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Frequently Asked Questions about Boat Accidents and Injuries

Q: What is a "boating accident"?
A: A boating accident may occur in many ways, but the most common are capsizing, crew overboard, collision, fire, sinking, flooding, explosion, and disappearances.

Q: How common are boating accident fatalities?
A: The most recent statistics available from the United States Coast Guard are from 2000 and reveal that 701 deaths resulted from boating accidents.

Q: What are the common causes of boating injuries and fatalities?
A: Some common causes of boating injuries and fatalities are:

Capsizing
Falls overboard
Collision with another vessel

South Florida Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers

If you were seriously injured while on a fishing charter, a private yacht, or by the negligence of cruise ship line or its employees, you may be entitled to recover significant compensation. We can help.

At Ansel, Bunsic & Miller, our attorneys know admiralty and maritime law and know how to use it to obtain fair compensation for the firm's clients. Our practice includes yachting and pleasure craft accidents, Jet ski and wave-runner accidents, charter boat accidents, cruise ship accidents, Jones Act claims, and more. In every case, we see your problems as our own problems and work to resolve them as efficiently and favorably as possible.

The following articles are intended to provide you with a broad overview of boating accidents and maritime law. For answers to more specific questions or to learn more about our practice — please contact us directly.

Boat Accidents and Injuries - An Overview

According to the United States Coast Guard in 2002, more than 12.5 million boats and personal watercraft (PWC) were registered in the United States. In particular, the use of personal watercraft, such as Jet-Skis and other brands, has exploded since the '90s. Not surprisingly, the United States Coast Guard also reports that each year there are more than 8,000 boating accidents that result in more than 4,000 serious injuries and 800 deaths.

If you have suffered an injury on a boat, while boating or while engaged in other water sport activities, you should consult a personal injury attorney from Ansel, Bunsic & Miller, L.L.C. in Hollywood, FL, who has experience handling such claims as soon as possible after the accident. The laws that apply to injuries that occur on and around the water are complex and there are several questions that must be analyzed in order to correctly to determine the value of a boating injury claim. For example, does state negligence law, federal maritime law or both control the claim and the amount of damages that can be recovered? Who is the responsible party? Is the cause of action against the owner for negligent operation? Did the vessel malfunction creating an actionable product liability claim against the manufacturer, as with personal watercraft? Consult with an experienced attorney.

The Jones Act

If the person injured on or around a boat or water falls within the legal definition of "seaman" special protection may be available under the Jones Act. The Jones Act has special rules that protect seaman and make recovery of certain damages and benefits easier. In order to fully understand the Jones Act and its benefits, a maritime law attorney can help you understand the special terminology it uses.

Maritime Law

Maritime law, often called admiralty law, is a set of legal rules and practices governing the business of employment and transportation of people and goods over or near navigable waters.

Before discussing the types of activities subject to maritime law and the special remedies available to people who make their living on the seas, it's important to first consult an attorney from Ansel, Bunsic & Miller, L.L.C. in Hollywood, FL, to help you understand what conditions must be met to trigger maritime law.

Top 10 List: Reasons to Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

The top 10 reasons to hire an experienced personal injury attorney from Ansel, Bunsic & Miller, L.L.C. in Hollywood, FL, if you have suffered an injury on a boat, while boating, or while engaged in other water sport activities are:

10. EXPERIENCE ASSESSING CLAIMS. Personal injury attorneys are experienced with cases like yours and can tell you at the outset whether it is worth your while to pursue legal action. If you are unlikely to prevail, you will not need to incur the time and expense of preparing for litigation.

Boat Accidents and Injuries Resource Links

U.S. Coast Guard Home Page
Statistics and facts related to safety and the Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
provides information about safety, regulations, recalls and statistics about accidents and fatalities on U.S. waterways.

U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection
This site provides news and information on the activities of the Coast Guard.

Boating Accidents Information Center