Houseboat Accident Lawyers in Miami, Florida
We can help when you or a loved one is injured in a houseboat accident in Florida
Living or vacationing on a houseboat in Florida can feel like paradise. With the gentle sway of the water, stunning sunsets, and the freedom to explore, it's no wonder many are drawn to this lifestyle. However, accidents can and do happen, turning a dream into a nightmare. When injuries occur due to negligence or unsafe conditions, it's essential to know your rights and have experienced legal representation. Hickey Law Firm can help.
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 water-related accident, contact our personal injury attorneys today. We serve Miami and other areas of Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a houseboat?
- Why do Florida houseboat accidents happen?
- What are some common injuries from Florida houseboat accidents?
- What steps should I take after a Florida houseboat accident?
- What is the value of my Florida houseboat accident claim?
- How can Hickey Law Firm help with my Florida houseboat accident case?
- Do you have a Florida houseboat accident lawyer near me?
What is a houseboat?
A houseboat is a type of boat that’s designed or modified to be used primarily as a home. Unlike traditional boats that are used mainly for transportation or fishing, houseboats are often equipped with living spaces similar to those found in a small house, such as:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living rooms
They also often have running water and electricity. There are generally two types of houseboats. The first are floating homes, which are permanently moored and not meant for travel. They’re more like homes built on a floating platform. The other type is cruising houseboats, which are engine-powered and capable of navigating rivers, lakes, and calm coastal waters.
WHEN PEOPLE NEED A SPECIALIST IN LIFE CHANGING INJURIES,
PEOPLE CHOOSE HICKEY LAW FIRM.
Why do Florida houseboat accidents happen?
Houseboats offer a unique living experience but also come with their own set of risks. Understanding these risks can help in both prevention and legal accountability.
- Operating a houseboat requires specific knowledge and skills. Inexperienced operators may struggle with docking, understanding waterways, or responding to emergencies, leading to accidents.
- Mechanical issues, like engine failure or steering problems, can lead to collisions or strandings. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of passengers.
- Florida’s weather can change on a dime. Sudden storms or high winds can make navigation dangerous, especially for larger vessels like houseboats.
- Operating any vessel under the influence is illegal and greatly increases the risk of accidents. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, leading to poor decision-making out on the water.
What are some common injuries from Florida houseboat accidents?
Injuries resulting from houseboat accidents can range from minor to life-threatening.
- Falling overboard without a life jacket can be fatal. In 2023, 319 people who drowned nationwide weren’t wearing life jackets.
- Slips, falls, or collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive issues.
- Sudden jolts or falls can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis or chronic pain.
- Contact with propellers or sharp objects can lead to severe cuts and lacerations, or even loss of limb.
- Collisions or falls can lead to broken limbs, ribs, or other fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment.
At Hickey Law Firm, we can help after you’ve been injured in a houseboat accident in Miami.
What steps should I take after a Florida houseboat accident?
After a Miami houseboat accident, try to take the following steps to protect both your health and your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional. This documentation can demonstrate a link between the accident and your injuries.
- Report the accident by notifying local authorities or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
- Document the scene by taking photographs, gathering witness information, and keeping records of all expenses related to the accident.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Before providing any statements or accepting a settlement, consult with one of our attorneys.
- Contact Hickey Law Firm, where our experienced lawyers can guide you through the legal process.
What is the value of my Florida houseboat accident claim?
If your injuries are the result of someone's negligence causing a houseboat accident, you may be able to recover compensation for losses including your:
- Medical expenses like hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and other ongoing care.
- Lost wages for time missed from work while you were recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering, for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident caused.
- Property damage for related repairs or replacement of your property.
Florida law requires boating accidents involving injury or significant property damage to be reported to law enforcement. Failure to report can affect your claim, although it won’t necessarily bar your ability to recover compensation.
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How can Hickey Law Firm help with my Florida houseboat accident case?
We understand that the legal aftermath of a houseboat accident can be overwhelming. At Hickey Law Firm, we offer the following advantages:
- Our attorneys specialize in admiralty and maritime law, ensuring knowledgeable legal representation.
- We provide personalized attention and individualized legal strategies that are tailored to your case.
- There are no upfront fees – we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win.
- Hickey Law Firm has successfully represented hundreds of clients in boating accident cases throughout Florida and the rest of the United States.
Do you have a Florida houseboat accident lawyer near me?
Hickey Law Firm 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 houseboat accident attorneys serving Florida
Houseboat accidents can involve other vessels or boats. Houseboats can move fast, but oftentimes, they move slowly, and they remain at anchor for extended periods of time. The houseboat can be involved in accidents either by causing a collision, running over a swimmer, or being the victim of a collision where another boat crashes into the houseboat. Maritime (admiralty) law generally applies to boating accidents on navigable waters and involving traditional maritime activity, but Florida state law may govern incidents on non-navigable waters or permanently moored floating homes. For this reason, call The Specialists. Call Hickey Law Firm. We have represented numerous people injured in recreational boating cases. And we win.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a houseboat accident in Miami, Hickey Law Firm can help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call us or fill out our contact form today to speak to one of our experienced maritime and admiralty lawyers. Our attorneys serve Miami and other regions of Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.