PRACTICE AREA:

Been in a Boat Accident in Delray Beach?

Expert Advice from a Leading Boat Accident Lawyer

Boat accidents can turn a perfect Delray Beach day on the water into a stressful and life-changing event. The moment something goes wrong, everything becomes chaotic.  

People panic. Boats collide. Injuries happen fast.

Delray Beach is known for bright blue water, boating culture, and busy waterways near places like the Intracoastal, Atlantic Avenue Bridge, the George Bush Blvd. Bridge and the Seagate beach recreation area. With so much activity, the risk of boat accidents increases. 

There are 3 main types of boating accidents:

  1. Traditional Vessel Boat Accidents (motorboats, sailboats, yachts)
  2. Watercraft accidents, like jet skis 
  3. Cruise Ship Accidents 

Which type of accident was YOURS? Understanding your rights and knowing who can help is essential. 

Two boats in an accident off the coast of Delray Beach.
two women in a blue jet ski and a man on a red jet ski crash into each other.

Different Types of Boat Accidents

Powerboat Accidents

These accidents involve traditional vessels like powerboats, yachts, and sailboats. Powerboat accidents can happen fast. These accidents often happen near popular boating routes such as the Delray Harbor Club, Anchor Park with its beach sailboat concession, and the busy intracoastal channels connecting to Boca Raton. Our Delray Beach boat accident lawyer can help you if you were hit by a powerboat or involved in a sailboat accident.

Watercraft Accidents

Other incidents fall under the category of watercraft accidents. These are the fun, but dangerous activities many residents and tourists enjoy. Jet skis can crash or flying water flumes may malfunction. Wakeboarding or tubing can go wrong without the proper boating safety mechanisms in place.

Cruise Ship Accidents

Cruise ship negligence is another major concern. While large cruise lines do not port directly in Delray Beach, many travelers take cruises leaving from nearby Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Injuries can occur on deck, during excursions, or due to unsafe conditions onboard.

David Zappitell, a highly experienced boat accident lawyer in Delray Beach and founder of  Zappitell Law explains, “People think personal watercraft are toys, but they move with incredible force and can cause severe damage when riders lose control.”

Why These Accidents Happen

Boat accidents and watercraft accidents typically happen because someone was careless. Common causes include speeding, failing to follow channel markers, alcohol use, mechanical failure, and inexperienced operation.

In the Delray Beach area near the Intracoastal Waterway, visibility can also be an issue because of heavy boat traffic around bridges and tight turns.

It’s also challenging to navigate the channels in the Intracoastal and canals. The ICW has buoys that indicate to stay on your starboard side or port side. That’s why getting a boating license is so important. There are also non-licensed boaters to look out for.

Weather plays a role, too. Strong winds coming off the ocean near Atlantic Dunes Park or shifting tides by the Gulf Stream can make boats unstable.

Operator distraction is another growing issue. Many people try to use their phones or take videos while driving watercraft. It only takes a moment for an accident to occur.

David Zappitell notes, “The number one problem is inattention. The water demands focus and awareness. If someone is careless, someone else gets hurt.”

What To Do After a Boat Crash

The first priority is safety. 

  1. Move injured people out of the water
  2. Call for emergency help.
  3. Exchange information with the other operator if possible.

Once everyone is safe, it is important to document the situation.

  1. Take photos of the damage.
  2. Record the location.
  3. Speak with witnesses at nearby marinas or waterfront restaurants like Deck 84.

You should then speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands the laws surrounding these accidents. Navigating claims alone is difficult, as insurance companies often try to shift blame or minimize what they owe.

Zappitell Law Firm has helped injured victims throughout Delray Beach recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term treatment. Our team understands the local waterways, the patterns of collisions near Linton Bridge, and the legal responsibilities of every operator.

How Zappitell Law Firm Supports Victims

Zappitell Law Firm is deeply rooted in the Delray Beach community. We combine legal experience with a personal approach that respects each client’s needs.

David Zappitell says, “People come to us after the worst day of their lives. Our job is to make sure they are treated fairly, and their story is heard.”

We investigate every detail, work with maritime experts, and advocate for injured individuals with professionalism and care.

If you or a loved one has been involved in boat accidents or watercraft accidents, choosing a firm grounded in real community knowledge is essential.

Every waterway in Delray Beach has its own risks. Your lawyer should know them.

David Zappitell often says, “When the waterways get crowded, people forget that boats and personal watercraft require the same attention as a vehicle on I-95.”

Contact Us for Support

If you were injured on the water in Delray Beach, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Zappitell Law Firm is here to support you, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Click here or give us a call at (561) 330-6330 to consult a qualified personal injury lawyer who understands both the law and our local waterways.

Q & A: Boat Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after a boat accident?

A: Prioritize safety, call emergency responders, document the scene, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Q: Are jet ski crashes handled the same as boat collisions?

A: They fall under Watercraft Accidents, but they often involve unique factors like rental company responsibility and operator inexperience.

Q: Can I file a claim if I was hurt on a cruise ship?

A: Yes. Cruise ship negligence is a form of water-based injury and can lead to a valid claim.

Q: Why choose a local Delray Beach law firm?

A: Local attorneys understand the waterways, accident patterns, and community details that strengthen your case.

About the Author

David J. Zappitell is a Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and the founder of Zappitell Law Firm in Delray Beach. With decades of experience representing victims of medical malpractice and other personal injury cases, David has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 for his dedication to justice and client advocacy.



Zappitell Law Firm Bicycle Accident lawyers are here to protect all cyclists on Boca Raton and Delray Beach roadways, from Atlantic Ave. to Glades Rd. Whether you use your bike for exercise, to commute, or simply to get some fresh air, we are always here to advocate for your safety. (Florida Statutes 324.023, 768.71-768.81, 324.023)

Free Consultation

Call us 24/7 at (561) 330-6330 or fill out the form.

When you have been seriously injured, you need an attorney you can depend on to protect your best interests. At Zappitell Law Firm, our team of skilled legal professionals is fully equipped to help you with your legal needs. Led by founder and AV-rated* lawyer David J. Zappitell, our firm offers customized legal services and quality resources to our clients. We urge you to complete the contact form below or call us to learn how our team can help you.