Boating and cruise ship accidents are common in Boca Raton, Florida, where ocean transport is part of daily life. Whether along Yamato Road, Boca Raton’s Intracoastal Waterway, or nearby Highland Beach, accidents involving boats, jet skis, and cruise ships occur frequently. Our legal team investigates boating accident claims and protects your rights.
With Boca Raton’s extensive waterways and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, maritime accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. From recreational boating incidents on the Intracoastal Waterway to commercial vessel accidents and cruise ship injuries, these cases involve complex maritime law that requires specialized legal knowledge. We also handle car accidents, personal injury cases, and wrongful death claims.
The waterways around Boca Raton see various types of maritime accidents:
Boating accidents fall under maritime law, which differs significantly from standard personal injury law. Understanding your rights under maritime law is crucial to recovering compensation:
If you’re a seaman injured while working on a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act, which allows maritime workers to sue their employers for negligence.
Non-crew members injured on navigable waters may pursue claims under general maritime law for negligence, unseaworthiness, or maintenance and cure.
Cruise ship passengers injured due to negligence have specific rights under maritime law, though cruise line contracts often contain restrictive clauses that must be carefully examined.
Boating accidents along Boca Raton’s waterways occur for various reasons:
Maritime accidents can result in catastrophic injuries:
Our legal team investigates boating accident claims and protects your rights under maritime law.
If you’ve been injured in a boating or cruise ship accident, you may be entitled to recover:
Successful maritime accident cases require thorough investigation:
Our attorneys gather critical evidence including accident reports, witness statements, photographs, weather conditions, vessel maintenance records, and operator certifications.
We work with maritime experts, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals to build compelling cases demonstrating negligence and causation.
Liability in boating accidents may rest with boat operators, vessel owners, rental companies, cruise lines, manufacturers of defective equipment, or other parties.
Florida has specific laws governing watercraft operation:
Maritime accident cases require specialized legal knowledge:
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, maritime law can impose different deadlines, especially for cruise ship cases which may require notice within six months. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Report the accident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Document everything with photos and gather witness information. Avoid making statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
Yes, but cruise ship cases are complex. Most cruise line tickets contain restrictive clauses limiting where and when you can sue. You typically must file suit within one year and often in specific federal courts. An experienced maritime attorney can navigate these restrictions.
Liability may fall on the jet ski operator, the rental company (if equipment was defective or poorly maintained), the manufacturer (for equipment defects), or other parties. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.
Boat owners may carry liability insurance, and your own insurance policies (auto, homeowners, umbrella) might provide coverage. Uninsured boater coverage is also available. We identify all applicable insurance policies to ensure full compensation.
Maritime law is a specialized area of federal law governing injuries on navigable waters. It includes unique doctrines like the Jones Act, maintenance and cure, and unseaworthiness claims that don’t exist in standard personal injury law. Maritime cases require attorneys with specific expertise in this field.
If you’ve been injured in a boating, jet ski, or cruise ship accident in or around Boca Raton, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Maritime law imposes strict deadlines, and evidence can disappear quickly. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of maritime regulations and will fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
With our office conveniently located at 10055 Yamato Rd Suite 509, Boca Raton, Florida 33498, United States, we’re here to help you navigate the challenging waters of maritime accident claims.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your boating or cruise ship accident case.
