Dannheisser Injury Law works exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, we front all costs for investigating and litigating your case, and we only get paid if you get paid.
Sarasota boat accident lawyers help victims of boating accidents navigate a complex legal system to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and income earning capacity, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages caused by negligent boaters, boat rental companies, and manufacturers. With Florida leading the nation in boating accidents and fatalities each year, victims need experienced, aggressive legal representation to secure justice and hold wrongdoers accountable.
At Dannheisser Injury Law, we recognize the complexities of boating accident claims and fight relentlessly for injured individuals and their families. Read below to learn more about Florida’s boating laws, common causes of boat accidents, where liability falls, and the compensation you may be entitled to. To speak directly with a Sarasota boat accident lawyer, call us at 941-365-7600, contact us on our website, or chat with us live on the website.
In 2024, Sarasota County was responsible for the 7th most boating accidents in all of Florida. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2024 Boating Accident Statistical Report, of the 685 reportable boating accidents, 81 fatalities and 394 injuries in Florida, 29 of those accidents occurred in Sarasota County resulting in 2 fatalities and 18 injuries. Upon review by authorities of the reportable boating accidents, the primary cause of the boating accidents are as follows:
The FWC’s 2024 Florida Boating Accident Statistical Report also provides the primary type of accident of the 685 reportable boating accidents, as follows:
Section 327 of the Florida Statutes governs vessel safety in the state of Florida. Florida Stat. § 327.32 requires that “any operator of a vessel shall, during the utilization of the vessel, exercise the highest degree of care in order to prevent injuries to others.” Additionally, Florida law requires any vessel involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury, death or disappearance or damage to another vessel of at least $2,000 to make and forward an accident report using the accident report forms to the Division of Law Enforcement of the FIsh and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
It is best that you contact a Sarasota boat accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to begin documenting your injuries, investigate the accident, and prepare your claim against all liable parties to ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowable under law.
Facing the aftermath of a Sarasota boating accident alone is a scary proposition. Navigating your injuries and a complex legal system is a daunting task. Our team has over 50 years of combined legal experience helping Sarasota families recover the compensation they deserve.
Let Dannheisser Injury Law’s experience work for you. Get a completely free and confidential consultation and case review. Call 941-365-7600, use our contact form, or live chat with us on our website to get the guidance and advocacy you deserve.
SARASOTA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Rear-End Collision
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Dannheisser Injury Law works exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, we front all costs for investigating and litigating your case, and we only get paid if you get paid.
Some boat accident cases resolve within a couple of months when the injuries are not severe, liability is obvious, and a lawsuit is not required. Conversely, severe injuries, contested liability, and the need for a lawsuit extends the length of time it takes to resolve a boat accident. In these situations, it may take between two to four years to resolve your case.
The value of your boat accident case depends on: (1) Severity of your injuries and associated medical bills; (2) Lost income and income earning capacity; (3) Pain and suffering; (4) Permanency of your injuries and if they require lifetime care; (5) Whether death is involved; (6) If the actions of the liable parties allow for punitive damages, and (7) Available insurance coverage(s).
Investigations for boat accidents in Sarasota typically involve Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers but may also include the Coast Guard and local police. Boat accident lawyers often retain accident reconstruction experts and use witness testimony to determine the cause of the accident and who may be liable.
If the boat operator was impaired, the operator may face both criminal and civil liability for the accident and injuries. Boat operators can receive a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) if they test higher than 0.08% alcohol, similar to driving under the influence (DUI).
The statute of limitations for filing a boat accident lawsuit in Florida is two years, unless the lawsuit is being filed against a government entity in which case it may be shorter. The same two years for filing a lawsuit applies if the boat accident results in the wrongful death of a person.
Most likely, yes. Florida law requires boating accidents to be reported to Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) if the accident resulted in injuries, dead, disappearance, or property damage of $2,000 or greater.
According to the FWC, the most common causes of boat accidents in Florida are operator inattention, operator inexperience, machinery failure, alcohol use, excessive speed, and weather or hazardous water conditions.
Potential liable parties for Sarasota boat accidents include negligent boat operators, rental companies or charter services, boat or equipment manufacturers for product liability, maintenance companies, or marinas. There may be 1 liable party or multiple liable parties depending on the circumstances.
A Sarasota boat accident lawyer investigates the cause of the crash, identifies all liable parties, sends letters of representation to insurance companies to handle all communications and settlement negotiations, assists with finding proper medical treatment for victims, files insurance claims and lawsuits on behalf of our clients, and pursues maximum compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
