Miami Boating Accident Lawyer

Nearly every day in Miami is a perfect day for recreation, including enjoying the oceans, lakes and rivers. Thousands of boats, personal watercraft, sailboats and other vessels navigate miles of waterways. While most boaters enjoy this recreational activity without incident, accidents and injuries do happen without notice. I am Jared Newman, an experienced Miami boating accident lawyer, and I am available to help you obtain financial compensation if you have been hurt because of a boat operator’s negligence.

At my firm, Jared Newman, Esq., I am committed to holding those who make Miami’s waterways unreasonably dangerous accountable for the harm they cause. Boating accident cases are complicated, often involving complex maritime laws and challenging factual circumstances. You need experienced legal representation.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a boating or water-related accident, contact my law office today to discuss your case. My consultations are free of charge.

Common Causes Of Boating Accidents In Miami

The ocean and waterways of Miami are filled with boating traffic. Unlike those in car crashes, boating accident victims face the additional danger of drowning. Anyone involved in a boating accident is required to render immediate aid and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. It is illegal for any individual involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without complying with these obligations.

Unfortunately, boating accidents are more frequent in Miami than one would hope. These accidents occur for various reasons. A few of the more typical ones are listed below.

Operator Error Or Distraction

Boating seems more recreational and relaxing than driving. Without the restriction of lanes and a wide-open ocean or waterway, operators often become comfortable, distracted and careless.

In some ways, operating a boat is more dangerous than driving a car. One of the common causes of boating accidents and injuries is operator inattention. Unlike a car, if you make a severe miscalculation or error while operating your vessel, you and your passengers could be injured in the water and nowhere near safe ground.

When a boat operator is not exercising the necessary level of attention and care, devastating and possibly deadly accidents can occur. The water is filled with other vessels and people. If an operator is distracted, they can fail to notice swimmers or water-skiers who are partially submerged.

Inexperienced Operators

Experienced operators often become too relaxed and careless. On the other hand, inexperienced and newly licensed operators have a higher risk of making poor decisions or catastrophic mistakes.

Anytime a person is learning a new skill, errors will occur. However, when someone is operating a large seagoing vessel, with passengers onboard and other boats in the vicinity, a small mistake could quickly turn tragic.

An inexperienced boater should have an experienced and skilled person monitoring their choices and actions while learning their craft.

Excessive Speed

Speed kills on highways and waterways. While it is fun and exciting to push a boat’s throttle down, it is also dangerous. Boats do not respond as cars do. When a boat travels at an excessive speed, the ability of operators to react quickly to dangerous conditions dramatically decreases.

Operating A Boat Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol

Boating seems relaxing. Some people enjoying a perfect afternoon on the ocean, in a lake or on the Intracoastal Waterway might decide a drink is necessary to complete the picture. However, just as a person should never drink and drive, they should also never drink and operate a boat. Even if their passengers are indulging, they should refrain from consuming any alcohol because those passengers’ lives are in their hands.

Who Is Legally Responsible For A Boating Accident In Miami?

To prevail in a personal injury lawsuit arising from a boating accident, you will have to prove that another party was liable for your damages. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the boating accident, a number of parties could be held accountable.

The Boat Operator Or Owner

In many cases, the boat operator could be held responsible if their conduct contributed to the accident or your injury. Driving the vessel recklessly or while drinking opens an operator up to legal liability.

Boat owners are supposed to comply with all maritime rules and regulations. For example, an approved life jacket must be available for each passenger on the vessel. If an owner does not have enough life vests, they could be held liable if a passenger suffers any injuries.

Other Passengers

Other passengers also can cause injuries while on the open seas. If a passenger is not paying attention or acting recklessly, they could push another person overboard. Unruly behavior could also contribute to an accident if it distracts the operator of the vessel.

The Boat Manufacturer

Boats are complicated machines. If a system fails or a part malfunctions, an accident could occur. Boat owners should have their vessels regularly inspected and maintain their seaworthiness. However, when a design defect or manufacturing error exists, an owner might not be aware of the potential problem. In some cases, it is possible to hold a manufacturer responsible if a boat does not function the way it was intended.

Rental Company

Everyone does not own a boat. If you are renting a boat, a rental company could be held liable if the vessel had any mechanical problems that were known or should have been known.

I Am Ready To Help You

Boating accidents often result in catastrophic and life-altering injuries. When a boat operator is distracted or a fellow passenger is unruly, a seemingly harmless mistake could quickly turn into a devastating accident. Victims could be permanently injured, facing huge medical expenses and other costs. At Jared Newman, Esq., I am dedicated to holding irresponsible boat operators and owners accountable for their negligence. Contact my law office to discuss your case.

Client Review

"A friend recommended Attorney Jared Newman after I was involved in a car accident. From the start Jared has been absolutely amazing. From staying in constant contact with me with updates on my case, to explaining things I didn’t understand, to getting me the best outcome possible, he has not disappointed. I’m glad I made the right decision with Jared Newman and I’m definitely keeping his number saved for anything in the future."
Raegan V.