Fatal Boat Accidents

Florida leads the country in the number of fatal boat accidents. If you’ve recently lost a loved one in a boating accident, you are undoubtedly going through an incredibly difficult time. While nothing can turn back the hands of time, filing a wrongful death lawsuit may provide you and your family with the financial compensation needed to overcome many of the hurdles you are facing. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our South Florida boat accident lawyers are committed to helping grieving families pursue justice against the negligent parties responsible for their loss.

Miami is known for its beautiful weather and miles of coastline, making it a destination for boaters. Most boaters are responsible and courteous operators However, that is not always the case. Fatal boat accidents can occur in many ways; however, most often, these tragic accidents are the result of one of the following:

Inexperienced Drivers – Operating a boat is a skill that requires practice. While Florida law does not require boaters to obtain a license, anyone who operates a vessel with more than ten horsepower must first successfully complete a boater safety course. A boater safety course provides operators with everything they need to know to safely drive a boat; however, there is no practical component to the course. Inexperienced boaters may lack an understanding of how boats operate, overestimate their abilities, and as a result, put everyone else on the water at risk.

Alcohol – Boating and alcohol don’t mix. However, alcohol use is consistently listed as one of the leading causes of fatal boat accidents in Miami. While there is a certain allure to having a drink while on the water, boating under the influence is not only illegal—it is incredibly dangerous. The effects of alcohol are increased during hot weather, and even a drink or two can severely impairs a driver’s response time and decision-making abilities.

Improper Lookout – Given the popularity of boating, Florida waters are often packed with boats. For experienced and attentive operators, this is a manageable challenge. However, if a boater lacks experience or gets distracted, they can miss an obvious hazard. Being able to keep an eye on your surroundings is one of the most important parts of safely driving a boat. Even a momentary glance away from the water can lead to deadly consequences.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our dedicated team of wrongful death attorneys works closely with families to hold negligent boaters accountable for their actions.

A wrongful death case is a type of personal injury claim in which you seek compensation for the loss of a loved one. Under Florida law, the personal representative of the accident victim’s estate can file a wrongful death case on behalf of the victim’s surviving family members. To successfully bring a claim, the personal representative must establish that another party negligently caused the accident resulting in the victim’s death.

Grieving families can recover financial damages for the following through a South Florida wrongful death case:

• Loss of services and support;
• Loss of companionship;
• Emotional pain and suffering; and
• Medical and funeral expenses.

In addition, the accident victim’s estate can recover damages for the victim’s lost wages.

After a Miami boating accident, you may not know where to turn for help. The thought of bringing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind. This is understandable, given what you have been through. However, when you are ready, reach out to a Florida boat accident lawyer to discuss the possibility of bringing a wrongful death claim. Keep in mind, under state law, you have just three years to file a claim.

If you recently lost a loved one in a South Florida boat accident, contact Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada for immediate assistance. Our compassionate team of attorneys works closely with families to ensure that they are fairly compensated for the loss of their loved ones. With over 100 years of combined experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including fatal boat accidents, our attorneys know what it takes to succeed and how to support grieving families through this incredibly difficult time. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 305-448-8585. We serve clients all over South Florida, including but not limited to Miami, Naples, Homestead, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your loss.