From pontoon boats to Jet Skis, chartered fishing boats, sailboats, cargo ships and everything in between, the waterways surrounding Panama City, Destin, and Apalachicola have become busy with maritime traffic.  Unfortunately, not everyone understands the rules of the road when it comes to the high seas, and that can mean you’ll end up injured, even if you’ve done everything right.

Rest assured, the maritime lawyers at Manuel & Thompson DO know the rules of the road, and if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness or neglect, we’ll fight to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

At Manuel & Thompson, our firm has successfully represented people who have been negligently injured in boating accidents, Jet Ski accidents, and other accidents involving watercraft. Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of maritime law and its application on the bays, rivers, and open water surrounding Panama City and across the region, and we are committed to helping victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Boating Accidents

When someone operates a boat or watercraft carelessly, or while intoxicated, and they injure another party in the process, they may be liable for damages.

Many of our lawyers are avid boaters themselves, and we take maritime law seriously. We represent victims of recreational and commercial boating accidents, and our firm is prepared to handle accident claims either through negotiation or in a court of law.

Maritime Law

Many of the same rules apply to watercraft that apply to land-based motor vehicles. For example, product liability rules relating to the crash-worthiness of vehicles also apply to personal watercraft. Florida maritime law requires that boating accidents involving significant injury or property damage in excess of $500 must be reported to local authorities. Compliance with these types of regulations can be greatly aided by the assistance of an experienced maritime law firm. Contact our personal injury attorneys at Manuel & Thompson if you have been injured by the negligence of a boat driver. You may be entitled to compensation for damage to your property or compensation for injuries caused by the collision.

We can be reached by phone at (850) 785-5555, or 1-800-832-7225.