Sarasota Boating Accident Lawyer

While boating offers relaxation and adventure, it also carries risks. Every year, boating accidents in Sarasota result in traumatic injuries, property damage, and, in the worst cases, loss of life.

Whether enjoying a leisurely day on the Gulf or navigating Sarasota Bay, a single moment of negligence can change everything.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, lost income, and the emotional trauma of the incident.

Working with an experienced Sarasota boating accident lawyer can make a difference in your recovery. At Titan Law, we know the challenges associated with maritime accidents. Find out how our Sarasota boating accident lawyer can provide the legal support you need.

Boating Incidents in Sarasota

Boating accidents can happen in a variety of ways. Many are preventable. Unfortunately, these incidents are often the result of reckless or negligent behaviors of others.  This can include:

Operator Negligence

Careless or reckless behavior by the boat operator is one of the leading causes of boating accidents. Speeding, failing to keep a proper lookout, and ignoring navigational rules are into this category.

Alcohol Use

Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is as dangerous as drunk driving. Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and decreased coordination often lead to serious accidents.

Inexperienced Operators

Many boating accidents happen because the operator lacks the experience or training to navigate safely. This is especially true in Sarasota, where tourists and occasional boaters may rent vessels without understanding how to operate them.

Collisions with Other Vessels or Objects

Crashes are some of the most common types of boating accidents. These often occur due to a lack of attention, poor visibility, or failure to follow navigational rules.

How Does Someone Become Injured on a Boat?

You might think you are safe on the water. However, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), these accidents are very common, with 659 incidents occurring on the water in 2023.

They happen for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Collisions with other boats are often caused by operator inattention, speeding, or failure to yield the right of way.
• Groundings happen when a boat runs aground on a sandbar or reef.
• Passengers falling into the water can result in drowning, especially if life jackets are not used.
• A boat overturning is a dangerous situation that can lead to serious injury or death.
• Fuel leaks, engine malfunctions, or other hazards can lead to catastrophic explosions or fires on the water.

These incidents are often preventable. When you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident, you can seek compensation. Contact a Sarasota boating accident lawyer today.

Boat Crashes Lead to Serious Injuries

With water and sharp objects nearby, the risk of serious and life-changing injuries can increase. Victims in these incidents may suffer:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A sudden impact during a collision or a fall can cause a traumatic brain injury. Even a brief lack of oxygen can result in brain damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries often occur when a passenger is thrown from the boat or suffers a hard impact.

Broken Bones

Collisions, falls, or heavy equipment on the boat can cause fractures.

Drowning or Near-Drowning

Drowning is one of the most tragic outcomes of a boating accident. Even in non-fatal cases, oxygen deprivation can cause permanent brain damage.

Lacerations and Burns

Propeller accidents or boat fires can result in deep cuts, severe burns, and scarring.

While some injuries can quickly heal, others can leave individuals with a lifetime of pain. When someone’s negligence results in these incidents, you can take legal action against them.

What You Should Do After an Accident

After a boating accident in Sarasota, your first priority should be ensuring everyone’s safety and seeking immediate medical attention, even if injuries are not visible.

You also want to document the scene by taking photos of the boat, location, and any damage. Along with that, collect contact details of all parties involved, including witnesses. This information will be vital for your personal injury case.

If anyone reaches out to you, avoid making statements to insurance adjusters or other parties before consulting a lawyer. Remember that even innocent comments could harm your claim.

Keep in mind that you always want to report the incident. Florida law requires that certain boating accidents be reported to authorities, especially when injuries or major property damage happens.

If law enforcement is not on-site, you may need to file a boating accident report yourself. Make sure to keep a copy for your records. This is another important piece of evidence for your case.

When it comes time to calculate compensation, keep records of missed work, medical bills, and any ongoing care needed. These records will help to assess both your immediate and long-term needs.

Boating Accident Cases Can Present Challenges

Unlike road accidents, which are governed by state traffic laws, boating accidents may fall under state, federal, or maritime law. That will all depend on where the incident occurred.

For this reason, you want an experienced Sarasota boating accident lawyer who knows the potential problems and can help you navigate past them.

The first step is to determine liability. Your attorney can identify whether the boat operator, another vessel, or rental company is at fault. Once completed, we can prove negligence and take legal action against them.

Many times, the insurer will try to blame others for the accident, even the victims themselves. We know these tactics and can counter them. We will work to properly calculate your damages and help to get a fair settlement for your injuries.

With the seriousness of these accidents, fatalities can occur. In these situations, families may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.