Car accidents represent the vast majority of injury lawsuits that Florida courts deal with. Living in a beach paradise brings with it another possibility: boating accidents. Boating accidents are less common, but they can be just as deadly. Boating can tempt inexperienced and irresponsible people into going out on the water. As spring soon turns to summer and drunk and distracted boaters increase, your chance of being involved in a boating accident increases. Let’s recap the leading causes of boating accidents and your recourse should you find yourself a victim in a situation like this.
Boating Accidents in Florida
Many inexperienced boaters believe they can easily and safely navigate the wide-open waters without much training. Car accidents are much more common since most people drive a car daily. Still, Florida had the highest rate of recreational boating accidents in the country last year. The combination of an abundance of beautiful days open to boating with potentially drunk or inexperienced boaters is a recipe for disaster.
Boaters usually enjoy spending time out on the water with friends and family. Sadly, these outings often involve alcohol. Alcohol use and impairment was the leading cause of boating accidents in 2022. Furthermore, drunk boaters are more susceptible to drowning due to their impaired nature, turning a potentially damaging situation into a fatal event.
Boating in Florida does not involve a long process of tests, evaluations, and licenses. Even tourists visiting Florida can quickly take required tests or bring in a boating license from a different state. Inexperienced boaters often misjudge dangers on the water, such as debris and wave conditions. Without proper knowledge of boating signage and best practices, first-time boat drivers often stray into boat channels, create wakes in wake-free zones, and move in too close to other vessels.
Inexperienced Boaters Present a Hazard
Inexperienced boaters often fail to prepare before their outing as well. Safety equipment, such as emergency supplies, life jackets, and flares, are essential for every vessel but are tragically overlooked far too often. Becoming lost or disoriented at night is possible even if you are prepared. It becomes much more dangerous when you have no way to signal for help or safely leave the boat.
Even boat captains with experience can make mistakes if distracted. Just like cars, people who drive boats each and every day can mess up and cause harm if they are not careful. Especially if boating with friends or family to enjoy the day, boat drivers should know when to focus on the task at hand and when to relax.
Boating Accident Injuries
Many of the injuries suffered by boating accident victims are similar to automobile accident victims. These include broken bones, torn ligaments, and muscles, brain damage from blunt force, cuts, bruises, and more. Being on the water, the ever-present danger of drowning or water inhalation is also a concern. In the event of a boating accident, you should call immediately for medical attention and notify the local authorities, similar to your response following an automobile accident.
If you were injured by another boater or the person driving the boat you were riding, you should contact a local personal injury attorney at your quickest convenience. You deserve compensation if you suffer injuries at the hand of a negligent driver, whether on land or sea. Call Probinsky & Associates today to discuss your options and find out how to get the help you need at this difficult time.
