Enjoying time on the water should feel safe and relaxing—especially in a place like Clearwater. But boating accidents can change everything in an instant. One moment, you are fishing, swimming, or heading to a nearby island. The next, you are dealing with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and damage to your property. When another person’s carelessness causes a boating accident, you deserve answers and support. A Clearwater boat accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and recover the compensation you need to move forward.
At Herman & Wells, we are experienced in handling complex injury cases, including accidents involving watercraft. We take the time to understand what happened—staying in regular contact with you, guiding the investigation, and helping you feel confident about every step along the way.
Clearwater’s coastline, bays, and inland waterways attract boaters year-round. From personal watercraft like Jet Skis to fishing boats and yachts, the water stays busy. While boating laws exist to promote safety, they are not always followed. When drivers operate vessels while distracted, impaired, or untrained, the risk of a crash increases significantly.
Common causes of boating accidents in the Clearwater area include:
Boating accidents can lead to severe outcomes—especially when passengers are thrown from the vessel, struck by another boat, or injured by propellers. Many crashes also occur near marinas, docks, or sandbars, where shallow waters and dense traffic create dangerous conditions.
If someone else was responsible for the crash—another boater, a rental company, or even a manufacturer—you may be able to file a personal injury claim. That claim can help cover medical bills, lost income, and the long-term effects of your injuries.
After a boat accident, many people are unsure what to do next. Injuries are often treated at the emergency room and then followed by physical therapy or other long-term care. In the meantime, the financial pressure builds. Filing a claim allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for the harm they caused—and seek compensation for what you have lost.
Your injury claim may cover:
In Florida, there are specific deadlines for filing injury claims. For accidents that occurred after March 24, 2023, the state statute of limitations for negligence is two years. That means you have two years from the date of the boating accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party who was negligent. For accidents that occurred before that date, you may still have four years.
It is also essential to understand that insurance coverage for boating accidents can vary. Some policies provide limited coverage—or none at all. At Herman & Wells, our Clearwater boat accident attorneys handle all communication with the insurance companies—pushing back when they delay, deny, or undervalue your claim.
We bring more than experience—we bring personal commitment. We understand how stressful and painful the aftermath of a serious boating accident can be. That is why we make it a priority to check in with our clients at least once every 30 days—making sure you are informed, heard, and supported.
Recovering after a water vessel collision is not just about healing physically—it is also about reclaiming your peace of mind. Working with a Clearwater boat accident lawyer can help you move forward with clarity, strength, and support.
At Herman & Wells, we are here to make that journey less overwhelming. If you have been injured in a boating accident in Clearwater, we will help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Connect with our team today and start taking control of what comes next.