$2.5 Million Policy Limits Recovery in Fatal Jet Ski Collision Case
The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte, along with co-counsel Joey Rafaeli, has secured a $2.5 Million policy limits settlement in a fatal boating collision case.
The plaintiff’s decedent had rented a jet ski with friends and was traveling eastbound across the bay during the early morning hours. At the same time, a recreational vessel was traveling southbound.
The boat collided with the jet ski, causing catastrophic injuries that resulted in the jet ski operator’s death.
Per terms of the settlement, the names of the parties involved are confidential.
Boating accidents and jet ski collisions can turn a day on the water into a devastating tragedy in seconds. At The Haggard Law Firm, our attorneys represent families in complex maritime and wrongful death cases, holding negligent vessel operators accountable and pursuing maximum financial recovery.
Failure to Maintain Proper Lookout and Yield Right-of-Way
The case centered on violations of well-established navigational safety rules under maritime law.
Vessel operators are legally required to:
- Maintain a proper lookout at all times
- Operate at a safe speed given surrounding conditions
- Follow Inland Navigational Rules governing crossing situations
- Yield when another vessel has the right-of-way
Evidence demonstrated that the boat owner failed to maintain a proper lookout and failed to yield to the jet ski, which had the right-of-way under applicable navigation rules.
These rules exist to prevent precisely this type of fatal collision.
Federal Limitation of Liability Action
In addition to disputing liability, the defense filed a Limitation of Liability action in federal court — a strategic maritime defense mechanism that seeks to cap a vessel owner’s financial responsibility to the post-incident value of the vessel.
Limitation proceedings can significantly impact wrongful death claims and require experienced maritime litigation counsel.
Pedro Echarte and The Haggard Law Firm team successfully handled both the wrongful death action and the federal limitation case simultaneously, protecting the Estate’s right to full recovery.
$2.5 Million Settlement During Litigation
During the pendency of litigation, the case resolved for the full available insurance policy limits of $2.5 Million.
While no financial recovery can compensate for the loss of life, securing full policy limits provides accountability and meaningful financial protection for surviving family members.
ANOTHER MARITIME CASE: $4,450,000 Global Settlement in Wrongful Death Dive Case
In a separate maritime wrongful death matter, The Haggard Law Firm and Pedro Echarte secured a total confidential settlement of $4,450,000.00.
The wrongful death dive case involved multiple defendants and settled globally. The resolution ensured accountability and meaningful financial recovery for the surviving family.
Experienced Maritime and Florida Boating Accident Attorneys
Boating accident cases often involve:
- Complex maritime and admiralty law
- Federal court proceedings
- Right-of-way disputes
- Insurance coverage litigation
- Multi-forum strategy
- Haggard Law Firm has extensive experience representing families in:
- Fatal boating accidents
- Jet ski collision cases
- Maritime wrongful death claims
- Limitation of Liability actions
- Negligent vessel operation cases
If you or a loved one has been affected by a boating accident, it is critical to speak with an experienced maritime attorney who understands both state wrongful death law and federal admiralty procedure.
Contact Haggard Law Firm today to discuss your case and your rights.
