Boating accidents in Pompano Beach often result from boat operator negligence, such as speeding, operating under the influence, distracted boating, or failing to follow navigational rules. Other types of negligence, including improper boat maintenance, rental companies failing to provide safety instructions or reckless actions by other boaters, also contribute to accidents. These mistakes frequently lead to collisions, capsizing, or people falling overboard, causing serious injuries.
If you suffered injuries in a boating accident, the skilled legal team at Miller and Jacobs Accident Attorneys can handle your case by gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports, and consulting with experts to prove negligence. We will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If necessary, our lawyers can also take your case to court to fight for your rights. With our skilled legal representation, you have a stronger chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Pompano Beach boating accident attorney, please call us at (877) 848-5297 or contact us online today.
Why Choose Us?
Boating accidents can result in debilitating injuries that affect every aspect of your life. If you suffered injuries in a recent boating collision, the legal team at Miller and Jacobs, Accident Attorneys, is ready to fight for your rights. Our lawyers have more than 50 years of combined legal practice experience in personal injury law, and we have recovered more than $90 million on behalf of our injured clients.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at 1600 S. Federal Hwy., Ste. 1101, Pompano Beach, FL 33062.
How Much Is My Pompano Beach Boating Accident Case Worth?
The value of your boating accident case in Pompano Beach, Florida, depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and the level of negligence involved. Since each case is different, there is no set amount you can expect to receive. However, understanding the damages you can recover can help you estimate what your case may be worth.
Factors That Affect Your Case’s Value
One of the biggest factors in determining the value of your case is the severity of your injuries. If you suffered minor injuries that required minimal medical treatment, your case may be worth less than if you suffered serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage. The more severe your injuries, the higher your medical bills and the greater your pain and suffering, which can increase the value of your claim.
Another factor is lost earnings. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income. In severe cases, if you are permanently disabled and unable to return to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
The level of negligence involved in the accident also plays a role. If the boating accident resulted from another boater’s reckless behavior, such as speeding, drinking while operating the boat, or failing to follow boating laws, their insurance company may have to pay you more. If multiple parties were responsible for the accident, the value of your claim may be higher.
Losses You Can Recover
There are several types of damages you can recover after a boating accident in Pompano Beach. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care
- Lost earnings: Compensation for income lost while recovering from injuries
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident
- Property Damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged boat or other personal property
- Wrongful Death Damages: Including compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship
Most Common Locations for Pompano Beach Boating Accidents
Boating accidents in Pompano Beach, Florida, are most likely to occur in high-traffic waterways, areas with strong currents, and locations where boat operators and others fail to exercise caution. One of the most common locations for boating accidents is the Intracoastal Waterway. This narrow and heavily traveled waterway is filled with vessels of all sizes, from small personal watercraft to large yachts. Many accidents here result from reckless speeding, intoxicated boaters, and inexperienced operators who are unfamiliar with navigation rules. The mix of commercial boats, recreational vessels, and jet skis creates a chaotic environment where collisions and other accidents frequently occur.
Another high-risk area is the Hillsboro Inlet, which connects the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. This passage is known for its strong currents and shifting sandbars, making navigation tricky even for experienced boaters. Many accidents happen when boaters misjudge the tide or fail to follow the channel markers, causing them to run aground or collide with other vessels. The presence of larger boats and charter fishing vessels adds to the congestion, increasing the chances of operator error and accidents.
Off the coast of Pompano Beach, where many boaters venture for deep-sea fishing or leisure cruising, accidents often result from negligence in open waters. Some operators underestimate the power of ocean currents or fail to monitor changing weather conditions, leading to capsizing or people being thrown overboard. Speeding in rough waters or failing to maintain a safe distance from other boats can also lead to devastating crashes.
Boat rental areas and marinas are also common sites for accidents. Many renters have little experience handling a boat, and some rental companies do not provide adequate safety instructions. This lack of knowledge can lead to collisions with docks, other boats, or even swimmers in designated areas. In some cases, mechanical failures due to improper maintenance contribute to dangerous situations on the water.
How Do Pompano Beach Boating Accidents Occur?
Boating collisions in Pompano Beach, Florida, happen for many reasons, but negligence by boat operators and others is one of the most common causes. Collisions between boats are among the most frequent accidents, often occurring when operators fail to pay attention, speed through crowded waterways, or disregard right-of-way rules. These crashes can be especially dangerous in areas like the Intracoastal Waterway, where boat traffic is dense and inexperienced operators struggle to navigate properly. Many of these collisions result from distractions, reckless behavior, or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Grounding accidents also happen often, especially in shallow areas near the Hillsboro Inlet or along the Intracoastal Waterway. Many boaters ignore navigational markers or fail to check tide conditions, causing their vessels to run aground on sandbars, rocks, or underwater structures. These accidents can damage the boat and leave passengers stranded or injured, particularly if the impact is severe. Some boaters attempt to free their vessels in unsafe ways, leading to further damage or personal injuries.
Capsizing incidents are another serious problem, especially in the open waters off the coast. Many of these accidents result from boaters overloading their vessels, failing to distribute weight properly, or operating in rough water without adjusting their speeds. High winds, large waves, and sudden weather changes make these situations even more dangerous. When boats capsize, passengers can be thrown into the water, increasing their risk of drowning.
Falling overboard is another common accident, often due to improper seating or sudden sharp turns by an operator who is not paying attention. In many cases, people who fall overboard struggle to get back onto the boat, and if the operator does not act quickly, the situation can become deadly.
Mechanical failures also contribute to boating accidents – particularly when rental companies or boat owners fail to perform regular maintenance. Problems with steering, engine failure, or fuel leaks can leave boaters stranded or unable to control their vessels, putting them at risk of collisions or other dangerous situations. Negligence, whether by boat operators or others responsible for maintaining safety, is a major factor in many of these accidents.
Most Frequent Pompano Beach Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents in Pompano Beach can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which can be severe or even life-threatening. The force of a crash, falling overboard, or being struck by a boat can cause serious harm to victims. Some of the most common injuries that occur in these accidents include:
- Head Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions often happen when a person hits their head on a hard surface during a collision or fall. These injuries can cause memory loss, dizziness, confusion, and long-term cognitive issues. Severe head trauma may even lead to permanent brain damage.
- Broken Bones – The force of a crash or being thrown from a boat can easily result in fractures. Arms, legs, ribs, and even the pelvis are at risk, especially if a victim is pinned between objects or falls onto a hard surface. Some breaks require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – A sudden impact or fall can damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can be devastating, affecting a person’s ability to walk, move, or even perform basic daily tasks.
- Drowning and Near-Drowning – If a victim is thrown overboard and cannot swim or is knocked unconscious, drowning becomes a major risk. Even those who survive near-drowning incidents may suffer from oxygen deprivation, which can cause lasting brain damage.
- Lacerations and Amputations – Sharp boat propellers, broken glass, or jagged metal can cause deep cuts or even sever limbs. Propeller accidents are especially dangerous, leading to severe bleeding, permanent disability, or death.
- Burns – Fires and explosions can occur due to fuel leaks, electrical malfunctions, or crashes. Victims caught in these situations may suffer from painful burns that require skin grafts and long-term medical treatment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are also common in boating accidents, often resulting from sudden movements or impact. These injuries can cause lasting pain and limited mobility.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Pompano Beach Boating Accident Case
If you have suffered an injury in a boating accident in Pompano Beach, Florida, dealing with the insurance company can be one of the most challenging aspects of your case. Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their profits, which means they often try to pay as little as possible for claims. They may attempt to deny your claim, delay the process, or offer a low settlement that does not fully cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. This is where the legal team at Miller and Jacobs, Accident Attorneys, will step in to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced boating accident attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We handle all communications with the insurance adjusters, making sure they do not take advantage of you or pressure you into accepting an unfair settlement. We gather strong evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to prove the full extent of your injuries and losses.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our legal team will aggressively advocate for you, presenting a compelling case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
We also help protect you from common insurance traps, such as giving recorded statements that may be used against you or accepting a quick payout that does not cover future expenses. Our goal is to handle every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
When you have skilled lawyers fighting for you, the insurance company knows they cannot take advantage of you. We are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your boating accident case in Pompano Beach.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Pompano Beach Boating Accident
Following a boating accident in Pompano Beach, taking the right steps is essential to protecting your health, rights, and potential legal claim. One of the most important things to do is obtain a copy of the police report or incident report. This document provides important details about the accident, including witness statements, officer observations, and any citations issued. It also serves as key evidence when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
Following through with all recommended medical care is equally important. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Completing your medical treatment ensures that all injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, which strengthens your claim.
Gathering medical bills and other documentation is another critical step. Keeping records of hospital visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and lost wages helps prove the financial effects of the accident. If there was property damage, such as a damaged boat, collect repair estimates and receipts as well.
Speak with an Experienced Pompano Beach Boating Accident Lawyer Today
At Miller and Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we are prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way and maximize the compensation you recover for your boating accident injuries. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Pompano Beach personal injury attorney, please call us at (877) 848-5297 or contact us online right away.