Delray Beach offers beautiful waterways, but boating in these areas can be dangerous when people act carelessly. Accidents involving watercraft happen far too often due to operator inexperience, speeding, or boating under the influence. These accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, medical bills, and time away from work.
If you’ve been hurt on the water, a Delray Beach boat accident lawyer from GED Lawyers can help you hold the right parties accountable. Our team of Delray Beach personal injury lawyers has the experience and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve after a boating accident. Call today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Delray Beach
Delray Beach’s waterways, including the Intracoastal and nearby ocean access points, attract boaters year-round. Unfortunately, when people act carelessly or fail to follow safety rules, accidents happen—and those accidents often lead to serious injuries or worse.
Negligence is one of the leading causes of boat accidents. Whether it’s an operator’s poor decisions or a company’s failure to maintain equipment, careless behavior can quickly put lives at risk. Some of the most common causes of boat accidents include:
- Inexperienced or Untrained Operators: Many boaters lack the experience or knowledge to safely navigate crowded waterways like the Intracoastal.
- Reckless Operation and Speeding: Excessive speed or dangerous maneuvers increase the risk of collisions, capsizing, or hitting swimmers.
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Alcohol and drug use impair judgment and reaction times, making crashes more likely.
- Equipment Failures: Poorly maintained boats, faulty engines, or defective safety gear can all lead to preventable accidents.
- Overcrowded or Congested Waterways: Popular areas like marinas, inlets, and sandbars often see heavy traffic, making collisions more likely when people aren’t cautious.
- Violation of Florida Boating Laws: Ignoring safety rules, such as failing to use lights at night or not carrying required life vests, puts everyone on the water at risk.
When accidents happen because of someone’s negligence—whether it’s a careless boat operator, a rental company cutting corners, or a manufacturer producing faulty equipment—the injured parties have the right to pursue compensation.
How GED Lawyers Can Help After a Boat Accident
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. You don’t have to handle this alone. The Delray Beach boat accident lawyers at GED Lawyers are ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team can help by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation to determine what caused the accident
- Preserving critical evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and photos
- Identifying all potentially liable parties, whether it’s a boat operator, rental company, or equipment manufacturer
- Handling all communication with insurance companies and protecting your rights
- Preparing your case for trial, including conducting mock trials, so you are fully prepared for every legal step
GED Lawyers is more than just a personal injury law firm — we’ve been fighting for injured Floridians since 1995, recovering over $100 million for our clients. We offer evening and weekend appointments, have a multi-lingual staff, and you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
Our history of results, commitment to client service, and trial-tested approach set us apart. If you’ve been hurt on the water, contact GED Lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Boat Accident?
A serious boat accident can cause significant harm. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover damages to help you rebuild your life. The Delray Beach boat accident lawyers at GED Lawyers can pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf. Depending on the details of your case, damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your ability to earn a living has been permanently affected, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
- Pain and Suffering: Payment for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your boat, personal belongings, or other property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was tragically killed in a boating accident, eligible family members may seek compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.
Every case is different, and calculating damages can be complex. The legal team at GED Lawyers has the experience and resources to assess your claim, build a strong case, and fight for maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After a Boat Accident in Delray Beach, Florida
A boat accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but taking the right steps immediately after the incident can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation. If you were involved in a boat crash on the Intracoastal, offshore, or in any Florida waterway, follow these important steps:
Get Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident
In Florida, most boating accidents must be reported to local law enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or the U.S. Coast Guard, especially if injuries, fatalities, or property damage occurred.
Gather Evidence
If you’re able, collect important details:
- Photographs of the scene, damage, and any injuries
- Contact information for witnesses and other parties involved
- Insurance and boat registration information
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame. It’s in your best interest to speak with a Delray Beach boat accident lawyer before providing statements.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Right to Seek Compensation
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim per Florida Statutes § 95.11. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members also have two years to take legal action. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.
Contact GED Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a boat accident in Delray Beach, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The team at GED Lawyers is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf — all while you focus on your recovery.
With evening and weekend appointments, a multi-lingual staff, and a proven record of success, GED Lawyers is here when you need us most. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact GED Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our Delray Beach boat accident lawyers help you protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
