Common Causes Of Florida Boating Accidents
Boating is a popular activity in Florida. According to the FLHSMV, as early as March 2023, there were over 924,000 vessels registered in Florida. Unfortunately, this means that boating accidents are quite common in the state of Florida. And sadly, as with motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents often cause serious bodily injury and, occasionally, death. Examples of injuries caused by boat accidents include traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, whiplash, burns, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. When you suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a Florida boating accident, it is crucial that you seek advice from a boat accident attorney as soon as possible. If another person’s negligence is to blame for your boating accident, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim. And as much as some boating accidents are unavoidable, most boating accidents happen because of other people’s negligence.
Main Causes of Boating Accidents in the Sunshine State
The main causes of boat accidents in Florida vary widely. Below are some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Florida;
Speeding
Many waterways in Florida have speed limits. Speed limits are based on whether there are docks or homes close by, how the channel bends, and other elements. Just as speeding is dangerous on the road, it is also dangerous on the waterways. It is crucial for boat operators to pay attention to speed limits and avoid operating boats above the posted speed limit. And if there isn’t a posted speed limit, boat operators should move at a reasonable speed.
Distracted Boating
Distractions are not only a problem on the road but also a problem on waterways. When an operator is distracted, they cannot fully concentrate on their environment. A distracted operator may end up colliding with another boat. Distracted boating can also slow an operator’s response time, making them unable to respond in time to avoid colliding with another boat or a hazard. Common distractions for boat operators include talking and engaging with passengers, texting or talking on the phone, and eating and drinking.
Intoxicated Boating
This is a serious and frequent reason for boating accidents in the Sunshine State. Although it is against the law to boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, some people do not obey the law. A person may have a few drinks with friends, for example, when fishing, and then proceed to operate a boat. Intoxication can impair a boat operator’s ability to respond quickly to avoid colliding with another boat or when conditions change. Intoxication can impair an operator’s ability to make important judgment calls.
Apart from intoxicated boat operators, intoxicated passengers can also increase the risk of boating accidents. For example, an intoxicated passenger can cause a distraction, leading to a crash.
Dangerous Weather
It is crucial for boat operators to check the weather first before going out on the water and pay attention to changing weather conditions. If, for example, a storm is coming, it is best to avoid going into the water or head back to shore.
Mechanical Failure
Sometimes boating accidents happen because of a lack of proper boat maintenance. Other times accidents happen because of defective boat components. It is essential to conduct regular and thorough boat maintenance and ensure that any defective parts are replaced or repaired.
In case a defective boat component causes an accident, you may be entitled to file a product liability claim against the designer or manufacturer of the defective part.
Who Is Liable in a Florida Boating Accident?
As you may have noted, various parties could be liable after a Florida boating accident. Below are some of the parties that could be liable in a Florida boating accident;
- Boat operators: A boat operator could be held liable if, for example, they were speeding, operating the boat under the influence, or distracted boating.
- Passengers: A passenger could be held liable if, for example, they interfered with the boat operator’s ability to navigate safely.
- Boat owners or rental companies: For example, if there are maintenance issues, a boat owner or rental company could be liable. A boat owner or rental company could also be held liable if it allowed an inexperienced or unqualified person to operate the boat or failed to provide necessary safety equipment.
- Manufacturers or sellers: A manufacturer or seller could be held liable if the boating accident was caused by a defective component.
Contact a Naples Boating Accident Attorney
If you are involved in a Florida boating accident because of another person’s negligence, our Naples boating accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/vehicle-vesselreports/cvr_03_2023.pdf
