Being on the water should be relaxing, not life-changing in the worst way. Sadly, boat crashes often cause serious injuries, heavy medical costs, and deep emotional struggles. If you or your loved one was hurt in a boating accident, you deserve strong legal support.
A Sarasota personal injury lawyer from Viles & Beckman will protect your rights and fight for the damages you deserve. With decades of experience, our team knows how to handle these complicated cases with care and skill.
We are proudly known as The 5-Star Law Firm™. Since 1995, our attorneys have served many clients across Florida, recovering more than $100 million. With 40+ years of combined legal experience, our team gives every case personal attention, no matter the size. Our Sarasota boating accident lawyer will always fight for the results you deserve. Call for a free consultation.
Our Sarasota Boat Crash Attorney Will Seek Justice for You
When you hire Viles & Beckman, you get more than just legal representation—you get a legal team that truly cares about you and the outcome of your case.
When we work on your case, we will:
Investigate the Accident Fully
We carefully review every detail of your boating accident. That means looking at police reports, speaking with witnesses, checking maintenance records, and even visiting the accident scene if needed. We will uncover exactly what happened and why.
Identify All Liable Parties
Sometimes, more than one person or company is responsible for a boat crash. The driver, the boat owner, the rental company, or even the manufacturer of faulty equipment could all play a role. We dig deep to find every party that shares blame so you don’t miss out on full damages.
Handle All Talks With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to protect their own profits by offering quick, low settlements or twisting your words against you. If this happens in your situation, we will step in. That way, you can focus on recovery while we make sure your rights and best interests are protected.
Gather Medical Records and Expert Testimony
Medical documents and expert opinions are key in proving the seriousness of your injuries. We collect hospital reports, doctor notes, and expert testimony from specialists who can explain how your injuries affect your life now and in the future.
Fight for Full Damages in Negotiations or Trial
Whether we’re negotiating with insurers or presenting your case in front of a jury, our lawyers fight hard for every dollar you deserve. We don’t settle for less than what fully covers your losses—both today and in the years to come.
With a Board Certified attorney on staff, bilingual support in Spanish, Russian, and Creole, and a proven record of $100+ million recovered, we have the experience and resources to take on tough boating accident cases.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Why Work With Our Boating Injury Lawyer in Sarasota?
Boating accidents are different from car wrecks or other injury claims. Unique laws apply to Florida waterways, and insurance coverage can be confusing. Our skilled boat crash lawyer in Sarasota will investigate the crash, find every liable party, and push back against insurers that may try to avoid paying what is fair.
At Viles & Beckman, we give our clients peace of mind by handling the legal details while they focus on recovery. From the start of your case to the final resolution, our lawyers will explain your rights, deal with insurers, and fight for maximum damages.
Boat Accidents Can Cause Serious, Life-Threatening Injuries
Boat crashes often cause serious harm, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Burns from fuel fires or explosions
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
These injuries often require months—or even years—of medical treatment. A Sarasota catastrophic injury lawyer from our team will fight for damages that cover not only your current needs but also long-term recovery.
Damages You Can Recover in a Sarasota Boating Accident Claim
If you are recovering from a boat crash in the Sarasota County area, you may be able to recover damages for many types of losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, therapy
- Lost wages: Missed income while you recover
- Loss of earning ability: When injuries prevent returning to work
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of personal property
When a boat crash leads to severe, life-changing harm, we fight for full damages that cover future medical care, in-home support, and assistive devices.
Wrongful Death in Sarasota Boating Accidents
Sadly, some boating accidents turn fatal. Families left behind may face not only grief but also medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of financial support. If you are facing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, please accept our deepest condolences.
In these painful cases, a Sarasota wrongful death lawyer from Viles & Beckman will stand by your family. We treat every client as if they were our family. Our lawyers will fight to recover wrongful death damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- A loved one’s final medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
We know no amount of money can replace your loved one. But holding the responsible party accountable can bring justice and financial stability in a time of deep loss.
Who Can You Hold Responsible in a Boating Crash?
After a serious boating accident, one of the first questions people ask is, “Who is responsible?” In Florida, liability isn’t always limited to the person driving the boat.
Several parties may share legal responsibility depending on the facts of the crash, such as:
- Boat operator: If the operator was speeding, drinking, or ignoring safety rules, they can be held directly responsible for the accident.
- Boat owner: Even if they weren’t behind the wheel, owners may be liable if they allowed someone unqualified or unsafe to operate their vessel.
- Rental companies: When companies rent out unsafe, poorly maintained, or defective boats, they can be held accountable for accidents that follow.
- Manufacturers: If a defective part—like a faulty engine, steering system, or safety equipment—contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
- Maintenance crews: If a service company failed to properly inspect or repair a boat, and that failure caused the crash, they may also be responsible.
- Other boaters: Sometimes another vessel operator on the water acts recklessly, creating a chain reaction that causes your injuries.
Our lawyers handling boat crashes in Sarasota will investigate every possible angle of liability. The more parties we identify, the greater the chance of securing full damages for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
Meeting Deadlines for Filing an Injury Lawsuit in Florida
It’s important to act quickly after a boating accident. Florida law sets strict deadlines:
- Personal injury lawsuits: Two years from the accident date (Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a))
- Wrongful death lawsuits: Two years from the date of death (Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(e))
Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to seek damages. Our attorneys will make sure your case is filed on time and handled with urgency.
Call for Help From Our Sarasota Boating Accident Lawyer Today
At Viles & Beckman, no case is too small. We give every client the five-star experience we’re known for. If you or your loved one was injured in a boating accident, call us today for a free consultation.
Our Sarasota boating accident lawyer will help with your insurance claim and fight for your future while you work on restoring your health and well-being. We offer support in Spanish, Russian, and Creole, so our diverse Sarasota community can feel understood and cared for.
If we work on your case, you pay us nothing unless we win.