(321) 242-7000
A sunny day on the Indian River Lagoon or a cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway can quickly turn into a nightmare. One moment you’re enjoying the breeze and the next, a collision, sudden wave, or reckless operator changes everything.
Unfortunately, boating accidents occur basically anywhere there are navigable waterways. Florida is no exception. The navigable waterways around Brevard County are pretty busy. This means that there are swimmers, boaters, surfers, and divers, all doing what they love the do in the same medium.
With this many people in the water, there are going to be collisions. People will get hurt and property will get damaged. It’s an unfortunate reality.
In 2025, Florida recorded 694 reportable boating accidents resulting in 51 fatalities and 439 injuries. While exact local numbers for Brevard County vary year to year, the area’s heavy boating traffic near Melbourne, Indialantic, Satellite Beach, and Port Canaveral makes these incidents a real risk for residents and visitors alike.
If You are in a Boating Accident
If you or someone you know or love is injured in a boating accident here is what you should do.
Ensure Safety First – Your health should be your priority. Get seen by a medical professional as soon as humanly possible. Do not wait. You may feel fine but as is often the case, injuries can go unnoticed. Serious physical injuries can be masked by adrenaline. Get checked out and get all the scans you can.
Report the Accident — Under Florida law, you must report accidents involving injury, death, disappearance, or property damage of $2,000 or more. Notify the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or local law enforcement as soon as possible. Written reports are typically required within 48 hours for serious incidents (or up to 10 days in some cases).
Document Everything – Take pictures, take names, and get insurance information. You won’t be able to go back and have a “do over”. Get as much information possible at the scene of the accident.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone — Do not give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer without legal advice. Insurance companies (especially boat insurers) often try to minimize payouts. We have seen it a million times where accident victims are contacted by the insurance company and what seems like a harmless conversation is used against them later. Don’t let that happen to you.
Contact an Attorney – An attorney will take your case and make sure to get you on the right track to being properly and fairly compensated. A personal injury attorney in Melbourne doesn’t get paid unless you do. They basically work for free unless you are compensated.
Common Injuries from Boating Accidents
Boating crashes often lead to serious, life-altering injuries because there’s little protection on the water:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Lacerations from propellers or debris
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)
Many victims face long recovery periods, lost wages, and ongoing medical needs.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability in boating accidents can extend beyond just the other boat operator. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The at-fault boat driver
- Boat owners (if they allowed an unqualified person to operate)
- Rental companies or marinas
- Manufacturers (for defective parts or design flaws)
- Employers (in cases involving commercial vessels)