Pontoon Boat Accident Lawyers in Miami, Florida
Strategic legal help when you’re injured in a pontoon boat accident in Florida
Pontoon boats are a favorite activity for Floridians and tourists alike. They’re ideal for cruising Biscayne Bay, hosting family gatherings, or enjoying a relaxing day on the Intracoastal. However, if something goes wrong, these leisurely outings can quickly turn tragic. Pontoon boat accidents can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pontoon boat accident, Hickey Law Firm is here to help. We’re a Miami-based maritime injury law firm with a national reputation for results.
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 populous areas in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a pontoon boat?
- What kinds of risks do pontoon boats pose?
- What are some common causes of Florida pontoon boat accidents?
- What types of injuries result from Florida pontoon boat accidents?
- What should I do after a Florida pontoon boat accident?
- What compensation am I entitled to for my Florida pontoon boat accident?
- How can Hickey Law help with my Florida pontoon boat accident case?
- Do you have a Florida pontoon boat accident lawyer near me?
What is a pontoon boat?
A pontoon boat is a type of flat-deck boat that floats using two or more cylindrical pontoons (also called tubes or floats) that sit beneath the deck. The pontoons provide buoyancy and stability, which make the boat ideal for leisure activities (cruising, fishing, sunbathing). People may also use the boats to host small parties on the water.
Key features of pontoon boats include:
- The wide and flat deck offers excellent stability, even when moving or during choppy conditions.
- The open design allows for more seating and space for passengers compared to many traditional boats.
- They're relatively easy to operate, making them popular with families and recreational users.
- Pontoon boats can be equipped with everything from grills and coolers to luxury seating and high-powered motors.
Florida has extensive inland lakes and rivers in addition to bays and coastal waters, and pontoon boats are popular on many of these waterways. Whether maritime law applies turns on navigability-in-fact (waters used or capable of use as highways of interstate commerce) and a connection to traditional maritime activity. If the accident occurs on non-navigable waters, Florida state negligence law applies.
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PEOPLE CHOOSE HICKEY LAW FIRM.
What kinds of risks do pontoon boats pose?
Pontoon boats are known for their stability and spaciousness, but they also come with some unique safety challenges.
- The flat, open design makes it easier for passengers to fall overboard, especially during sudden stops or turns.
- Unlike other vehicles, pontoon boats don’t have seat belts or enclosed cabins, which can increase the risk of injury during collisions.
- Passengers who fall overboard may come into contact with the boat’s propeller, which can cause severe injuries.
- Pontoon boats are often used for parties and can become overcrowded, which can affect stability and increase the risk of capsizing.
Also, Florida leads the nation in boating accidents, with 685 reported in 2024. Pontoon boats, while popular, are not exempt from these statistics. Reports include 181 accidents involving pontoon boat accidents nationwide in 2023.
What are some common causes of Florida pontoon boat accidents?
It’s important to understand what can lead to pontoon boat accidents. This helps in both prevention and legal accountability.
- Distractions, like engaging with passengers or using electronic devices, can lead to accidents. Operator inattention is one of the common causes of boating accidents in Florida.
- Many pontoon boat operators lack formal training. Inexperience behind the wheel can result in poor decision-making and an inability to handle emergencies.
- Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. Being intoxicated contributes significantly to fatal boating accidents.
- Mechanical issues, like engine failure or steering problems, can also lead to accidents. Regular maintenance is important in preventing such incidents.
- Exceeding the recommended capacity of a pontoon boat can make the boat unstable and increase the risk of capsizing.
What types of injuries result from Florida pontoon boat accidents?
Injuries from pontoon boat accidents can range from minor to life-threatening.
- Head and brain injuries can be caused by falls or collisions
- Spinal cord injuries resulting from sudden impacts or falls
- Lacerations and amputations due to contact with propellers
- Drowning or near-drowning, especially if passengers aren’t wearing life jackets
- Broken bones and fractures from being thrown against hard surfaces during a crash
It’s essential to get prompt medical attention after a pontoon boat accident, even if your injuries only seem minor at first.
What should I do after a Florida pontoon boat accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pontoon boat accident, it’s important to take a few steps to protect your health and your legal rights.
- Again, seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, get evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- 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 related expenses.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Before providing a statement or accepting a settlement, consult with a skilled pontoon boat attorney.
Don’t hesitate to contact Hickey Law Firm. Our experienced lawyers can help you face all the complexities that come in the aftermath of a boat accident.
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What compensation am I entitled to for my Florida pontoon boat accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pontoon boat accident due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to recover financial compensation. Your damages may include coverage of your medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical care) and lost wages for time missed from work due to your injuries. You can also recover for your pain and suffering and your emotional distress. Your damages might cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property as well.
Florida law requires boating accidents involving injury or significant property damage to be reported to law enforcement. Failing to report can result in penalties and may undermine your evidence in a civil claim (even though it does not automatically bar recovery).
How can Hickey Law help with my Florida pontoon boat accident case?
Dealing with the aftermath of a Miami boating accident can be overwhelming. At Hickey Law Firm, we offer a variety of benefits:
- Our attorneys specialize in admiralty and maritime law, ensuring knowledgeable representation.
- We provide individualized legal strategies tailored to your specific case.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
- Our firm has successfully represented hundreds of clients in boating accident cases throughout Florida.
Do you have a Florida pontoon boat 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.
Talk to our experienced Florida pontoon boat accident lawyers today
Pontoon boating accidents can involve only one boat or vessel, or can involve many. Pontoon boats can be slow or fast. They can be dependable. Maritime law can apply to these cases and accidents. 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 pontoon boat accident in Florida, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Contact Hickey Law Firm for a free consultation. 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 pontoon boat accident attorneys serve Miami and throughout Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.