What Happens If a Boat Hits a Bridge?

Florida’s waterways are among the busiest in the country, and with that comes increased risks. One of the most sudden and serious accidents on the water involves a vessel striking a fixed structure. These accidents are known as allisions. Bridge allisions are more common than most people realize. When a boat hits a bridge, the consequences can range from significant property damage to life-altering injuries for everyone on board. Understanding what causes these accidents, what the law requires, and what your options are can make an enormous difference in protecting your rights after a bridge allision.

Mase Seitz Briggs has been representing seriously injured boating accident victims in Miami and throughout South Florida for over 30 years. Our maritime lawyers have tried hundreds of boating accident cases and recovered millions for injury survivors and their families. If you or someone you know was hurt when a boat struck a bridge, or any other fixed object or structure, call us today at (305) 377-3770 for a free consultation.

Understanding Boats and Bridge Accidents in Florida

Florida has thousands of miles of navigable waterways, canals, inlets, and coastal passages, many of which pass beneath fixed or drawbridge structures. The combination of high recreational boating traffic, varying tidal conditions, and inconsistent operator experience creates a real risk of vessel-to-bridge contact. These accidents are rarely minor. A boat traveling at high-speed that strikes a bridge piling, support beam, or the underside of a span can cause catastrophic structural damage to the vessel and serious injury to passengers and crew. In some cases, bridge infrastructure can also be damaged, which can trigger additional legal exposure for the vessel operator.

Several bridges in and around Miami are particularly known for posing clearance challenges to boaters:

The Venetian Causeway bridges crossing Biscayne Bay are among the most restricted on the entire Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The Venetian Causeway Bridge (West) has a closed vertical clearance of just 12 feet, while the Venetian Causeway Bridge (East) has a closed vertical clearance of only 5 feet. Both are drawbridges that must be opened for most vessels, and a failure to request an opening in time can result in a direct strike.
The Broad Causeway Bridge in North Biscayne Bay is the first of five restricted Miami spans, with a closed vertical clearance of just 16 feet.
The West 79th Street Bridge carries a closed vertical clearance of 21 feet, which can become a problem for taller vessels during high tide or elevated water conditions.
The Julia Tuttle Causeway in Miami is a notable exception among fixed ICW bridges. While most fixed bridges on the Florida Atlantic ICW clear 65 feet, the Julia Tuttle Causeway Bridge in Miami sits at just 56 feet, making it a concern for larger vessels.

The primary causal factor identified was the lack of accurate air draft data being made available to the responsible captain or seaman. Air draft refers to the distance from the waterline to the highest point on the vessel, and misjudging it, especially when tidal fluctuations reduce bridge clearance, is one of the most common reasons boats collide with bridges in South Florida.

Common Causes of Bridge Strikes

Most bridge strikes are preventable. They typically result from operator error, equipment failure, or poor conditions that were not properly accounted for before getting underway. Common causes include:

Vessel or bridge operator inattention or distraction
Alcohol or drug impairment
Failure to check or correctly interpret bridge clearance charts
Misjudging tidal height changes that reduce available clearance
Mechanical failure of a drawbridge or bascule bridge that does not open in time
Excessive vessel speed in restricted or congested waterways
Inadequate knowledge of the vessel’s air draft (height above the waterline)
Poor visibility due to weather, fog, or nighttime conditions

Height Limits and Clearance Requirements for Boats

Every fixed bridge in Florida has a posted vertical clearance, which reflects the distance between the water’s surface at mean high water and the lowest point of the bridge structure. That clearance is not constant. Tidal fluctuations, storm surge, and heavy rainfall can all reduce the available space beneath a bridge, sometimes significantly. Boat operators are responsible for knowing their vessel’s air draft and verifying that it is compatible with the bridges along their planned route.

What to Do If Your Boat Hits a Bridge

The moments immediately following a bridge strike are critical. Taking the right steps can protect your safety, preserve your legal rights, and ensure compliance with Florida law. If your boat hits a bridge, you should:

Check all passengers and crew for injuries and contact the U.S. Coast Guard or dial 911 if anyone is hurt.
Notify the bridge operator.
Do not leave the scene.
Document the damage to your vessel and the bridge with videos or photographs if it is safe to do so.
Collect contact and insurance information from any other operators involved or any witnesses.
Preserve any navigation equipment, logs, or electronic records from the vessel.
Contact a Miami maritime accident lawyer before providing statements to insurers or investigators.

Common Injuries from Boat-Bridge Allisions

The forces involved in a vessel striking a fixed structure can be violent and sudden. Passengers who are standing, seated near the bow, or not holding on may have little to no warning before impact. Common injuries in boat-bridge collisions include:

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Neck and spinal cord injuries
Fractures, particularly to the arms, wrists, and collarbone, from impact or bracing
Lacerations from broken glass, fiberglass, or structural debris
Soft tissue injuries to the back, neck, and shoulders
Drowning or near-drowning if passengers are thrown overboard
Internal injuries from blunt force trauma
Possible death

Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Symptoms of concussion or internal bleeding may not present until hours after the accident. Anyone involved in a bridge allision should seek medical evaluation promptly, even if you feel fine at the moment.

Who May Be Liable in a Bridge Strike?

The vessel operator
The vessel owner
A charter company or boat rental operator
A bridge authority or government entity
A boat manufacturer

Why Experience in Maritime and Boat Accident Law Matters

Not every personal injury firm is equipped to handle maritime cases. Accidents on navigable waters follow specialized legal obligations, and choosing a lawyer without a background in maritime law and personal injury can leave money on the table or derail a valid claim entirely.

The attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs have handled admiralty and maritime cases since our firm was founded in 1997.

If you were injured when your boat hit a bridge, or if you lost a family member in a maritime incident, reach out to our Miami personal injury and maritime lawyers. Contact us today at (305) 377-3770 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we secure compensation for you.

When the Unthinkable Happens: What to Do if Your Boat Capsizes

A boat capsizing is one of the most dangerous emergencies a boater can face. Whether caused by rough conditions, overloading, or mechanical failure, a capsized vessel places passengers at immediate risk of injury, exposure, and drowning. Knowing what to do in those first moments can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries.

After the immediate danger has passed, many families are left with questions about medical bills, lost income, and whether the incident could have been prevented. Mase Seitz Briggs’ experienced boat accident lawyers help injured boaters and passengers understand their legal rights under Florida maritime law. As a trusted Florida boating accident lawyer, our attorneys can assist clients in identifying liability and pursuing compensation when negligence plays a role in capsizing accidents.

Immediate Survival Steps: Life Saving Protocol on the Water

Safety is the top priority after your boat capsizes. Panic and disorganization can quickly turn a survivable situation into a fatal one. Following established boating safety guidance can dramatically improve outcomes.

Key survival steps include:

Remaining calm and conserving energy. Depending on where you are, rescue could take a while.
Ensuring all passengers have flotation devices. Always double-check life vests before embarking.
Staying visible to nearby vessels. A floating person looks like a speck out in the water. Staying near your vessel can protect you from further injuries.

Stay with the Vessel: The "Floating Island" Rule

In most capsizing situations, experts advise staying with the boat unless it is unsafe to do so. Even when overturned, a vessel is easier for rescuers to spot than individuals in open water. No matter whether your boat is a larger vessel or a personal water craft, it is best to stay near them while deploying visibility and rescue measures.

Staying with the vessel helps by:

Providing flotation and reducing exhaustion
Making it easier for rescuers to locate you
Offering shelter from waves and wind

Exceptions may exist if the boat is sinking in fast-moving water or poses an immediate danger, but in most Florida boating accidents, remaining with the vessel improves survival odds.

Account for All Passengers and Signal for Help

Once immediate flotation is secured, account for everyone on board. Injuries are common during capsizing events, including head trauma, fractures, and lacerations.

Steps to take include:

Calling out to confirm all passengers are present
Checking for injuries and providing basic aid if possible
Using whistles, mirrors, flares, or emergency radios to signal for help (VHF channel 16)

After rescue, Florida law requires compliance with FWC boat accident reporting requirements if injuries, deaths, or significant property damage occurred.

Common Causes of Capsizing: Beyond Sudden Storms

While weather is often blamed for capsizing incidents, many accidents occur in calm or moderately rough conditions due to preventable factors. Understanding these causes is important when evaluating liability.

Common contributors include:

Overloading beyond the vessel’s capacity
Improper weight distribution
Sharp turns at high speed
Wake interaction with larger vessels
Mechanical or steering failure
Inexperience when operating rented boats

Negligent boat operation in Florida is a frequent factor in capsizing accidents, especially when operators lack training or disregard safety guidelines.

Determining Liability: Who is Responsible for a Capsizing Accident?

When injuries occur, determining who is responsible becomes a legal question governed by Florida maritime law. Liability depends on the cause of the capsizing and the actions of those involved.

A Florida boating accident lawyer can investigate the facts and identify whether negligence or product defects played a role.

Operator Negligence and Overloading

Boat operators have a legal duty to operate vessels safely and within manufacturer guidelines. Violations of this duty may establish liability.

Examples include:

Carrying more passengers than allowed
Ignoring posted weather warnings
Operating at unsafe speeds
Making abrupt maneuvers in congested waterways

A boat accident lawyer may pursue claims when operators fail to follow capacity limits or basic safety practices, leading to capsizing and injuries.

Rental Company and Manufacturer Liability

In some cases, responsibility extends beyond the operator. Rental companies and even boat part manufacturers may also be held accountable.

Potential liability scenarios include:

Rental companies failing to provide safety instructions, proper training and instruction, or proper equipment
Poor vessel maintenance or mechanical defects
Defective boat design that compromises stability
Faulty safety equipment

Marine product liability and defective boat design lawsuits may apply when structural or manufacturing flaws contribute to capsizing accidents.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Maritime Injury Claims

Maritime injury claims differ from standard personal injury cases. Jurisdiction, applicable law, and damage calculations can vary depending on where the accident occurred and the type of vessel involved.

Legal representation is especially important when dealing with:

Serious injuries requiring long term medical care
Maritime wrongful death claims
Disputes with insurers or rental companies
Multiple liable parties

A Miami maritime attorney can gather evidence, consult marine safety experts, and navigate the maritime and Florida state law.

Trust the Maritime Attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs

Mase Seitz Briggs brings decades of experience handling maritime injury cases throughout South Florida. Our firm understands how quickly a routine boating trip can turn into a life altering event and provides steady legal support during uncertain times.

The firm assists clients by:

Investigating capsizing accidents and vessel conditions
Reviewing FWC reports and witness statements
Identifying operator, rental, or manufacturer negligence
Pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat capsizing accident, speaking with a Florida boating accident lawyer can help clarify your options and protect your rights. To speak directly with our firm, contact us today at (305) 377-3770 to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

Fatal Biscayne Bay Barge Collision: A Preventable Tragedy and the Fight for Accountability

On the morning of July 28, 2025, a devastating and preventable collision unfolded in Biscayne Bay near Hibiscus Island. A commercial barge—a massive steel vessel with limited visibility and maneuverability—plowed into a small sailboat carrying five children and an adult counselor. The sailboat, part of a summer sailing camp operated by the Miami Yacht Club, stood no chance. A witness described the scene: “all the kids went flying off.” Some of the kids and the sailboat itself were crushed underneath the barge.

First responders acted immediately, diving into the bay to recover the sailboat’s passengers. All six passengers were pulled from the water within the hour. Tragically, two children, a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old, were killed. Two other children are clinging to life in critical condition. The camp counselor and one child survived with no reported physical injuries.

This was not a freak accident. This was a failure to uphold the most basic standards of care on our waterways.

A Collision of Negligence

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is already clear: this tragedy could and should have been prevented. The question now is who is responsible and how they will be held accountable.

Sailboat Operator and Sailing Club

The Miami Yacht Club’s summer sailing camp placed an adult counselor in charge of five children in a busy commercial waterway. And based on preliminary reports, the sailboat may have been outside its permitted sailing zone. That raises questions:

Why was the sailboat in harm’s way?
Did the sailboat have the right of way?
Did the camp counselor have proper training and certification? and
Were there effective safety protocols in place to prevent this type of catastrophe?

If the answer to any of those questions is “no,” then the Miami Yacht Club may be responsible for these children’s deaths.

Depending on the outcome of the Coast Guard’s investigation, the sailing club could face liability under several legal theories:

Negligent Supervision: failure by the counselor to maintain awareness and respond to obvious danger.
Negligent Training & Failure to Warn: Claims may be brought for failure to properly train counselors or warn about the potential dangers associated with sailing in high-traffic areas.
Vicarious Liability: The club could also be vicariously liable for the camp counselor’s reckless or negligent actions.
Wrongful Death: Families of the deceased children may pursue claims based on the club’s role in causing this catastrophe.

The Barge

Commercial barge and tugboat operators are trained, licensed professionals. They have a duty to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances to avoid collisions with other vessels. If visibility and maneuverability were limited, they may have had a duty to have a lookout. Yet despite this the massive barge crushed a sailboat carrying children. Questions that must be answered:

Was a proper lookout maintained from the barge and tug?
Was the vessel traveling at a safe speed, given the location, maneuverability and visibility?
Were warnings issued, or was this a silent, blind collision?

If the barge crew or tugboat operators failed in even one of these duties, the potential claims include:

Negligence: Failing to keep a proper lookout and travel at an appropriate speed, given its limited maneuverability and visibility, may constitute negligence.
Failure to Warn: If the vessel did not issue appropriate sound signals or radio warnings before the crash, this could support a negligence claim of failure to warn.
Wrongful Death: As with the sailing club, if the barge operator’s actions are found to have contributed to the children’s deaths, the families may have grounds to bring wrongful death claims.

Who Had the Right of Way?

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. Some may argue that the barge had the right of way. Rule 3 of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules does grant exceptions to vessels restricted in maneuverability, but also requires they keep a proper lookout including posting someone where they can see the surroundings if visibility is restricted.

Even vessels engaged in towing have a duty to proceed with vigilance and caution, especially in waters known to host children’s sailboats.

Though the facts are still developing, additional considerations such as the position of the sailboat and barge in the bay, how fast each vessel was moving, and whether either vessel was operating in an area where they shouldn’t have been will be key in determining which vessel was at fault. Ultimately, this devastating accident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise on the water, especially in Florida’s busy waterways. This is not just a case about maritime law. It is a case about the ultimate price paid by innocent children. These families deserve justice. The community deserves answers. And the responsible parties, whether it’s the camp, the tug, the barge operator, or all three, must be held accountable.

Maritime Law Demands Aggressive Representation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, timing is critical. The experienced maritime attorneys at Mase Seitz Briggs have decades of experience handling serious boating injury and wrongful death cases. We understand the complexity of maritime law. We know how to take on powerful shipping companies and well-funded clubs. And we don’t back down.

How to Claim Salvage Rights on a Boat

What You Need to Know About Claiming a Derelict or Abandoned Vessel

Florida is home to thousands of abandoned vessels. Many are damaged as a result of natural disasters, while others simply become too difficult to maintain and are left by their owners. Despite the Florida coast being lined with these at-risk boats, it is unlawful for a person to simply take or claim the property without following proper procedure.

There are no salvage laws in the state of Florida. A person hoping to take possession of an abandoned or derelict vessel must obtain title before making a claim for the property. The Statutes for Found Property detail the steps that a person must follow in order to legally take possession of the boat.

What Types of Vessels Can Be Claimed?

As reported by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are countless abandoned vessels along the coast and intrastate waterways. These abandoned vessels become a public safety issue housing crime and posing a risk to the environment. Despite the problems caused by these boats, it is illegal to remove any part of the property without following the proper legal procedures.

Types of vessels that can be claimed:

At Risk Vessels: At-Risk vessels are boats that may be taking on water that they cannot release, have broken loose from their anchor, or are partially sunk. As noted in The Florida Statutes it is a boat that is at risk of “reaching a likely and foreseeable state of disrepair.”
Abandoned Vessels: An abandoned vessel is one that does not have an “identifiable owner” and has been left on public property. Abandoned vessels are generally left in a “wrecked, inoperative, or partially dismantled condition.”

Derelict Vessels: Derelict vessels are those that are sunken or sinking, have run aground, are stripped of vessel components, or have critical systems that are inoperable.

While these boats present safety concerns and environmental hazards, it is illegal to take them or any part of them without obtaining a title. Unlawful taking of any property is considered a crime in the state of Florida and may subject you to criminal charges.

How Do I Make a Claim to an Abandoned Vessel?

If you find an abandoned, at risk, or derelict vessel in Florida you must report it to a law enforcement agency. The agency will then conduct an investigation to find the owner of the property. If no owner can be located or the property remains unclaimed you may then start the salvage claims process.

Is It Illegal to Abandon a Vessel in Florida?

State law prohibits a boat owner or operator to abandon a vessel or improperly dispose of it.

As discussed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it is illegal to dispose of your vessel by:

Sinking it without permits or approval;
Grounding it and abandoning it;
Cutting it loose and allowing it to drift away;
Mooring it and then failing to maintain it; or
Burning the vessel in open water.

Abandoning a vessel can result in felony charges. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding any property that you own.

Contact Mase Seitz Briggs

If you would like to learn more about salvage rights in Florida, contact our office at (305) 377-3770 to schedule a free consultation.

Florida is Now Boating Capital of the World with Over 1 Million Registered Vessels

More Vessels in the Water Brings New Boating Safety Concerns

With turquoise waters and ideal temperatures nearly year-round, it is no surprise that Florida leads the nation in the number of registered vessels. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced an impressive benchmark with over 1 million registered recreational boats in the state. However, more boats on the water bring renewed safety concerns for both seasoned boaters and those new to the water.

In addition to leading the country in the number of registered vessels, Florida leads the nation in boating accidents. At Mase Mebane Seitz, we represent individuals who have been injured in boating accidents throughout South Florida. Our trial lawyers have recovered millions for our clients. Contact our office at (305) 487-8863 for a free consultation.

Boating Capital of the World

Florida has secured its title of “Boating Capital of the World” with a new milestone. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state now has 1 million registered recreational vessels. This monumental feat is no surprise given the crystal clear coastal waters and near-perfect weather conditions.

Florida counties with the highest number of registered recreational vessels:

Miami-Dade: 74,622
Pinellas: 53,867
Lee: 50,304
Broward: 47,741
Hillsborough: 41,495

While Florida is the number one state for boating, it is also the top state for boating accidents. More boats on the water present additional safety concerns. Vessel operators should practice safe boating, including taking a boating safety course before going out on the water.

Boating Safety Recommendations

By taking simple safety precautions, Florida residents and visitors can prevent tragedy on the water. As noted in the FWC press release, there are several things that boaters can do to stay safe while cruising the coast or inland waters.

Boating safety tips include:

Wearing life jackets
Maintaining 360-degree awareness
Knowing the dangers and penalties for boating under the influence
Developing a float plan
Paying close attention to weather and water conditions
Appointing a designated lookout
Operating at a safe speed

Many boating tragedies are caused by carelessness and inattention. Most of these accidents can be avoided by following Florida’s boating laws. Individuals who violate state boating regulations may face civil and criminal penalties. If you are injured in a boating accident, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

Boating Accident? Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation.

Were you injured in a boating accident in Miami or South Florida? Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (305) 487-8863 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. You should never have to settle for less than your case is worth. Do not sign anything until you have consulted with a member of our legal team.

At Mase Mebane Seitz, we have tried hundreds of cases and will work tirelessly to get you the recovery you deserve. Let us help hold a negligent owner or operator accountable for their wrongdoing. Your case matters. Get the help you need now. Call today to get started.