Yachting Accidents

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.

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.

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.

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.