FAQs About Florida Boating Accidents
Florida attracts boaters from around the state, and around the world, every year. While spending a day out on the water is certainly a great deal of fun, accidents do happen. The aftermath of a boat crash is very confusing. You may not know what happened, what to do next, or how you are going to pay for your medical bills. Our Florida boat crash lawyer answers some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What Constitutes a Boating Accident?
A boating accident occurs when a water vessel collides with another watercraft, a swimmer, the shore, or capsizes. Whenever something happens that results in the crew members or passengers becoming injured, it is a boating accident.
What are Common Types of Boating Accidents?
A boat can be involved in any type of accidents, but there are some types that are more common than others. These include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Sinking
- Collisions with other watercraft, objects in the water, or the shore
- People falling overboard and drowning
- Boats sinking or capsizing
The above accidents are some of the most common, but there are others that can occur, too. Any time a person is injured, it is important to obtain legal advice.
What Causes Boating Accidents?
Just as there are many different types of boating accidents, there are also many different common causes of boating accidents. These are as follows:
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted boating
- Boating during inclement weather
- Inexperienced boat operators
- Negligent or reckless operation of a boat
- Failure to take safety precautions, such as wearing life vests
- Lack of sufficient safety equipment onboard
- Loading too many people or too much cargo onto a boat
- Boat mechanical failure
- Speeding
- Fires onboard watercraft
What are Common Boating Accident Injuries?
Drowning is one of the biggest risks on any watercraft, particularly if a person falls overboard or the boat capsizes. However, there are other injuries that are very common in boating accidents. These include:
- Burns
- Hypothermia
- Amputations
- Lacerations, cuts, and permanent scarring
- Internal injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Head trauma
- Wrongful death
Do I Have a Boating Accident Claim?
You may have a valid boating accident claim if the following are true:
- You were injured during the course of an accident
- Your injuries cause you losses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and other injuries
- Someone else’s negligence caused your injuries
Determining whether you have a legitimate boating accident claim is challenging. It is always important to speak to a lawyer after injury to learn more about your legal options.
Our Boat Crash Lawyer in Florida Can Answer Your Questions
After a boating accident, you will have a lot of questions. At 888-BOAT-LAW (The Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A.,) our Florida boat crash lawyer can answer them and help you make informed decisions about how to move forward. Call us today or chat with us online to schedule a case review with our experienced attorney and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/0768.html
