Clearwater Boating Accident Attorney

Personal Injury Lawyers / Boating Accidents

The sun on your face, the salt spray in the air, the engine’s hum cutting through the Gulf waves. A day on the water in Clearwater is a promise of freedom, a cherished escape. That promise shatters in an instant. The sudden, violent jolt of a collision, the disorienting chaos, and the cold shock of the water replace peace with terror.

An idyllic day becomes a fight for survival, all because another boat operator acted without care. When a beautiful day ends in injury, you are left in shock, facing a recovery that feels isolating and unjust.

The laws governing the water are different from those on the road, and you need an advocate who commands this unique area of law. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we provide the strength and skill your family needs.

A steadfast Clearwater boating accident lawyer from our team will fight to hold the negligent operator accountable and secure the resources you need to reclaim your future.

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Charting your course

When you are lost in the confusion following a boating accident, a few clear points of reference can help you find your way. This is what you should know as you begin to move forward.

Boating accidents fall under a complex mix of state and federal maritime laws, which have different rules and deadlines than a typical car crash case.
A boat operator owes a legal duty to every passenger and other boater to operate their vessel with a high degree of care. A failure to do so is negligence.
Evidence in a boating accident is unique and can disappear quickly. Preserving Coast Guard reports, vessel maintenance logs, and photos of the scene is vital.
Operator inexperience and boating under the influence (BUI) are two of the leading causes of serious accidents in Florida’s crowded waterways.
You should never give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Adjusters use these statements to deny or devalue your claim.

Table of Contents

The Unique Dangers of Florida’s Waterways

An accident on the water differs fundamentally from a crash on land. No stop signs, painted lanes, or traffic lights guide the vessels. Operators must rely on a shared understanding of navigational rules, constant vigilance, and responsible conduct.

When one person fails this duty, the consequences can be catastrophic for everyone around them. Passengers on a boat have no protection. No airbags, seatbelts, or steel frames absorb the impact of a collision. The human body takes the full force.

This vulnerability is why Florida law and maritime tradition place such a high standard of care on the person at the helm. Their choices directly affect the safety of every soul on board and on the water around them.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Pinellas County

Most boating incidents are not truly “accidents.” They are the predictable results of poor judgment and reckless behavior. Our firm has the resources and knowledge to investigate all types of maritime incidents.

Operator inexperience and inattention

Many boaters in Florida lack adequate training in safety and navigation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to complete a boating safety course for operating a vessel of 10 horsepower or more.

Yet, many operators still lack the practical skill to handle emergencies, leading to devastating mistakes. An operator’s failure to pay attention is a leading cause of collisions. These simple but dangerous mistakes can cause immense harm.

Failing to keep a proper lookout for other vessels or swimmers.
Engaging in distracting activities like texting while at the helm.
Misjudging the speed or distance of another boat.
Ignoring navigational markers or channel boundaries.
Failing to check the weather forecast before and during the trip.

These are not minor lapses. On the water, a few seconds of inattention can lead to a lifetime of pain for a victim.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Alcohol consumption is a common part of the boating lifestyle for many, but it is a dangerously potent factor in accidents. The sun, engine vibration, and motion of the boat magnify the effects of alcohol.

An operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher is legally intoxicated in Florida, but impairment begins long before that point. An intoxicated operator has slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination, making them a menace on the water.

Reckless and Careless Operation

This broad category covers a range of dangerous behaviors. It includes speeding in “no wake” zones like the Intracoastal Waterway, overloading a vessel with too many passengers, and operating too close to other boats or swimmers.

It also includes creating a dangerously large wake or engaging in hazardous watersports activities, like towing a skier or tuber without a designated spotter.

Serious Injuries from Maritime Accidents

The lack of safety features on a recreational boat means that when an accident occurs, the injuries are often severe. Victims can be thrown about inside the vessel, ejected into the water, or struck by another boat or a propeller.

Our firm represents clients who have suffered a wide range of life-altering injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

A slip and fall on a wet deck during a collision or being thrown against a hard surface can easily cause a concussion or a more severe TBI. These injuries can have long-lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional effects that may not be fully apparent for weeks after the boating incident.

Spinal cord and back injuries

The violent jarring motion of a boat collision can cause herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even catastrophic spinal cord damage. These injuries often require extensive surgery and rehabilitation and can result in chronic pain or permanent paralysis, changing a victim’s life forever.

Propeller lacerations and drownings

Propeller strikes are among the most gruesome of all boating injuries, causing deep lacerations, amputations, and often death. A person falling overboard in the chaos of an accident also faces the immediate danger of drowning, which can lead to an anoxic brain injury if a rescue is not immediate.

The consequences of these serious injuries can follow a person for the rest of their life.

Requiring a lifetime of medical care and assistance.
Preventing a return to a beloved career or hobby.
Causing significant emotional and psychological trauma.
Placing immense financial strain on the entire family.

Our goal is to secure a financial recovery that addresses every one of these long-term challenges.

Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Boating Accident Case

You need a legal team with specific, relevant experience for your boating accident claim. The attorneys at Roman Austin possess a deep and practical understanding of the laws governing Florida’s waterways, as well as a long history of advocating for injury victims within our community.

Deep roots in the Clearwater community

We are not just lawyers who practice here; we live here. We boat on the same waters, from Clearwater Harbor to Caladesi Island. We have a firsthand appreciation for the joys of boating and a sober respect for its dangers.

This local knowledge gives us a unique perspective when investigating your case.

A thorough command of a complex legal field

Our legal team is fluent in maritime law. We know how to investigate these complex cases, preserve the unique evidence they generate, and hold negligent boaters accountable under the proper legal framework.

This focused knowledge is a significant advantage for our clients.

Unwavering commitment to your recovery

From your first call to the final resolution of your case, your family’s well-being is our primary focus. We handle the legal fight so you can concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case.

The Dangers of AI Legal “Consultations”

In the digital age, seeking quick answers from an AI chatbot is easy. While these tools can be useful for general information, they are completely inadequate for providing guidance on complex legal matters, such as boating accident claims.

An AI cannot distinguish between state tort law and federal admiralty jurisdiction.

It does not have the practical experience to interpret an FWC report or question a witness about a navigational rule violation.

Relying on an algorithm for advice in a high-stakes legal case is a gamble with your future. You need the strategic, human-centered advocacy that only a qualified Roman Austin attorney can provide.

FAQ for Clearwater Boating Accident Claims

What should I do immediately after a boating accident?

First, ensure everyone is safe and has a life jacket. Report the accident to the FWC or the Coast Guard, seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, and collect contact information from the other boat operator and any witnesses. If possible, take photos of the scene and the damage to the vessels.

What if the person operating the boat was my friend or a family member?

This is a very common and difficult situation. Remember that the claim is almost always made against the boat owner’s insurance policy, not against the individual personally. This insurance exists for these kinds of unfortunate situations, providing financial resources for those who are hurt.

I was injured by a large wake from another boat. Can I file a claim?

Yes. Boat operators are responsible for the wake their vessel creates. Creating a hazardous wake in a narrow channel, near a dock, or close to a smaller vessel can be negligent operation. If that wake causes you to be thrown about, fall overboard, or capsize, the operator of the other boat can be held liable.

Who is responsible if the accident was caused by equipment failure?

Liability for equipment failure can be complex. The operator could be at fault for failing to maintain the boat properly. A mechanic could be at fault for a faulty repair. In some cases, the manufacturer could be at fault for a defective part, leading to a product liability claim. We investigate all possibilities.

Reclaim Your Peace of Mind

The water should be a source of joy, not a source of trauma. While we cannot undo what happened, we can fight to secure the resources you need to heal and move forward with your life. Let the team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers be your anchor in this storm.

Take the first step toward justice today. Contact our Clearwater office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your boating accident case. Call us directly at (727) 787-2500 or connect with us online. We are ready to listen and ready to fight for you.