Whether sailing, fishing on a motorboat, or taking a ride on a speedboat, boating in Florida’s waters appeals to locals and tourists year-round. Unfortunately, boating comes with a variety of risks that can lead to dangerous situations like crashes, injuries, or drowning. In fact, Florida consistently has the highest number of recreational boating accidents and fatalities of any state.
Florida boating statistics in 2017:
- There were 766 reportable boating accidents and 67 fatalities in 2017.
- 261 of these accidents involved collisions, which are frequently caused by negligent or inattentive boat operators.
- Two-thirds of the operators in fatal accidents had no formal boating education.
- Alcohol or drug-use was reported to be a factor in almost one in four boating fatalities.
Oftentimes, boat injuries and fatalities are a result of a negligent operator. There are many examples of negligence that can contribute to causing or escalating the severity a boating accident, including:
- No formal boating education
- Improper boat maintenance
- Drug or alcohol consumption
- Speeding
- Failure to check weather forecasts for hazardous conditions
- Collisions with other vessels
- Failure to supply life jackets or other safety equipment
- Accidents involving a propeller
By filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you have the opportunity to hold the at-fault party liable and receive compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a Florida boating accident, you can seek experienced legal help from the experienced boating accident lawyers at Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen to schedule a consultation to discuss your case, contact us today.
