{"id":501,"date":"2025-11-06T12:55:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T12:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstchoicelaw.com\/new\/?page_id=501"},"modified":"2026-01-27T20:27:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T20:27:16","slug":"boat-accidents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.firstchoicelaw.com\/new\/personal-injury-attorney\/boat-accidents\/","title":{"rendered":"Boat Accidents"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Boat Accidents<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Orlando Boating Accidents<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), there are over 1 million registered boats in the state. Unfortunately, having more boats out on the water means that there is a higher chance of accidents. In 2020 alone, officials counted 836\u00a0boating accidents in Florida<\/strong>, which resulted in the deaths of 79 people and more than 534 injuries.<\/p>

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Boat accidents\u00a0are particularly dangerous because, in addition to common injuries (such as\u00a0traumatic brain injuries), there is a high risk of drowning involved.\u00a0Boating accidents<\/strong>\u00a0are also harder to investigate, so determining fault can be a challenge.<\/p>

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This guide can help you better understand Florida boating laws and the resources available to you in the event of an accident.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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I had a boat accident. What should I do?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The first thing to do after a boat accident is to remain calm. See if anyone is injured or if there is a risk of sinking. If someone needs medical attention, call 911 or the Florida Coast Guard immediately.<\/p>

Never leave the site unless your life is at risk. In Florida, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without first reporting it to the FWC, the county sheriff, or the police chief of the municipality where the incident occurred. Be sure to report the accident to the authorities after seeking medical help!<\/p>

Keep in mind that Florida law also mandates that you offer assistance to anyone who needs it and exchange information with the other party involved. Once you have reported the\u00a0boat accident\u00a0and exchanged information, call our\u00a0boating accident attorneys<\/strong>\u00a0at First Choice Law!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How is liability determined in a boat accident?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Since examining the area of the\u00a0boat accident<\/strong>\u00a0is not always possible, cases are often resolved by determining whether there was negligence on the part of any of the operators involved.<\/p>

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Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that both operators may be found partially at fault for the boating accident. If it is determined that you were more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to file a claim against the other operator.<\/p>

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Visit our blog to learn about\u00a0What is Comparative Negligence and How Can It Affect Your Case<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How do I know if I have been negligent?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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You will most likely be\u00a0found negligent and held liable for the boat accident\u00a0if you failed to provide proper safety equipment, if you were speeding, or if you were\u00a0operating the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you took the boat out during poor weather (fog, high winds, etc.) or if your boat is not properly maintained, you could also be considered negligent.<\/p>

Other factors influencing these cases include:<\/p>