What if I am injured during recreational boating?

If you are injured while participating in recreational boating in Florida, you should speak to an attorney experienced in maritime injury law to discuss your rights. Maritime law covers injuries sustained by passengers and crew members while on board recreational vessels, such as sailboats, motorboats, and watercraft. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. When it comes to recreational boating, Florida is one of several states with its own unique maritime laws. In Florida, a boat owner does not have to pay for the medical care of an injured passenger if the passenger was merely riding as a guest for free. However, if the passenger was paying to use the vessel, they may be entitled to medical benefits. Florida also has laws that protect the passengers if the vessel operator was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. In addition to the state laws, federal maritime laws also apply to recreational boaters in Florida. Those laws provide for compensation if the vessel was not seaworthy or if the operator was negligent in his or her duty of care to the passengers. Maritime law also requires boat owners and operators to carry a minimum insurance policy that may provide compensation for passengers injured in an accident. It is important to note that many maritime injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which means that you must file a claim within a certain period of time after the accident or be barred from recovering damages. Because the laws surrounding maritime injury claims can be complex and vary from state to state, it is important to speak with an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible if you are injured in a recreational boating accident in Florida.

What if I am injured during recreational boating?

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