Federal maritime law governs boating accidents in international or interstate waters, but state civil law governs most local collisions. To hold another individual financially responsible for damages after a Gainesville boating accident, a victim and their attorney must prove legal negligence.
Similar behaviors that constitute negligence in car wrecks often cause waterborne accidents. For instance, boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in the same criminal penalties and civil liability as driving under the influence.