Miami Yacht Accident Lawyer | Miami Boating Accident Attorney

Miami is home to some of the most luxurious yachts in the world, with thousands of residents and tourists alike enjoying the beautiful waters of South Florida. However, while yachting can be a fun and relaxing activity, it also comes with risks. Yacht accidents can occur due to various factors, and when they do, they often result in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. If you’ve been injured or have suffered damages in a yacht accident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced yacht accident lawyer.

Our lawyers only handle personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. This gives us more focused, intimate knowledge of these legal systems in Florida, and the ability to clear the path to significant compensation for our clients. We have extensive experience handling yacht accident claims, as well as other boating accident and cruise ship accident lawsuits in Miami. Our firm wins difficult boat accident cases other law firms reject.

We can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and past and future pain and suffering. Get started on your case by calling (305) 638-4143 today.

Common Causes of Miami Yacht Accidents

Yacht accidents occur most often when negligent, careless, and reckless parties have a hand in the situation. Incompetent boat operators, unsafe boating conditions, and ignored waterway rules have all caused serious and fatal yacht accidents in the past. Someone will be legally responsible for most of these collisions.

The following are some of the most common causes of yacht accidents in Miami:

• Operating a yacht without the necessary experience.
• Ignoring the basic rules of boating and navigation.
• Failing to properly scan the waters ahead for boats, personal watercraft, or swimmers.
• Boating while intoxicated.
• Failing to properly respond to emergency situations.
• Excessive speeding in a yacht.
• Equipment failure.
• Bad weather or dangerous waters.

A yacht collision can cause fires, floods, unintentional drowning, broken bones, head and brain injuries, spine injuries, lacerations, and other serious repercussions. If you need help identifying the exact cause of your recent incident, contact our lawyers for an investigation.

Yacht Crewmember Accidents in Miami

Working on a yacht can put crewmembers at risk of serious personal injuries – especially when the owner and/or operator of the boat is negligent. Yacht crews must often work long hours and around dangerous equipment. If the employer doesn’t properly train crewmembers or fails to maintain the vessel, preventable accidents can arise. If you have injuries from working aboard a yacht in Florida, contact us. Our law firm may be able to represent you during insurance settlement negotiations or a personal injury suit.

What to Do After a Yacht Accident

If you are the victim of a yacht accident, first stay calm and properly assess the situation. Call an ambulance and request emergency medical care if you or someone else suffered a serious injury. Then, call the police and report the accident if it caused injuries, death, or expensive property damage. Document the details of your incident, such as where it happened and who was involved. Then, call our law firm to explore your legal options.

Liability in Yacht Accidents: Who Is Responsible?

Determining liability in a yacht accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible for the injuries and damages sustained. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the following parties may be held liable:

• Yacht Operators: The yacht operator is typically the first party to be examined in an accident investigation. Operators are required to follow all applicable maritime laws, exercise caution, and operate the vessel safely. If the accident was caused by operator negligence—such as speeding, inattention, or operating under the influence—the operator can be held liable for the damages.
• Yacht Owners: In some cases, the yacht owner may be liable for the accident, especially if the owner failed to maintain the vessel or allowed an unqualified or intoxicated individual to operate it. Yacht owners have a responsibility to ensure their vessels are safe and seaworthy.
• Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect or equipment failure caused the accident, the manufacturer of the yacht or its components may be held liable under product liability laws. For example, a defective engine, steering system, or navigation equipment could lead to an accident, and the manufacturer may be responsible for the resulting damages.
• Marinas and Rental Companies: If the yacht involved in the accident was rented from a marina or yacht rental company, the rental provider may be liable if they failed to properly inspect or maintain the vessel or rented it to an unqualified operator. Rental companies are responsible for ensuring that their vessels meet safety standards and that operators are licensed and competent.

Florida Laws Impacting Boating Accidents

Several Florida laws regulate the operation of yachts and other vessels to ensure the safety of boaters and passengers. Key statutes include:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI) – Florida Statutes Section 327.35: Operating a yacht while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. If a yacht operator is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they can be charged with BUI. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and suspension of boating privileges.
• Negligent Operation of a Vessel – Florida Statutes Section 327.33: It is illegal to operate a vessel in a reckless or careless manner that endangers lives or property. Yacht operators who fail to follow safety protocols and navigation rules can be held liable for accidents.
• Boat Accident Reporting Requirements – Florida Statutes Section 327.30: In Florida, yacht accidents resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the U.S. Coast Guard.

How Our Miami Yacht Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Yacht accident claims can be complex, involving multiple parties, intricate maritime laws, and extensive investigations. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our experienced Miami yacht accident lawyers are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process and fighting for your rights. Here’s how we can help:

• Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of your yacht accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photos, videos, and expert testimony. Our team will work to identify the at-fault party, whether it’s the yacht operator, owner, manufacturer, or another responsible entity.
• Building a Strong Case: Once we’ve gathered the necessary evidence, we will build a compelling case to demonstrate liability and the full extent of your injuries. This includes working with medical professionals to document your injuries, calculating your financial losses, and ensuring all damages are accounted for, including future medical needs and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our skilled yacht accident lawyers will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers all your expenses and losses. We understand the tactics insurers use and are prepared to counter them effectively.
• Litigating When Necessary: While many yacht accident claims can be settled out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our experienced litigators will advocate for you in court, presenting a strong case to a judge or jury to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Personalized Legal Support: At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we believe in providing personalized attention to each client. We limit the number of cases we take on to ensure that every client receives individualized care and direct access to our attorneys. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will keep you informed, answer your questions, and guide you through the process with compassion and dedication.

Why Choose Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm?

Choosing the right legal representation after a yacht accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why you should trust Flanagan & Bodenheimer with your claim:

• Proven Track Record: We have a strong track record of success, having secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every case we handle.
• Contingency Fee Basis: We understand that the financial strain of an accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. You can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.
• Maritime Law Expertise: Boating and yacht accidents often fall under maritime law, a unique set of regulations and principles governing incidents that occur on navigable waters. Maritime law requires specific knowledge of laws such as the Jones Act, Admiralty Law, and Florida Statutes related to vessel operation. Our team has extensive experience with these cases, ensuring that your claim is handled with a deep understanding of the maritime legal framework, which is essential for achieving a successful outcome.
• Small Caseload: At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we purposely limit our caseload so that each client receives personalized attention from start to finish. We understand that every case is unique, and by maintaining a smaller caseload, we are able to devote more time and resources to each client. You won’t be passed off to paralegals or case managers—our attorneys are hands-on and accessible, ensuring that you get the one-on-one legal counsel you deserve.

Get in Touch With Our Miami Yacht Accident Lawyers Today

If you suffered injuries while operating, working on, or simply being a passenger on a yacht off the coast of Florida, it’s important to know that you don’t have to face the legal complexities alone. We understand the unique challenges that maritime accidents present, from determining liability to navigating the intricate regulations that govern boating in Florida waters.

Our team is committed to providing comprehensive legal support. We will start by conducting a thorough investigation of your accident, gathering crucial evidence such as witness statements, vessel maintenance records, and reports from the U.S. Coast Guard or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). By identifying the at-fault party, whether it’s the yacht operator, owner, manufacturer, or another negligent party, we can build a strong case to support your claim for compensation.

Once the investigation is complete, we will handle every aspect of the claims process on your behalf. From negotiating with insurance companies to filing lawsuits if necessary, our attorneys will ensure that your rights are protected, and we’ll fight to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you’ve incurred. Let us take care of the legal details so you can focus on your recovery.

Call (305) 638-4143 or contact us online today for more information about your case.