Southwest Florida Boating Accident Lawyers | Naples & Fort Myers
Injured in a boating accident in Southwest Florida waters? Cardinal Law represents victims of marine accidents throughout Naples Bay, Estero Bay, Caloosahatchee River, and Gulf Coast waters.
Get Your Free Marine Accident ConsultationBoating Accidents in Southwest Florida Waters
Southwest Florida's extensive waterways attract millions of recreational boaters annually, but with this popularity comes increased accident risks. From Naples Bay to the Caloosahatchee River, our waters see significant marine traffic that can lead to serious accidents.
Lee County alone reported 35 boating accidents in 2024, with nearly 50,000 registered vessels navigating local waters. Collier County adds another 25,000+ registered boats to the mix, creating high-traffic conditions in popular areas like Estero Bay and Naples Bay.
If you've been injured in a boating accident in Southwest Florida, you need experienced maritime attorneys who understand both Florida boating laws and local waterway conditions.
Common Boating Accidents in Southwest Florida
Our maritime attorneys handle all types of boating accidents throughout Southwest Florida's waterways.
- ✓Boat Collisions with Other Vessels
- ✓Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Accidents
- ✓Propeller Strike Injuries
- ✓Falls Overboard and Drowning
- ✓Dock and Marina Accidents
- ✓Water Skiing and Tubing Accidents
- ✓Fishing Vessel Accidents
- ✓Charter Boat and Commercial Vessel Accidents
High-Risk Waterways in Southwest Florida
Naples Bay Area
High-traffic waterway with numerous marinas and restaurants. Popular destinations like Naples City Dock see heavy boat traffic, especially during season.
- • Naples City Dock
- • Hamilton Harbor Marina
- • Naples Bay Resort
- • Bayfront area congestion
Estero Bay
Known as Southwest Florida's most amenity-rich marina area, but shallow waters and high traffic create accident risks.
- • Shallow water navigation
- • Heavy weekend traffic
- • Multiple marina access points
- • Manatee protection zones
Caloosahatchee River
Major boating corridor connecting inland areas to the Gulf, with commercial and recreational traffic mixing.
- • Commercial vessel traffic
- • Bridge clearance issues
- • Current and tidal factors
- • Fort Myers riverfront area
Compensation for Boating Accident Injuries
Medical Expenses
Coverage for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment for boating accident injuries, including specialized marine trauma care.
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost due to boating accident injuries, including future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
Pain and Suffering
Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life caused by your boating accident.
Property Damage
Recovery for damage to your vessel, personal property, and equipment damaged in the boating accident.
Florida Boating Laws & Liability
Operator Requirements
- • Boating safety education required for operators born after 1/1/1988
- • Valid Boater Education ID for vessels 10HP or greater
- • Age restrictions for different vessel types
- • Mandatory safety equipment requirements
- • Alcohol limits (0.08 BAC) strictly enforced
Accident Reporting
- • Must report injury, death, or disappearance immediately
- • Property damage over $2,000 requires reporting
- • 48-hour window for filing with FWC
- • Leaving scene of accident penalties increased
- • Commercial operators have additional insurance requirements
Our Maritime Legal Process
We handle every aspect of your boating accident case with specialized maritime law expertise.
Emergency Response
We provide 24/7 response for fresh boating accidents in Southwest Florida waters, ensuring critical evidence preservation.
Marine Investigation
Our team conducts thorough investigation of the accident scene, vessel conditions, and waterway factors with marine experts.
Medical Documentation
We work with medical professionals experienced in marine injuries to document your condition and treatment needs.
Liability Analysis
We identify all responsible parties including vessel operators, owners, manufacturers, and marine service providers.
Insurance Negotiation
We handle complex marine insurance claims and negotiate with multiple insurance companies for maximum compensation.
Maritime Litigation
If necessary, we take your case to trial with extensive experience in Florida maritime law and boating regulations.
Why Choose Cardinal Law for Your Boating Accident Case?
Boating accidents require specialized knowledge of maritime law, waterway conditions, and marine industry standards.
- ✓Specialized Southwest Florida Maritime Experience
- ✓Deep Knowledge of Local Waterways and Hazards
- ✓Immediate Response to Fresh Accidents
- ✓Network of Marine Industry Expert Witnesses
- ✓Proven Track Record in Boating Cases
- ✓Understanding of Florida Boating Laws
- ✓No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
- ✓Available 24/7 for Marine Emergencies
Boating Accident Case Results
Our maritime legal team has secured substantial recoveries for boating accident victims throughout Southwest Florida.
Propeller Strike
$2.8M settlement for traumatic amputation injury
Vessel Collision
$1.9M verdict for spinal cord injuries
Jet Ski Accident
$1.4M settlement for brain injury
What to Do After a Boating Accident
Immediate Actions
- • Ensure everyone's safety - call 911 if needed
- • Account for all passengers and crew
- • Move vessels to safety if possible
- • Document the scene with photos
- • Exchange information with other operators
- • Contact Coast Guard or FWC if required
Protect Your Rights
- • Contact Cardinal Law immediately
- • Preserve all evidence and documentation
- • Seek medical attention even for minor injuries
- • Avoid giving statements to insurance companies
- • Keep detailed records of all expenses
- • Do not admit fault or sign any documents
Boating Accident FAQ
Southwest Florida Marine Accident Legal Services
Cardinal Law represents boating accident victims throughout Southwest Florida's waterways including:
Injured in a Southwest Florida Boating Accident?
Don't navigate maritime law alone. Contact our experienced Southwest Florida boating accident lawyers today for immediate assistance and a free consultation.
Get Your Free Marine Accident ConsultationWondering What Your Case May Be Worth?
Let's work on your case together
Through 13 years of experience and multi-millions recovered for our clients we offer the most premium legal services.
Visit Our Florida Offices
Cardinal Law has offices throughout Florida to serve you better. Our main office is in Naples, with additional locations by appointment.
Naples Office
Main Office9045 Strada Stell Court
Suite 305
Naples, FL 34109
Orlando Office
200 E Robinson Street
Suite 1120
Orlando, FL 32801
Tampa Office
401 East Jackson Street
Suite 2340
Tampa, FL 33602
Miami Office
848 Brickell Avenue
Suite PH5
Miami, FL 33131
Fort Myers Office
5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd
Suite 511
Fort Myers, FL 33907
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