Canoe and Kayak Collision Lawyers in Miami, Florida
Legal advocacy for paddlers struck by larger boats and negligent vessel operators
Florida’s beautiful waterways attract countless canoe and kayak enthusiasts every year. From the calm canals of Miami to the winding rivers of the Everglades, paddling offers both adventure and tranquility. However, those same waterways are shared by high-powered boats and personal watercraft that can easily overlook smaller, quieter vessels. When a large boat collides with a canoe or kayak, the results are often catastrophic. At Hickey Law Firm, we represent victims of these preventable collisions and their families throughout Florida.
Hickey Law Firm is a nationally recognized firm for its work in maritime injury law, including boat and other watercraft accidents. Attorney John H. (Jack) Hickey is double board certified by The Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law, a distinction held by few attorneys in Florida. He is also board-certified in Civil Trial by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). If you were harmed in any type of accident out on the water, get in touch with our personal injury attorneys today. We serve Miami and other populous areas in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
WAS A LAWYER FOR THE CRUISE LINES. NOW A LAWYER FOR YOU ®
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some common causes of canoe and kayak accidents in Florida?
- What kinds of injuries happen in Florida canoe and kayak accidents?
- Who is liable for my Florida canoe and kayak accident?
- What should I do after a Florida canoe or kayak accident?
- Why choose Hickey Law Firm for my Florida canoe or kayak accident case?
- Do you have a Florida canoe and kayak accident lawyer near me?
What are some common causes of canoe and kayak accidents in Florida?
Canoeing and kayaking are generally safe activities, but they’re not without risks. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that Florida has more than one million registered recreational boats, and many of these share waterways with canoes and kayaks. This congestion can increase the potential for accidents. Boat-on-paddler collisions tend to cause the most severe canoe or kayak injuries. When larger vessels fail to see paddlers or misjudge their distance, especially around inlets, Intracoastal routes, and marinas, the consequences can be deadly. Some causes of these types of crashes include:
- Operator negligence: When a boat operator is speeding, wake jumping, or distracted, they are likely to create additional risks for those in smaller, slower vessels.
- Failure to yield or obey no-wake zones: While Florida law requires powered vessels to maintain lookout duties, not all operators are responsible when it comes to following these regulations. The victims are often those in smaller watercraft.
- Impaired boat operators: Just as drunk driving creates risks for everyone on the road, drunk boating creates life-threatening dangers for those on the water. However, the recreational and celebratory nature of boating often leads to people violating these rules.
- Irresponsible rental businesses: Rental businesses should be ensuring that those who rent vessels know how to use them and understand the need for safe operation of their boats. Even a person who rents a jet ski can create life-threatening risks for those in kayaks or canoes.
If you've been injured in a canoe or kayak accident, it's essential to understand your legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
WHEN PEOPLE NEED A SPECIALIST IN LIFE CHANGING INJURIES,
PEOPLE CHOOSE HICKEY LAW FIRM.
What kinds of injuries happen in Florida canoe and kayak accidents?
Canoeing and kayaking might seem like activities with low risk, but when accidents happen, the injuries can be serious, and sometimes even life-changing. Understanding the types of injuries that can occur helps demonstrate the importance of seeking both medical and legal help quickly. Common injuries we see from canoe and kayak accidents include:
- Blunt-force trauma, including traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Crush injuries, including damage to the spine from being struck and crushed between vessels.
- Propeller lacerations and amputations from collisions with engine-powered vessels.
- Drowning after a crash or capsize.
At Hickey Law Firm, we work with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries so we can seek the compensation you need for your recovery and future care.
Who is liable for my Florida canoe and kayak accident?
Establishing who’s at fault in a canoe or kayak accident can be complicated. Possible liable parties include:
- Negligent boat operators: The negligent operation of motorized vessels (speeding, failure to maintain lookout, intoxication) can create liability under both Florida and maritime law.
- Irresponsible boat rental companies: If vessels are rented to those who aren’t prepared to operate them, the rental company may be liable for allowing people to use those boats.
- Unseaworthy conditions or poor training of hired boat captains: Charters or tour boats may cause accidents, and if the vessels were poorly maintained or operated by negligent captains, these companies may be liable.
In many of these cases, fault lies with the operator of the larger vessel. Federal maritime law and Florida boating statutes both impose strict duties on boaters to maintain a proper lookout and operate at a safe speed in congested or narrow waters. If another vessel’s operator acted negligently, such as by speeding or failing to keep a proper lookout, they could be responsible for the resulting injuries.
Maritime law applies if the accident occurs on navigable waters of the United States and bears a connection to traditional maritime activity. In contrast, incidents on non-navigable, landlocked waters generally fall under Florida law. Given that many canoe and kayak accidents occur on navigable waters, maritime law may apply. This area of law has specific rules and procedures, making it vital to consult with attorneys experienced in maritime injury cases. The team at Hickey Law Firm is well-versed in both state and federal maritime laws, ensuring comprehensive legal representation.
What should I do after a Florida canoe or kayak accident?
After a kayak or canoe accident, you should take the following steps to protect both your health and your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important for your case that you get evaluated by a medical professional.
- Notify the local authorities or the FWC about the accident. The official report will be valuable in any subsequent legal proceedings, and reporting to the FWC is mandatory when there is death, disappearance, injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or property damage of $2,000 or more.
- If your canoe or kayak was struck by another vessel, try to record the boat’s registration number, take photographs of the hull damage, and obtain witness statements immediately. Notify FWC as soon as possible.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Don’t forget to collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Before providing any statements or accepting a settlement, consult with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
Don’t wait to contact Hickey Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Why choose Hickey Law Firm for my Florida canoe or kayak accident case?
At Hickey Law Firm, we bring decades of experience in maritime injury law to every case. Our commitment to our clients includes the following:
- We provide personalized attention, understanding that every case is unique. We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
- You don’t pay any attorney fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
- Our firm has successfully represented numerous clients in boating and maritime accident cases throughout Florida.
- Our attorneys are well-versed in both state and federal laws governing waterway accidents.
MAKING OUR WORLD SAFER ONE CASE AT A TIME ®
Do you have a Florida canoe and kayak accident lawyer near me?
Hickey Law Firm Accident and Injury Trial Lawyers is located at 12150 SW 128th Ct, Suite 225, in Miami, right off the Ronald Reagan Turnpike, close to the Miami Executive Airport. We serve the seriously injured in Miami, throughout Florida, and nationwide. If you are too injured to travel, we can come to you, or schedule a phone or video conference instead.
Experienced Florida canoe and kayak accident lawyer working for you
Accidents involving canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, floats, or any smaller object that is either moved by paddling or is towed behind a motorboat can require the application of maritime law. This is a specialized area. Call The Specialists. Did another boat collide with or hit the person in a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or float? Get witnesses to what happened. Get their contact information. Get a video of what happened. We have represented numerous people injured in recreational boating cases. And we win.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a canoe or kayak accident in Florida, you don't have to navigate the legal waters alone. Hickey Law Firm represents victims who were struck by negligent boaters while kayaking or canoeing anywhere in Florida. We know how to investigate boat collision cases, reconstruct the crash, and hold reckless operators accountable under both state and federal maritime law. We're here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Call us or fill out our contact form today to speak to one of our experienced maritime and admiralty lawyers. Our attorneys serve the Miami area and throughout Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.