If you’ve been injured in a boating accident on Florida’s Treasure Coast, this blog explains the most common causes, who may be held liable under Florida law, and why working with an experienced Port St. Lucie boat accident attorney can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Boating is part of life along Florida’s Treasure Coast, but with it comes risk. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, our state consistently ranks first in the nation for boating accidents, and the Treasure Coast sees dozens of serious incidents each year. From high-speed collisions to alcohol-related crashes, the aftermath can leave victims facing steep medical bills, lost wages, and long recoveries.
However, unlike car accidents, boating accidents involve unique laws, liability issues, and maritime regulations, which can make pursuing a claim far more complex. That’s why it’s critical to have an attorney with specific experience in boating accident cases—to untangle the complexities, hold negligent parties accountable, and ensure victims receive the full compensation they deserve.
In this blog, the boat accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd explain critical components of boat accidents in Florida, including:
- Common types of boat accidents in Florida
- How to determine liability
- The role of insurance
- Why you need an experienced boat accident attorney
- How our attorneys can help you
Common types of boat accidents in Florida
Boat accidents in Florida take many forms, each with its own set of risks and potential injuries:
- Collisions with other vessels or fixed objects: Often caused by speeding, operator inattention, or crowded waterways, these crashes can result in serious injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries.
- Falls overboard: One of the most frequent causes of fatal boating accidents, falls overboard can lead to drowning, hypothermia, or severe injuries from propellers or other moving parts.
- Capsizing incidents: When a boat overturns due to reckless maneuvers, rough seas, or improper loading, passengers can be trapped, thrown into the water, or injured by shifting equipment.
- Reckless or impaired operation: Alcohol use, distraction, or inexperience are leading contributors to Florida boat accidents, endangering both passengers and others on the water.
- Mechanical failures and fires: Poor maintenance or defective equipment can lead to engine failures, onboard fires, or explosions, creating dangerous situations in remote waters where emergency help may be delayed.
Determining liability in boat accidents in Florida
Determining responsibility after a boating accident in Florida can be complex, because multiple parties may be at fault. Under Florida Statutes § 327.30, every vessel operator is required to operate their boat in a reasonable and prudent manner, considering factors like traffic, weather, visibility, and the presence of other vessels. When an operator fails to do so—by speeding, operating under the influence, or ignoring navigational rules—they may be held liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Who else can be responsible?
However, liability doesn’t stop with the operator. The boat owner can also be held responsible under Florida law if they negligently entrusted their vessel to an unfit operator. Rental companies or charter services may share liability if they failed to properly maintain a vessel or ensure operators were adequately trained. In some cases, manufacturers of defective parts or equipment may be responsible if a mechanical failure caused the accident.
Does insurance play a role?
Insurance plays a critical role in these claims. Unlike auto insurance, Florida does not require boat owners to carry liability insurance, meaning victims may face additional hurdles in recovering compensation. That said, many private owners, rental companies, and marinas do carry insurance policies that can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. In cases where insurance is limited or denied, victims may need to pursue direct claims against negligent parties to recover full damages.
Because of these complexities—multiple potential defendants, varying insurance coverages, and maritime-specific regulations—having an attorney experienced in Florida boating accidents is essential. They can investigate liability, identify all possible sources of recovery, and advocate for fair compensation against insurers who often try to minimize or deny valid claims.
Why you need an experienced boat accident attorney
Boating accident cases are very different from car or truck accidents. They often involve unique maritime laws, federal and state regulations, and overlapping jurisdictions that can make claims especially complicated. For example, Florida boating accidents may fall under state negligence laws, but depending on where and how the accident occurred, elements of admiralty and maritime law could also apply. An attorney without specific experience in boating cases may overlook these important distinctions—potentially limiting your recovery.
An attorney experienced in boat accident litigation understands how to:
- Investigate thoroughly: Collect accident reports, witness statements, GPS data, and Coast Guard or Florida Fish & Wildlife records to establish liability.
- Navigate complex liability issues: Determine whether responsibility rests with the operator, owner, rental company, or even the manufacturer of a defective part.
- Handle insurance disputes: Many boat owners in Florida are uninsured or underinsured, and insurers often push back hard against boating claims. An experienced lawyer knows how to challenge denials, negotiate for fair settlements, and identify alternative sources of compensation.
- Quantify damages fully: Beyond medical expenses and lost income, attorneys account for long-term care needs, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life—damages that insurers frequently undervalue.
- Advocate in court if necessary: If settlement negotiations fail, an experienced boat accident attorney can take the case to trial, presenting expert testimony and evidence to secure the compensation you deserve.
Simply put, boating accidents require specialized knowledge and legal skill. By working with a seasoned Port St. Lucie boat accident attorney, you not only gain an advocate who understands the complexities of maritime and Florida law, but also a partner who can take on the burden of the case while you focus on recovery.
Injured in a boat accident in Florida?
Call 866-930-6435 now to speak with an experienced boat accident attorney
When you’ve been injured in a boating accident, choosing the right attorney can make the difference between a denied claim and the full compensation you deserve. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we bring over 40 years of experience serving the Treasure Coast and a proven record of success in complex personal injury and boating accident cases. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of maritime law, Florida negligence statutes, and insurance disputes, and we know how to fight for victims when powerful insurance companies push back.
What sets us apart?
What sets us apart is our local commitment and personalized approach. We live and work in the same communities we serve—Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and beyond—and we know the waterways, the risks, and the courts. When you call us, you won’t get shuffled to a call center. You’ll speak directly with a knowledgeable, compassionate legal team dedicated to protecting your rights.
Don’t wait—evidence disappears quickly on the water, and insurance companies are already working to minimize their liability. Contact Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and stand by you every step of the way. You pay nothing unless we win for you.
Contact us today for a FREE case review by calling 866-930-6435