Sailboat Accidents

Florida’s proximity to the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, and other popular port destinations make sailing a popular pastime off the coast. However, sailboats require certain expertise to operate safely, and not everyone takes proper precautions at sea. Many different situations can lead to a sailboat accident and the injuries associated with them, most of which are caused by negligent acts. Miami sailboat accident lawyer Robert Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon help victims who have been injured aboard a sailboat, or as a result of a collision with a sailboat, pursue proper legal action against those at fault.

Our firm represents clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties who have been injured in boating accidents. If you have questions regarding your legal options after being involved in a sailboat accident, contact our office today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your potential claims.

Although sailboats are not inherently fast-moving vessels, if they collide with another boat, swimmer, or dock, or if someone on board is confronted with a dangerous condition, serious injuries can result. Common factors that may contribute to a sailboat accident include:

• An operator’s inattentiveness
• Sailing into choppy water or another vessel’s wake
• Unfamiliarity with the depth of the water
• An operator who is not adequately trained or knowledgeable about how to operate a sailboat
• An operator under the influence of drugs or alcohol

When a victim is injured in a sailboat accident, there may be one or more parties at fault. A boat’s owner, operator, or insurance carrier could potentially be held liable for your harm with the assistance of a sailboat accident attorney in the Miami area. Personal injury lawsuits arising out of a boat accident have differing standards that need to be met, depending on whether the accident occurred on “non-navigable waters,” such as lakes or other bodies of water without access to the ocean, or on navigable waters, which are bodies of water that do lead to the ocean. Most injuries on or involving a sailboat occur on navigable waters. Thus, owners and operators of the vessel owe guests on board a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent owner or operator would act under the same or similar circumstances.

Additionally, owners of these boats can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of negligent entrustment to another party. This might occur if a sailboat is entrusted to someone who does not have sufficient training or experience, is not mature or old enough to operate the boat, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Once a Miami sailboat accident attorney establishes liability, a victim may be awarded damages for past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

The federal law governing accidents occurring in navigable waters sets a statute of limitations for these claims, which extends three years from the date of the injury. It is important to contact a seasoned boat accident attorney as soon as possible following a sailboat accident so that essential evidence can be collected.

Sailboat accidents can lead to serious injuries that result in victims needing to undergo significant medical treatment, take time off from work, and even permanently modify their lifestyle. Robert Dixon is dedicated to making sure that those responsible for such harm bear the financial impact that victims face in the aftermath. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon has assisted many clients in Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities in these distinctive cases, and we can help you determine your next legal steps. If you or a loved one has been injured in a sailboat accident, call 877.499.4878 or contact our office online to schedule a free consultation and speak with a sailboat accident lawyer in the Miami area to see how we can help.