Jacksonville Boating Accident Attorneys - Jimenez Law Firm, P.A.
Protecting Boating Accident Victims Throughout Jacksonville and Beyond
With miles of waterways, marinas, and a vibrant coastal culture, Jacksonville offers endless opportunities for recreational boating. Unfortunately, boating accidents are more common than most people think. Whether it’s a personal watercraft crash, a collision with another vessel, or an incident on a tour boat or fishing trip, the aftermath can be traumatic and complex.
At Jimenez Law Firm, P.A., our Jacksonville boating accident attorneys help injured boaters and passengers recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. With our extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s maritime and personal injury laws, we’re here to fight for your rights.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida led the nation in reported boating accidents in 2023, with 751 accidents, including 60 fatalities. Duval County ranked among the top counties for boating-related injuries.
Why Choose Jimenez Law Firm for Your Boating Accident Case
We provide comprehensive support tailored to maritime and inland waterway injury cases:
- Proven Record of Success: Millions recovered in settlements and verdicts for injury victims in Florida.
- Boating Law Knowledge: We navigate the intersection of state law and federal maritime regulations to build strong claims.
- Local Insight: From the St. Johns River to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic coast, we understand Jacksonville’s boating environment.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We handle cases on contingency—clients pay nothing upfront.
Explore more about our team of attorneys and their dedication to achieving justice.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Jacksonville
Boating accidents can happen in a variety of circumstances, most often due to operator negligence. Here are the leading causes:
- Operator inexperience – Inexperienced or unlicensed operators may lack the skills needed to react to changes in speed, wind, or traffic.
- Excessive speed – High-speed maneuvers can result in loss of control and deadly collisions.
- Alcohol use – Boating under the influence (BUI) contributes to a significant number of boating-related fatalities annually.
- Mechanical failure – Lack of vessel maintenance can lead to sudden engine failure or steering malfunctions.
- Violation of navigation rules – Ignoring right-of-way rules or failing to yield can cause dangerous crossings.
According to the FWC, over 50% of boating accidents in Florida involve collisions with another vessel, and many occur in daylight under calm conditions—underscoring the importance of attentiveness, not just environmental factors.
Types of Boating Accident Injuries We Handle
Boating accidents can cause serious and life-changing injuries. Our attorneys represent victims suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Often caused by falls, impact with hard surfaces, or drowning events.
- Broken bones – Common in high-impact crashes, often involving ejection from the vessel.
- Lacerations and soft tissue damage – Caused by propeller strikes or debris.
- Spinal cord injuries – May result in permanent paralysis or loss of mobility.
- Drowning and near-drowning injuries – Can cause long-term neurological damage, even if survival is possible.
Each case is supported by expert medical testimony and ongoing care assessments. Learn more about these cases through our catastrophic injury representation.
What to Do After a Boating Accident
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Prioritize your safety and get evaluated, even if injuries appear minor.
- Report the incident. Boating accidents involving injury or property damage over $2,000 must be reported to the FWC.
- Document the scene. Take photos, collect witness contact details, and save all medical records.
- Do not admit fault. Statements to other parties or insurance reps may be used against your claim.
- Contact an experienced Jacksonville boating accident attorney to discuss your options.
Our free consultation will help you understand your next steps.
PRACTICE AREAS
Why These Causes Matter in Your Case
The pie chart reveals a critical truth: most boating accidents in Jacksonville are preventable. Operator inexperience leads the list, followed by excessive speed and alcohol use—all of which point to human error and negligence. These findings are consistent with data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), reinforcing that many incidents stem from poor decision-making, not unpredictable conditions.
At Jimenez Law Firm, our Jacksonville boating accident attorneys use this type of data to build strong, evidence-backed claims. By identifying the root cause of the accident—whether it was operator recklessness, lack of proper maintenance, or failure to follow maritime rules—we hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Understanding what caused your accident is not just helpful—it’s essential. That’s why we work with accident reconstruction experts, analyze vessel logs, and investigate FWC reports to deliver justice for our clients.
Liability in Florida Boating Accident Cases
Several parties may be held accountable in a boating accident:
- Boat operators – Especially when reckless, intoxicated, or distracted.
- Rental companies – For failure to maintain equipment or vet users properly.
- Boat owners – If they allowed an unqualified person to operate the vessel.
- Manufacturers – In cases involving defective parts.
- Municipalities – For unmarked hazards or poor waterway maintenance.
Our attorneys can determine fault and explore liability under Florida boating laws and relevant legal concepts.
What Our Clients Say About Jimenez Law Firm, P.A.
At Jimenez Law Firm, P.A., our mission is to provide top-notch legal services with compassion and professionalism. We are proud to have made a positive impact on our clients’ lives, as reflected in their thoughtful reviews:
Our clients’ trust and satisfaction are at the heart of what we do. Ready to experience the same dedicated service? Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
We seek comprehensive compensation for:
- Medical expenses – From emergency transport to rehab and future care.
- Lost income – Including lost earning potential from long-term injuries.
- Pain and suffering – Physical discomfort and emotional trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Particularly relevant for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wrongful death damages – For families of victims in fatal accidents.
To understand how damages are calculated, visit our page on types of damages.
Schedule a Consultation with a Jacksonville Boating Accident Attorney
Boating injuries can affect every aspect of your life. Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Our experienced legal team at Jimenez Law Firm is ready to help.
Jimenez Law Firm, P.A.
1443 San Marco Blvd Suite 201, Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 559-5600
Contact Us Today
Open 24 Hours
We proudly serve Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas. Explore additional practice areas like slip and fall accidents, workplace injury claims, and insurance and third-party claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accident Cases in Jacksonville, FL
If you’re injured in a boating accident on the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, or Jacksonville Beach, seek medical help immediately and report the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Document the scene, take photos, and contact a Jacksonville boating accident attorney to protect your legal rights.
Liability can rest with boat operators, rental companies, equipment manufacturers, or even local authorities if unsafe conditions exist. Our team investigates every angle to determine who’s at fault and ensure full accountability under Florida boating law.
Yes. Boating accidents often involve complex laws, including maritime and personal injury regulations. An experienced Jacksonville boating accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation and deal with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize your claim.
In most Jacksonville boating accident cases, the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the injury. However, specific circumstances—such as accidents on federally regulated waterways—may involve different timeframes. Speak with our legal team for tailored guidance.
Injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and drowning-related complications. Many of these injuries occur due to collisions or ejections during sudden impacts.
Absolutely. If the rental company failed to maintain the boat properly or allowed an unqualified operator to control the vessel, they may be held liable for your injuries. Our Jacksonville law firm regularly handles cases involving boat rental negligence in and around Jacksonville.
Victims may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, and in tragic cases, wrongful death damages. Learn more on our types of damages page.
Boating accidents may involve different laws, such as maritime jurisdiction, and are often investigated by the FWC rather than standard police departments. Our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle these specialized claims with precision.
Contact Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. Today
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. at (904) 559-5600 for a free consultation.
Areas We Serve in Jacksonville, Florida
Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. proudly serves all neighborhoods in Jacksonville, including:
- Arlington
- San Marco
- Riverside
- Avondale
- Baymeadows
- Southside
- Orange Park
- Jacksonville Beach
- Neptune Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Fernandina Beach
- Ponte Vedra Beach
- Northside Jacksonville
- Westside Jacksonville
No matter where you are in Jacksonville, we’re here to provide expert legal support.
Monday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Friday: 8:30AM – 4PM
Calls Received 24/7