Miami-Dade County ranks high on the national charts for the number of boating accidents. In fact, as a state Florida historically has had the highest number of boating accidents, injuries and fatalities in the country. An abundance of sunshine and waterways lures boaters and personal watercraft (PWC) owners outdoors for fun and relaxation with friends on Florida’s beaches, lakes and canals.

Unfortunately, boating fun can turn fatal quickly and unexpectedly. If you or someone you know has been injured in a boat or personal watercraft accident on Florida’s waterways, the Coral Gables boating and personal injury law firm of Patino & Associates can help.

Our first step in a boating death or injury is to thoroughly investigate the facts. We understand that the most common causes of boating accidents include:

• Absence or misuse of life jackets and other safety devices
• Alcohol use or "boating while intoxicated" (BWI)
• Collisions with other boats
• Crashes involving fixed objects (buoys, channel markers or docks)
• Excessive speed
• Faulty equipment
• Ignorance of basic rules of the waterway
• Improper boat or personal watercraft operation
• Inadequate safety systems
• Insufficient boater training
• Lack or failure of personal flotation devices (PFD)
• Limited or inaccurate local waterway knowledge
• Navigation equipment failure
• Operator inattention or recklessness
• Passenger or skier behavior
• Poor vision

The experienced boating and personal injury attorneys at Patino & Associates know the local, state, and federal boating regulations. When something goes wrong, we determine if the fault is due to equipment failure, poor signage, or someone’s negligence.

We focus on helping you and your family collect financial compensation if your accident is due to the fault of others. We defend your rights when it comes to collecting reimbursement for lost wages, medical expenses or pain and suffering.

Contact an experienced boating and personal injury attorney at Patino & Associates, located in Coral Gables, Florida. Our phone number is 305-443-6163. Our law office is in Miami-Dade County just outside of Miami. Read about some of our aviation accident cases on our verdicts and settlements page. 

We Accept Attorney Referrals

There is no greater compliment than a referral from a fellow attorney. Your confidence in our expertise will be honored with the best possible representation in the case.

Patino & Associates offers attorney referral programs consistent with the Florida Bar regulations. Call our office at 305-443-6163 or complete our attorney referral form for more information.