boat accidents

September 20, 2023

How Do I Report a Miami Boating Accident?

Whether you love fishing, cruising, adventure sports, or other water-based fun, you cannot beat the year-round beautiful boating weather in Miami. With no end to the season, the waterways of South Florida attract both residents and visitors. Despite being a responsible boat operator, it is still possible to be involved in an accident, considering the crowds, weather, and water conditions. In most cases, you should report to the Florida Division of Law Enforcement, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC).

However, sheriff’s offices in South Florida have robust, well-equipped water safety and rescue divisions. You can call 911 to get them mobilized, and the US Coast Guard is also an option. Once you report the incident, there are additional steps to take. The first is retaining a Miami boating accidents attorney, but you should also keep in mind the following To-Do’s.

Seek Medical Treatment: It is critical to get appropriate attention for injuries right away, even if you do not initially think you are hurt badly. The ER is for life-threatening trauma, such as excessive bleeding, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing. For injuries that are less serious, you may opt for an urgent care center or your primary care physician for same-day treatment. No matter where you decide to treat, visit a physician at minimum within two days.

September 23, 2020

South Florida Leads the State in Personal Watercraft Fatalities and Injuries

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Thousands of residents and visitors flock to the warm waters of South Florida to enjoy the scenery while riding a personal watercraft (PWC). You may know these vehicles by their common names, such as waverunners and jet skis; they are popular as a mode of transportation as well as recreation. However, whether you own your own craft or rent from one of the many companies that line the beaches from West Palm Beach down to Miami, there are risks involved with PWCs. Statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are proof: The counties along Florida’s southern coastline rank high for fatal and injury-causing PWC accidents.

Many of these incidents are the result of careless, reckless acts, and could have been prevented through the exercise of due caution. If you were injured on a PWC because of someone else’s negligence, you should get in touch with a Miami boating and marine accidents lawyer right away. Some background information may also be helpful.

Common Causes of PWC Accidents

June 6, 2017

Boating Accidents in Miami

by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Miami Boating Accidents Often Result in Serious Injuries

At Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., our maritime accident lawyers represent the victims of serious boating accidents and injuries. We understand the complexities of maritime law and know how to hold negligent boat operators, manufacturers, cruise lines, marinas, and others who operate in the recreational boating industry responsible for their actions.

The recent death of Jose Fernandez gained significant attention locally and nationally. Hernandez, who was under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol crashed his boat into a large group of rocks located on South East side of Government Cut. Accidents like these are preventable and avoidable. Hernandez’s death has resulted in a high profile wrongful death lawsuit. The allegations in that lawsuit filed in Miami Dade County Circuit Court, highlight the many dangers and types of reckless conduct that can result in boat accident fatalities. Our injury lawyers urge all boat operators and passengers to exercise extreme caution this boating season.