Coral Springs Boat Accident Lawyer

Spending a day on the beautiful waters of South Florida should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. For residents of Coral Springs, a short trip to the Intracoastal Waterway or a day spent on the Hillsboro Canal offers a welcome escape. Unfortunately, the peaceful atmosphere can be shattered in an instant when a boating accident occurs due to someone else’s carelessness. 

A boat accident can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress. When this happens, you should not have to carry the burden alone. A dedicated Coral Springs boat accident lawyer can stand by your side and help you understand your rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, the path forward may seem unclear. The Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein, P.A. is here to offer the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. We are committed to helping victims hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the financial compensation necessary for their recovery. Please reach out to our team for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

Why the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein for Your Coral Springs Boat Accident Case?

Choosing legal representation after a traumatic event is a significant decision. You need a law firm that not only has a strong grasp of Florida’s maritime laws but also shows genuine compassion for what you are experiencing. At the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein, P.A., we combine years of legal experience with a deep, personal commitment to each client. Our lead attorney, Cindy Goldstein, personally handles every case, giving you the individualized attention you deserve.

We believe that effective communication is the cornerstone of a strong attorney-client relationship. Our firm is proud to have a multilingual team that can assist clients in Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese, making certain that language is never a barrier to justice. Having served the Coral Springs community for years, we have built a reputation for our dedication and tireless advocacy.

Here are a few reasons why injury victims trust our firm:

• Direct Attorney Involvement: Cindy Goldstein manages your case from start to finish, giving personalized attention including keeping you informed.
• A History of Advocacy: With over two decades of experience and a background working for multiple firms before starting her own, Attorney Goldstein is well-acquainted with what clients really want from their lawyer, and how insurance companies operate and how to counter their tactics.
• Commitment to Justice: As a member of the Florida Justice Association, our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of the injured and pursuing fair outcomes.

Our goal is to lift the legal weight off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.

How Common Are Boat Accidents in Florida?

Florida is the boating capital of the United States, with more registered recreational vessels than any other state. While this means countless opportunities for recreation, it also unfortunately leads to a high number of accidents on the water. The state consistently leads the nation in boating accidents and fatalities, highlighting the serious risks involved every time you leave the dock.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in its 2023 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the numbers paint a stark picture of the dangers on our waterways. Last year alone, Florida saw thousands of boating accidents involving injuries and fatalities.

Consider these key statistics from the report:

• There were 685 reportable boating accidents across the state.
• These accidents resulted in 394 injuries and tragically, 81 fatalities.
• In Broward County last year, there were 20 reportable boating accidents resulting in 19 injuries and one fatality.
• The leading type of accident was a collision with another vessel, and the primary cause was often operator inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout.

These are not just numbers; they represent families in communities like Coral Springs who have been forever changed by a preventable accident. Understanding how frequently these incidents occur underscores the importance of holding negligent boaters accountable for the harm they cause.

Florida’s Maritime Laws and Regulations

Boating in Florida is governed by a specific set of rules and regulations designed to keep everyone safe. These rules are part of what is known as maritime law, which is simply the body of laws that applies to activities on the water. When a boat operator fails to follow these laws, they can be held responsible for any resulting accidents and injuries. A knowledgeable Coral Springs boat accident attorney will have a firm understanding of these critical state and federal regulations.

One of the most important regulations is Florida’s law against Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Under Florida Statute 327.35, it is illegal to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. An operator is considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, the same standard as for driving a car. Intoxication significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it a leading cause of catastrophic boating accidents.

Other key Florida boating laws include:

• Boater Education Requirements: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete a boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more.
• Required Safety Equipment: All vessels must be equipped with proper safety gear, including enough U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for every person on board, a sound-producing device like a horn or whistle, and appropriate fire extinguishers.
• Accident Reporting: The operator of any vessel involved in an accident must stop and render aid. If the accident results in injury, death, or property damage of at least $2,000, it must be reported to law enforcement immediately.

Failure to adhere to any of these regulations can be used as evidence of negligence, which is the legal term for carelessness or a failure to act with reasonable caution.

Common Causes of Coral Springs, Florida Boat Accidents

A fun day on the water can turn into a disaster in seconds. Most boating accidents are not truly “accidents” in the sense that they are unavoidable. Instead, they are typically caused by human error and a disregard for safety. Some of the most frequent causes of boat accidents in Florida include:

• Operator Inattention: This is the leading cause of boating accidents. Distractions like talking to passengers, using a cell phone, or simply not paying attention to the surroundings can lead to devastating collisions.
• Improper Lookout: Every vessel operator has a duty to assign a lookout or act as one themselves. Failing to watch for other boats, swimmers, channel markers, or hazards is a major breach of that duty.
• Excessive Speed: Traveling too fast for the conditions, whether in a crowded channel, a no-wake zone, or poor weather, dramatically reduces an operator's ability to avoid a collision.
• Operator Inexperience: Many people who rent or borrow boats lack the fundamental skills and knowledge to operate them safely, putting everyone on the water at risk.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: As mentioned, BUI is a serious crime and a significant contributor to the most severe and fatal boating accidents.

Other factors, such as equipment failure, hazardous weather conditions, and violating navigational rules, can also play a role. A thorough investigation can uncover the precise cause and help establish liability.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Boating Accident?

Determining who is legally responsible for your injuries is a key part of any boating accident case. In legal terms, the responsible party is the one whose negligence, or failure to act with reasonable care, directly caused the accident and your injuries. In many cases, the at-fault party is clear, but sometimes liability can be shared among multiple parties, such as:

• The Boat Operator: The person controlling the boat at the time of the crash is most often the primary party at fault, especially if they were speeding, intoxicated, or otherwise acting recklessly.
• The Boat Owner: If the owner of the vessel allowed an inexperienced, intoxicated, or otherwise unqualified person to operate their boat, the owner may also be held responsible for the resulting harm. This is a concept known as negligent entrustment.
• A Boat Rental Company: A company that rents out watercraft has a responsibility to maintain its vessels in safe, working condition and to provide basic safety instructions to renters. If they fail in this duty, they could be held liable.

In some situations, other entities could also share responsibility. For example, if a poorly maintained channel marker contributed to the crash, a government entity could be at fault. Our firm is prepared to conduct a comprehensive review of your accident to identify every party whose actions contributed to your injuries.

Compensation Available in a Boat Accident Lawsuit

After being injured in a boating accident, victims often face significant financial strain on top of their physical pain. You may be unable to work while medical bills continue to arrive. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to seek compensation, known legally as damages, to cover these losses and help restore your financial stability. The goal is to obtain a settlement or verdict that addresses the full extent of the harm you have suffered.

While every case is unique, the compensation available in a Florida boat accident lawsuit typically falls into two main categories.

The first category is for economic damages, which are the measurable financial losses you have incurred. This can include:

• Medical Expenses: All costs related to your treatment, from the initial emergency response and hospital stay to future physical therapy, medication, and any necessary long-term care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while you were unable to work during your recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or diminish your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be compensated for this loss.

The second category is for non-economic damages, which compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that do not have a specific price tag. These damages acknowledge the profound human impact of the accident and may include compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In the tragic event that a boating accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice for their loved one.

Coral Springs Boat Accident FAQs

Below are answers to some common questions we hear from our clients.

Contact Our Trusted Coral Springs Boating Accident Lawyers Today

At the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein, P.A., we are here to provide the compassionate and determined legal advocacy you need to move forward. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an unexpected injury can take on you and your family. Our firm is ready to stand up to insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

When you work with our firm, you can trust that we will handle all the complex aspects of your case so you can concentrate on your recovery.

Let our experienced boat accident lawyer in Coral Springs help you by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into your accident.
• Gathering evidence, including witness statements and accident reports.
• Calculating the full value of your damages.
• Handling all communications with the insurance companies.
• Fighting for a fair settlement or representing you in court if necessary.

If you were injured or a loved one was lost in a boating accident in Coral Springs or anywhere in South Florida, please contact the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein today at (954) 346-5420 or through our contact form. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain how we can help.