more than in 2023), resulting in 81 fatalities, which represents a significant 37% increase from the previous year’s 59 deaths. However, non-fatal injuries were down slightly, at 399 in 2024 compared to 408 in 2023.
Leading Causes of Boating Accidents in Florida
Boating accidents can occur due to a wide range of causes and result in a number of consequences, including significant financial cost, property damage and damage to individuals on board and off-board.
FWC compiled a list of reportable boating accidents in 2024 and ranked them based on the primary type of accident. The top 10 primary causes of boating accidents in Florida were:
- Collision with a fixed object
- Collision with a vessel
- Vessel swamping*
- Someone ejected from the vessel
- Struck an underwater object
- Someone fell overboard
- Grounding the vessel
- Someone impacted the vessel
- Vessel flooding*
- Fire or explosion (fuel-related)
Swamping is when the boat fills with water, but stays afloat, while flooding occurs when water enters the vessel’s hull and causes instability, mechanical failure or sinking.
In 2024, the most frequently reported vessels in Florida boat accidents statewide were:
- Open motorboats (449)
- Personal watercraft (252)
- Cabin motorboats (200)
- Pontoon boats (53)
- Airboats (43)
- Paddlecraft (12)
Most Dangerous Boating Areas in Florida
According to data collected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 59% of boating accidents in Florida occurred in just 10 of its 67 counties. Here are the top 5 counties where accidents happen most often:
1. Miami-Dade County
As the most populated county in Florida with access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Miami-Dade experiences heavy boating traffic. Factors like overcrowded waterways, varying operator experience levels and unpredictable Atlantic weather conditions contribute to this county’s high rate of accidents.
- 41 accidents without injury, 27 accidents with injury, 7 fatalities
- Top three vessel types involved: cabin motorboat, open motorboat, personal watercraft
- Top five primary accident causes: operator inattention, no proper lookout, operator inexperience, machinery failure, other
- Top five primary accident types: collision with vessel, collision with fixed object, person fell overboard, vessel wake damage, person ejected from vessel
2. Monroe County (Florida Keys):
The Florida Keys, a significant part of Monroe County, offer beautiful but challenging boating conditions. Shallow coral reefs, swift currents and popular diving spots create navigation hazards. Additionally, the area attracts both seasoned locals and inexperienced tourists, increasing collision risks.
- 35 accidents without injury, 25 accidents with injury. 8 fatalities
- Top three vessel types involved: open motorboat, personal watercraft, cabin motorboat
- Top five primary accident causes: operator inexperience, no proper lookout, alcohol use, operator inattention, machinery failure
- Top five primary accident types: collision with fixed object, collision with vessel, swamping, person ejected, fire/explosion (fuel)
3. Palm Beach County
With extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and numerous inland waterways, Palm Beach County sees significant recreational and commercial boat traffic. The area’s mix of experienced yacht owners and weekend recreational boaters, combined with busy shipping channels and variable weather patterns, contributes to frequent accidents.
- 27 accidents without injury, 13 accidents with injury, 5 fatalities
- Top three vessel types involved: open motorboat, cabin motorboat, personal watercraft
- Top five primary accident causes: operator inattention, machinery failure, no proper lookout, other, operator inexperience
- Top five primary accident types: collision with fixed object, collision with vessel, swamping, vessel wake damage, person ejected
4. Pinellas County:
With the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east, Pinellas County offers dual water exposure. The Gulf’s unpredictable storms, combined with heavy traffic from commercial ships, fishing vessels and recreational boats in Tampa Bay, create dynamic conditions where accidents frequently occur.
- 20 accidents without injury, 14 accidents with injury, 6 fatalities
- Top three vessel types involved: personal watercraft, open motorboat, cabin motorboat
- Top five primary accident causes: operator inattention, operator inexperience, no proper lookout, alcohol use and machinery failure
- Top five primary accident types: collision with vessel, collision with fixed object, grounding, person fell overboard, struck underwater object
5. Okaloosa County:
Located along the Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County’s Gulf waters attract large numbers of tourists and local boaters. The area’s beautiful beaches and fishing opportunities draw inexperienced operators, while the Gulf’s sudden weather changes and busy tourist seasons can create conditions ripe for accidents.
- 26 accidents without injury, 11 accidents with injury, zero fatalities
- Top three vessel types involved: personal watercraft, open motorboat, pontoon
- Top five primary accident causes: Operator inexperience, no proper lookout, operator inattention, hazardous waters and alcohol use
- Top five primary accident types: collision with vessel, collision with fixed object, swamping, person impacted vessel, person ejected from vessel
The other 5 counties in the top 10 were Lee, Sarasota, Brevard, St. Johns and Broward counties. Keep in mind that these numbers represent only reported accidents, so the actual number of incidents could be higher in some areas.
Types of Boating Accident Injuries
The types of injuries sustained in boating accidents in Florida and nationwide can vary widely depending on the nature of the accident, how it occurred and the scale of the accident. The severity of an accident can have a major impact on the type of medical treatment required and the long-term effects for those injured.
Traumatic Injuries
Head and Brain Injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions and skull fractures
- Memory loss and cognitive problems
- Loss of consciousness
Spinal and Back Injuries:
- Spinal cord injury leading to paralysis
- Herniated discs and vertebrae fractures
- Chronic back pain and limited mobility
- Loss of sensation or movement
Other Physical Injuries
Bone and Joint Damage:
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Crushed limbs requiring amputation
- Joint dislocations and torn ligaments
- Permanent mobility limitations
Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Severe burns from fires or explosions
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Whiplash and muscle strains
Life-Threatening Conditions
Water-Related Injuries:
- Near-drowning incidents
- Hypothermia from cold water exposure
- Lung damage from water inhalation
- Infections from contaminated water
Electrical and Chemical Injuries:
- Electrocution from damaged wiring
- Chemical burns from fuel
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Explosion injuries
Fatal Outcomes
Sadly, when boating accidents result in death, the primary cause is drowning. Families who lose loved ones in preventable boating accidents may be able to file a wrongful death by drowning claim against the responsible party/parties. A knowledgeable boating accident lawyer at Florin|Roebig can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Boating Accident Laws
Boating accidents fall under a complex mix of federal, state and maritime laws that govern vessel operation and passenger safety across American waterways.
Federal Maritime Laws
- Jones Act Protection: Maritime workers, including crew members, deckhands, officers and service staff, have special rights under the federal Jones Act to sue their employers for workplace injuries occurring at sea.
- Coast Guard Regulations: Federal law requires boat operators or owners to report boating accidents involving death, disappearance, injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, property damage exceeding $2,000 or complete vessel loss. Generally, they submit a report to the reporting authority within the state where the accident occurred, but they may be required to report directly to the Coast Guard if the accident happened in certain federal waters.
Florida Boating Accident Laws
Boating requirements vary by state. We focus on Florida boating accident laws since this state has the highest number of accidents and deaths each year.
Following Coast Guard regulations, under Florida law, boat owners and operators are required to report any accident that occurs on board when the accident results in:
- Death, disappearance or bodily injury of any person
- Damage of $2,000 or more to the vessel or other property
The boat operator/owner must file a written report with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the sheriff of the county or police chief of the municipality where the boat accident took place. Per USCG regulations, boat operators must immediately report a fatality and report within 48 hours if someone died within 24 hours of the accident, disappeared or required medical treatment beyond first aid. For all other thresholds, operators must file within 10 days of the accident.
However, if a police officer takes a report at the scene, they will forward this report to the appropriate authority, and you generally don’t need to file a report. You may need to provide further details or information later, so be sure you provide your current contact information.
Florida Safety Laws
Florida law also requires boat owners and operators to be in compliance with several safety measures. All boats must carry mandatory safety equipment on board, including:
- Coast Guard-approved life jackets for each person
- Fire extinguishers in working condition
- Proper ventilation systems
- Visual distress signals
- Navigation lights for night operation
- Sound-producing devices (horns or whistles)
Boat Operator Requirements
- Boating safety education (for certain age groups only)
- Sobriety requirements (same as driving laws)
- Speed and operation restrictions in designated areas
- Registration and licensing requirements
Liability Considerations
Applicable boat accident and safety laws may vary depending on the type of boat on which the accident occurs, as well as other state and local laws. For example:
- Personal boats: Subject to state and federal recreational boating laws
- Commercial vessels: Must comply with additional commercial maritime regulations
- Charter boats: Required to maintain commercial insurance and safety standards
- Cruise ships: Governed by complex international maritime laws
What to Do Immediately After a Boating Accident
If you are involved in a boating accident, what is the first thing you must do? Your immediate actions following a boating accident can affect both safety and any future legal claims, so knowing the proper steps is crucial.
First Priority: Ensure Safety and Provide Aid
Stop and Assess the Situation: You must stop your vessel immediately and check for injuries. Don’t leave the scene, which is considered a hit-and-run similar to a car accident. Leaving could result in criminal charges.
Provide Assistance
- Check all passengers and crew for injuries.
- Administer first aid if you’re trained to do so.
- Call 911 or the Coast Guard immediately if anyone is seriously injured.
- Help rescue anyone who has fallen overboard.
- Move injured people to safety if it’s safe to do so.
Prevent Further Damage
- Turn off engines to prevent additional injuries.
- Secure vessels to prevent further boat collisions.
- Clear the waterway, if possible, to avoid blocking other boats.
- Use flares or other signals to warn approaching vessels.
Exchange Information
Just like car accidents, you must exchange information with other parties involved, including:
- Names and contact information
- Boat registration numbers
- Insurance company details
- Driver’s license numbers
Document Everything
- Take photos of all damage, injuries and the accident scene.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Write down precisely what happened while it’s fresh in your memory.
- Note the weather and water conditions at the time.
Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local law enforcement.
Protect Your Legal Rights
- Contact a Florin|Roebig Attorney: Before speaking with insurance companies or signing any documents besides the official accident report, consult with an experienced boating accident attorney who can protect your rights and ensure you don’t say anything that could hurt your case later.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some boating accident injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and having medical records helps document your condition for any insurance claims.
- Keep Detailed Records: Save all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, police reports and correspondence with insurance companies.
Remember: The steps you take immediately after a boating accident can significantly impact your safety and any future legal proceedings. When in doubt, prioritize safety first and contact experienced legal help as soon as possible.
Types of Boating Accident Injury Claims
If you or a loved one wishes to seek compensation from a boat owner, operator or manufacturer for personal injury, you must prove negligence, product liability or reckless behavior caused your damages.
Negligence Claims
Negligence is the most common legal argument in boating accident cases and occurs when someone fails to use reasonable care while operating a vessel or maintaining safety equipment. When someone’s negligent or reckless behavior causes your personal injury, you may file for compensation.
Common examples of boating negligence by owners and/or operators can include:
- Operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Excessive speed for water or weather conditions
- Failing to maintain a proper lookout for other boats or swimmers
- Hiring unqualified or inexperienced crew members
- Not properly maintaining required safety equipment
- Ignoring weather warnings or hazardous water conditions
- Colliding with other vessels, docks or stationary objects
- Overcrowding or overloading the vessel beyond capacity
- Operating recklessly near swimmers or smaller boats
- Intentionally driving into a big wave or wake at high speeds
Boat owners also may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of contact with propellers and other violations of maritime vessel laws.
Product Liability Claims
Sometimes, boating accidents result from defective vessels or equipment rather than operator error. In these cases, victims may file claims against manufacturers, retailers or distributors.
Common product defects include:
- Faulty engine or mechanical systems
- Defective steering or throttle controls
- Inadequate safety warnings or instructions
- Poor vessel design causing instability
- Defective life jackets or safety equipment
- Electrical system failures leading to fires or electrocution
- Hull defects causing unexpected sinking
Manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe for normal use and meet industry safety standards. Filing a product liability claim may be in addition to a claim against the boat owner and/or operator, depending on the situation.
Injured Maritime Worker Claims
Maritime employees have special protections under federal law that differ from standard workers’ compensation coverage.
Jones Act Claims
Under the Jones Act, injured maritime workers can sue their employers for:
- Inadequate safety training or supervision
- Failure to provide safe working conditions
- Overworking crew members to the point of exhaustion
- Not maintaining safe equipment and machinery
- Assault by other crew members during work
- Failure to provide prompt medical care
- Unseaworthy vessel conditions
- Failure to avoid inclement weather
Maintenance and Cure
Injured maritime workers are entitled to:
- Medical treatment until maximum recovery
- Daily living allowances during recovery
- Transportation to medical facilities
Recoverable Damages from Boating Accident Injury Claims
Boating accident injuries can result in enormous costs, and victims may face significant medical bills, lost wages and other financial hardships depending on the severity of their injuries. If an injury results in permanent disability or other consequences on your health or livelihood, it can have devastating effects on you and your loved ones. Surviving loved ones of someone who dies in a boating accident may experience losses, both financially and emotionally, and be entitled to sue for damages.
Filing a personal injury claim or a lawsuit for boating accident-related injury gives individuals the opportunity to receive compensation for their losses. The types of damages that may be awarded in boat accident injury claims include economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Impact on retirement and future financial security
- Property damage, including boat repair or replacement and lost or damaged personal property
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Anxiety about future health and financial security
- Impact on family relationships and social life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Cognitive issues from brain injuries
- Loss of limbs or mobility
- Reduced independence and quality of life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless conduct, such as drunk boating or intentionally harmful acts, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior from them and others.
Wrongful Death Damages
When boating accidents result in death, surviving family members may recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Medical expenses before death
- Pain and suffering of the deceased
Our Featured Case Results
Legal Options for a Boating Accident Injury
Taking legal action against a boat owner, operator or manufacturer after a boat accident-related injury can be challenging to navigate alone. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney experienced in handling boat accident injury claims can benefit you in numerous ways.
Comprehensive Case Investigation:
- Thorough accident scene investigation and evidence collection
- Expert witness consultation and accident reconstruction
- Review of maintenance records and safety compliance
- Analysis of weather and water conditions at the time of the accident
Legal Expertise:
- Deep understanding of maritime law and federal regulations
- Knowledge of state-specific boating laws and requirements
- Experience with complex insurance coverage issues
- Proven track record in boating accident litigation
Resource Access:
- Connection to maritime accident reconstruction specialists
- Relationships with medical experts who understand boating injuries
- Access to vessel inspection and mechanical failure experts
- Financial resources to thoroughly investigate and prosecute cases
Our experienced attorneys will handle all communications with insurance companies and work to negotiate fair settlements that fully compensate you for your losses. If a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
List of Boating Accident Injury Lawyers Serving Florida.
Florin|Roebig boating accident lawyers and attorneys have decades of combined experience handling a variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those resulting from maritime incidents. We have a thorough understanding of boating accident laws and regulations and the determination to serve as effective legal advocates for individuals injured due to another party’s negligence.
Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of boating accident laws and regulations and have the drive to serve as effective legal advocates for individuals who are injured at the fault of another party.
Our accomplished team of seasoned boat accident attorneys, serving clients in Florida, Texas, Colorado and Minnesota, includes:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
Our team understands the physical, emotional and financial challenges boating accident victims face, and we’re committed to securing the compensation you need for your recovery and future security.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find a Boating Accident Injury Lawyer Near You
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident as a result of another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The lawyers at Florin|Roebig can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and take your case to trial if necessary.
Time Limits Apply – Act Now
Boating accident injury claims are subject to strict deadlines that vary depending on your location and the type of case. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, making it essential to begin the legal process as soon as possible. Schedule your free case evaluation with Florin|Roebig to learn your legal options right away.
Multiple Ways to Reach Us:
- Website: Visit florinroebig.com to request a free case evaluation online
- Phone: Call our offices 24/7 to speak with a legal representative
- Email: Contact us at info@florinroebig.com for more information about our services
- Office Visits: Meet with our attorneys at one of our convenient locations in Florida, Texas, Colorado and Minnesota
Our attorneys will explain your rights, legal options and the potential value of your case in easy-to-understand terms, and develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your specific situation and recovery goals. If you choose Florin|Roebig, we’ll begin working on your case immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
You pay no upfront fees and pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for your case. We understand the challenges you’re facing and provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact the experienced boating accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig today to schedule your confidential, free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
