Each year, Florida experiences a rather significant number of boating or watercraft related accidents that result in injuries. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ("FWC") estimates there are 2,000,000 registered and non-registered boats and watercraft in the State. Our Tampa Boating Accident Attorneys actively handle cases involving injuries occurring on the water and are familiar with Federal and Florida laws that govern the operation of watercraft.

The most common injury stemming from a boat or watercraft accident involves the failure to wear a lifejacket. Individuals failing to wear a lifejacket who are involved in a boating related accident often result in drowning. Alcohol use also plays an overwhelming role in boating related accidents. Boat owners should realize that they could become personally responsible for causing an accident that results in an injury or fatality if they were consuming alcohol at or near the time of the accident as it could warrant a claim for punitive damages.

Another leading factor that plays a role in boating accidents is the lack of operator training and/or experience. Nearly 66% of reportable boating related accidents involved a boating operator who had never received any formal boating education or training. There are several boating courses offered throughout the Tampa Bay area for boat owners, as well as for owners of other watercraft.

If you or a loved one have any questions regarding boating injuries and/or boating accidents, please contact us, your Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys. Our attorneys litigate boating accident cases throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Polk, Orange and Sarasota County.