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Yachting Accidents

Boating Collision Attorneys Serving the Greater Miami Area

Although still quite a luxury, yachting has become more popular over the years. Tourists, residents, and others may be able to charter a yacht to explore the waterways off of South Florida. Unfortunately, with this rise in popularity, so is the potential for accidents onboard or between yachts and other boats. Owners and operators of yachts have the responsibility to maintain the safety of those onboard, including passengers and crew. When one of those parties fails to adhere to safety regulations, maritime rules, or take other reasonable actions, serious injuries can result. Miami boat accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims who have been injured in yachting collisions gather evidence and investigate the events leading up to their injuries. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we offer dedicated and experienced legal guidance for clients throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as in other communities in South Florida. If you’ve been injured or a loved one has suffered a fatal injury as a result of a yachting accident, please contact our office to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about your legal rights and options.

Florida Yachting Accidents

Yachts vary in sizes, with cabin cruisers sometimes measuring 33 feet long and super or mega yachts ranging from 80 to over 160 feet long. On a yacht of any size, passengers and crew can encounter dangerous conditions when proper care is not exercised. Injuries such as drowning, broken bones, and head trauma can occur when a person is a victim of a yachting accident. Different factors may cause these injuries, including vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall accidents, and a lack of proper safety devices onboard. Alcohol is also often involved in accidents related to yachts, with either passengers being too inebriated to maintain their own safety, or yacht staff being under the influence and unable to engage in proper protocols.

Yachting Accidents and Negligence

Many yachting accidents are the result of a boat owner, operator, or crew member’s negligent actions. For example, a passenger who slips and breaks a bone as a result of a crewmember’s failure to warn or clean up a spill may have a premises liability claim against that crewmember, or those responsible for training him or her. Most yacht accidents occur on “navigable” waters, which refers to waterways that lead to the ocean, and are therefore governed by maritime law. These regulations impose a duty of reasonable care on vessel owners and operators, which are owed to any on-board guest. This duty requires that the vessel be maintained in a reasonably safe manner, and that owners and operators act as reasonable and prudent people would according to industry standards. As such, if a yacht owner fails to make proper inspections, or hires staff that is not equipped to deal with the type of yacht they are operating, and this leads to a guest’s injuries, that owner can be held accountable for damages that result. Federal maritime law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on any personal injury claims. This may seem like a long time, however, it is wise to consult a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible following an accident to ensure that the proper evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.

Lawyers Serving Boat Accident Victims in Miami

Victims injured in yachting accidents may be entitled to damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Injury attorney Robert Dixon is committed to helping plaintiffs seek to hold the parties responsible for such accidents and injuries bear the financial burden so that victims can focus on healing. If you’ve been injured, or a loved one has died in an accident involving a yacht, please contact the Law Offices of Robert Dixon at 877.499.4878 or online to speak with an attorney and set up a free, no obligation consultation about your potential claims. We represent clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Thank you to Robert Dixon & Kristopher Torres for an amazing experience handling with my first injury lawsuit. Very much hassle-free and down to earth experience working with this law firm. I would definitely use them again! My case was settled and I am satisfied with the results! Glad to have them fighting on my behalf." Diamond Epps
★★★★★
"This firm goes out of there way to make sure all of your needs are met. They are wonderful and within a year, my settlement was reached. In addition, I never waited more than a couple hours for someone to get back with me. I highly suggest this firm." Melissa Ellis
★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with attorney Torres when I was involved in a car accident last year. He was always checking up on me, always making sure that I was getting the proper treatment that I needed. Whenever I called the office everyone was so nice and willing to help me. I'm glad he was my attorney and thank you for such a wonderful service from you and your firm." Natalie J.
★★★★★
"I'd like to say that the Law Office of Robert Dixon has been great to work with since the inception of my case back in 2016. Robert and team made me feel rest assured that patience would constitute a much larger settlement and that truly was the case. ... I highly recommend this law firm for anyone needing help from a very compassionate team of hard workers. Thanks again everyone for this positive experience as this was my first time ever dealing with the courts or a law firm...." Paul Carlson
★★★★★
"Jodie, Jennifer and the WHOLE Team are AWESOME! Everyone I have spoken to, have been very professional, patient and kind. The ladies take their time to ensure you understand everything that is happening every step of the way. Each time I would have a question, they were available via e-mail or a quick phone call." Nathalie Perez
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