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Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida has long been a boater’s haven. With thousands of lakes, ponds, and miles of fishable rivers year-round, residents and tourists alike can enjoy the many water-based recreational activities that Florida has to offer. Unfortunately, Florida also leads the nation in the number of boating fatalities year after year, with 735 reportable boating accidents resulting in 65 fatalities in 2022, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) annual report.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Winter Haven boating accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Kemp Injury Law proudly represents injured victims and their families when another party’s negligence causes them harm. Injuries from a boating accident can bring physical and emotional trauma that many victims often struggle to overcome, not to mention the financial hardship following an accident.
At Kemp Personal Injury Law, we understand that after an accident, many victims are overwhelmed with the mere thought of pursuing legal action and the many challenges they may face. We believe that victims should be squarely focused on recovering from their injuries after a Winter Haven boating accident, which is why we are dedicated to seeking justice on your behalf and taking the weight off of your shoulders.
If another party has caused a boating accident that led to your injuries, Winter Haven boating accident lawyer Adam Kemp is available to make sure the responsible parties are held liable for their actions and victims are fully compensated for their injuries. Our team at Kemp Injury Law has the experience, dedication, and resources needed to help you recover damages for the physical and emotional trauma you have suffered in a Winter Haven boating accident.
There are over one million vessels registered in the state of Florida alone. Whether you are out fishing, relaxing in the warm weather, or enjoying water sports like jet skiing or wakeboarding, a Winter Haven boating accident can happen in a number of ways under an infinite number of circumstances. However, the FWC’s annual report provides us with data that helps identify some of the most common types of boating accidents, such as:
These are just a few of the main causes of boat accidents in Winter Haven, although there are dozens of factors that could come into play that contribute to an accident. For example, many collisions are also caused by adverse weather and hazardous waters, reckless driving, passenger behavior, and even fires onboard the vessel.
Regardless of what kind of boat accident you were involved in or what the cause of the collision was, our team is here to stand by victims who have been injured or killed because of another party’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been seriously or fatally injured in a Winter Haven boat accident, call us today and see how the team at Kemp Injury Law can help make a difference.
If you or a loved one have been seriously or fatally injured in a Winter Haven boat accident, contact us today and see how our experienced team can help you claim the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
The types of injuries victims may sustain in a boating accident are often similar to those that occur in a car accident, with the added risk of drowning injuries. Passengers involved in a Winter Haven boating accident, especially when reckless driving or speeding are a factor, may experience serious injuries. Some common boating accident injuries in Winter Haven include:
Every accident is different, and victims may suffer from these injuries and more depending on the severity of the crash. Many victims are fortunate enough to walk away with minor injuries like sprains, strains, or small lacerations. However, not all victims can be so lucky.
Related: Can Alcohol Use Impact Your Florida Boating Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a Winter Haven boating accident because of another driver or party’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. At Kemp Personal Injury Law, we help injured victims recover damages for the economic and noneconomic losses caused by their accident, including:
If your accident has left you seriously injured or permanently disabled, unable to enjoy life or your hobbies the way you once were, our team can also help you seek compensation for a loss of enjoyment of life.
We also cater to other personal injury accident cases in Winter Haven, ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve, regardless of the type of accident they have endured. We specialize in cases such as:
If you have lost a loved one in a Winter Haven boat accident, our team is also here to provide compassionate legal support and help you pursue a wrongful death claim.
If you have been injured or lost a family member in a Winter Haven boating accident because of another party’s negligence, the team at Kemp Injury Law is committed to helping you seek justice. As a former prosecuting attorney and associate at one of the largest personal injury firms in America, attorney Adam Kemp is dedicated to using his extensive litigation experience and considerable resources to ensure that victims are fully and fairly compensated for their physical and emotional injuries.
An experienced Winter Haven boat accident attorney like Adam Kemp can help strengthen your case in a number of different ways, including:
At Kemp Injury Law, we work hard to develop a personal relationship with each one of our clients, helping ensure that the legal process is less stressful and intimidating than it seems. We offer our clients in Winter Haven the personalized care and attention that they deserve, and that many of the larger firms are simply unable to provide.
When you partner with Kemp Injury Law, you will have a dedicated personal injury team in your corner, fighting to secure you the maximum compensation, protect your rights, and get you on a road toward recovery. If negotiations with the insurance company fail, we are prepared to help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Come see why injured victims in Winter Haven have continually trusted Kemp Injury Law to handle their personal injury cases.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, contact an experienced Winter Haven boating lawyer at Kemp Injury Law to discuss your legal options. We understand that the impact of a boat accident extends beyond just the physical challenges, often causing financial hardship and emotional trauma as well. It is our mission to make sure that victims receive the maximum compensation available for their injuries, handling personal injury cases in Winter Haven, Lakeland, and throughout Polk County, Florida.
Florida law typically allows victims four years from the date of their boat accident to file a claim, though it is recommended that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to have the highest chances of securing the maximum compensation. Those who have lost a family member in a Winter Haven boat accident will have two years from the time of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact our team at Kemp Injury Law today for your free initial consultation by calling (863) 302-9978 or by filling out our convenient online contact form. We take great pride in helping injured victims and families in Winter Haven defend their rights and recover the compensation they deserve.
Yes in a common scenario. Florida law says a person may not operate a vessel less than 26 feet unless every person under 6 years of age on board is wearing a USCG-approved personal flotation device while the vessel is underway (not anchored, moored, made fast to shore, or aground).
Determining liability in a boat accident depends on several factors, including negligence, reckless operation, or violations of Florida boating laws. The boat operator, the vessel owner, a rental company, or even a manufacturer could be held responsible if their actions or equipment defects contributed to the accident. If the accident was caused by a drunk or distracted boater, they could be held legally accountable for damages. Florida follows comparative negligence laws, meaning multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your case and help determine who should be held liable for your injuries.
In Florida, you generally have four years from the date of a boat accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in wrongful death, the deadline is reduced to two years. Failing to file within the statute of limitations can forfeit your right to seek compensation. Some exceptions may apply, such as cases involving government entities or minors, which could alter the deadline. Consulting an experienced boating accident attorney can help ensure you meet all legal requirements. It’s best to take action as soon as possible to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
No, you do not necessarily need to prove impairment—but showing the other boater was intoxicated can significantly strengthen your case. Florida law prohibits boating under the influence, and when intoxication is involved, it often demonstrates negligence per se. However, cases can also rely on other forms of negligence, such as reckless navigation, improper lookout, or failure to maintain safe speeds. Evidence like eyewitness reports, official citations, or police/FDWCC findings can bolster claims of impairment. Even without intoxication, expert testimony on safe navigation and vessel maintenance can support your claim. A knowledgeable boating accident attorney will evaluate all evidence to determine the best path forward to maximize your compensation.
Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of a boating accident can affect your claim—but it doesn’t prevent recovery. Florida law may require PFDs depending on the type of vessel and passenger circumstances (e.g., for children, type of watercraft). If an injured party was not wearing a required PFD, opposing counsel may argue comparative negligence to reduce liability. Nonetheless, failing to wear a PFD does not necessarily bar compensation, particularly if the other party’s negligence was the primary cause. An attorney can argue that the defendant’s conduct was the overriding factor, despite any contributory actions. Ensuring accurate accident scene documentation and expert analysis can help protect your full compensation.
Yes. Emotional trauma—such as anxiety, PTSD, or fear of returning to water—can be included in your compensation claim, alongside physical injuries. Florida law allows recovery for both economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. To support emotional trauma claims, documentation from mental health professionals (therapists or psychologists), personal journals, and testimony from loved ones can be valuable. Boating accident attorneys often collaborate with medical experts to portray the full emotional impact of the accident. Courts and insurers evaluate these claims case-by-case, considering severity and evidence. Proper legal representation ensures emotional damages are not overlooked in your recovery.
A boat accident attorney can handle the legal complexities of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. They can determine liability, assess the full extent of your damages, and build a strong claim on your behalf. If the opposing party disputes fault or their insurance company offers a low settlement, having a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Additionally, they can ensure that all legal documents are filed correctly and within Florida’s statute of limitations. If you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for experienced legal guidance.
