Personal Injury — Boating Accidents
Injured in a Boating Accident?
From Ilona’s Desk
The Water Should Be a Place to Relax.
The Water Should Be a Place to Relax.
When It Isn’t, I’m Here.
Boating accidents can be some of the most devastating personal injury cases I see. Out on the water, far from help, with no seatbelts and no barriers — the injuries are often catastrophic. Drowning, spinal trauma, propeller injuries, burns from fires and explosions. These are life-changing events, and they happen more often than most people realize.
Florida alone sees thousands of boating accidents every year. I’ve helped victims and families across Florida, California, Texas, and beyond navigate the unique legal challenges these cases bring — from maritime law questions to insurance disputes with boat operators and rental companies.
You shouldn’t have to fight a legal battle while you’re still recovering from something this serious. Let me handle that part. Your job right now is to heal.
We Handle These Cases
Common Boating Accident Claims
Operator Negligence
Speeding, reckless maneuvering, operating under the influence — when a boat operator’s carelessness causes your injury, you have a claim.
Boat Collisions
Two vessels collide on open water or in a marina. These crashes can cause severe trauma with no vehicle frame to absorb the impact.
Propeller and Equipment Injuries
Propeller strikes cause some of the most severe injuries on the water. If a defective product or negligent operator is responsible, we’ll find out.
Rental Boat Accidents
Rental companies have their own insurance and liability rules. We know how to cut through the fine print and hold them accountable when something goes wrong.
BUI — Boating Under the Influence
Drunk or impaired boat operators cause a significant share of water accidents. These cases often support significant compensation — and sometimes punitive damages.
Wrongful Death on the Water
If you lost someone in a boating accident, our firm can help your family pursue a wrongful death claim. I’m deeply sorry for your loss — and I’m here to help.
After the Accident
7 Steps That Protect Your Claim
Boating accidents come with their own set of rules — and the steps you take in the hours and days afterward can have a real impact on your case. Here’s what I tell every client who calls me after a water accident.
1
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay after being pulled from the water. Cold water shock, internal injuries, and concussions can hide behind adrenaline. Get checked out the same day.
2
Report the Accident
Boating accidents involving injury or significant damage must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard and your state’s boating authority. This official report is critical evidence.
3
Document Everything at the Scene
Photos of both vessels, your injuries, the water conditions, any visible damage, and the surrounding area. If there’s a marina or dock involved, photograph that too.
4
Get the Operator’s Information
Name, contact details, boat registration number, and insurance information. For rental boats, get the rental company’s name and location as well.
5
Identify Any Witnesses
Other boaters, dock workers, marina staff — anyone who saw what happened. Witnesses on the water are harder to track down later, so get contact details right away.
6
Don’t Give Statements Without Legal Counsel
Insurance companies — yours and the operator’s — will be in touch quickly. Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything before speaking with an attorney.
7
Preserve All Records and Evidence
Medical bills, Coast Guard reports, photos, damaged equipment, clothing — keep everything. Boating accident cases can involve federal maritime law, and thorough documentation matters.
What You May Recover
Boating Injuries Are Serious.
Boating Injuries Are Serious.
Your Compensation Should Reflect That.
Water accidents frequently result in some of the most severe injuries we see — traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, amputations, near-drowning complications, and severe burns. The long-term costs can be enormous, and you deserve compensation that reflects the full picture, not just your first hospital visit.
In states where our firm is licensed — California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New York, and Texas — boating accident victims may be entitled to:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Long-term rehabilitation and care costs
- Damage to personal property
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Every case is different. Let’s sit down — free of charge — and I’ll give you an honest picture of what yours is worth.
$0
Upfront. Always.
Upfront. Always.
No Win, No Fee — Period.
You’re already dealing with enough. Our contingency fee model means we only get paid when you do. There’s no financial risk to getting the legal help you need right now.
Got Questions?
Boating Accident FAQ
Is a boating accident claim different from a regular car accident claim?
Yes — boating accidents can involve federal maritime law in addition to state personal injury law, especially if the accident occurred on navigable waters. The rules around liability, reporting, and deadlines can be different. This is exactly why having an attorney with experience in these cases matters from day one.
How long do I have to file a boating accident claim?
It depends on where the accident happened and who is liable. State personal injury statutes of limitations typically range from two to four years, but maritime law claims can have shorter windows — sometimes as little as three years under federal law, and less in certain circumstances. Call us early. Deadlines in these cases can sneak up fast.
What if the boat operator was drunk?
BUI — boating under the influence — is illegal in every state, just like driving under the influence. If the operator was impaired, that’s strong evidence of negligence and can significantly strengthen your claim. In some cases it may support punitive damages on top of compensatory damages.
Can I file a claim if I was a passenger on the boat that caused the accident?
Yes. As a passenger, you generally have the right to pursue compensation from the boat operator and potentially the boat owner — even if you knew the operator personally. Being on the same boat doesn’t waive your right to hold a negligent operator accountable.
What if the accident involved a rental boat?
Rental companies carry their own liability coverage, and their rental agreements often contain fine print designed to limit their responsibility. We review these agreements carefully and know how to challenge clauses that aren’t legally enforceable. Don’t assume the contract protects them — let us take a look first.
Can I file a wrongful death claim after a boating accident?
Yes. If you lost a loved one in a boating accident caused by another’s negligence, your family may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. These cases are deeply difficult, and I handle them with the sensitivity and seriousness they deserve.
Do you handle boating accident cases in my state?
We’re licensed in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New York, and Texas. Florida in particular sees a high volume of boating accidents — if you were injured on Florida waters, we’re very familiar with how these cases are handled here. Not sure if your situation qualifies? Call us and we’ll be straight with you.
Ready When You Are
Let’s Talk — Free, No Pressure,
Let’s Talk — Free, No Pressure,
No Obligation.
I know reaching out to an attorney can feel like a big step. It doesn’t have to be. Tell me what happened, and I’ll give you an honest picture of your options — no judgment, no sales pitch, just real guidance.
Available in English and Polish · No fees unless we win