Fort Myers Boat Crash Lawyer
Boat crashes can involve privately owned vessels, rental boats, and charter boats in Southwest Florida. Whether you or someone you love sustained injuries in a boat crash that occurred on your own vessel, or on a boat you rented or purchased a ticket for, you may be able to file a claim in order to seek financial compensation. An attorney can evaluate your case to determine which party or parties could be liable for your injuries. Typically, liability will be linked to the cause of the boat crash, which may involve operator negligence or the negligence of another party. Contact our experienced Fort Myers boat crash lawyer today to find out more about filing a boat crash claim.
Common Causes of Fort Myers Boating Accidents
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), 60 people were killed in boating crashes in Florida in 2020, and the average rate of deaths each year in the state is typically much higher. Indeed, Florida ranks as the state with the most boat crash fatalities in the country. Beyond boating crash deaths, Florida also has a high rate of nonfatal injuries. The FWC reports that nearly 500 people were injured in crashes in 2021 alone. What are some of the most common causes of boating crashes in the state? The U.S. Coast Guard identifies the following as common causal or contributing factors:
- Alcohol consumption;
- Maintaining an improper lookout;
- Getting distracted or failing to pay sufficient attention while operating a vessel;
- Speeding while operating a vessel;
- Inexperience of the vessel operator, including inexperience due to the failure to take a boating safety course; and
- Mechanical or machine failure.
What are the most common types of injuries that occur in these crashes? The FWC cites the following types of injuries that occur most frequently when boats crash in Florida:
- Lacerations;
- Contusions;
- Bone fractures;
- Head injuries;
- Back injuries;
- Sprains or strains;
- Internal injuries;
- Burn injuries;
- Amputations;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Tooth or jaw injuries;
- Neck injuries;
- Shock injuries;
- Hypothermia; and
- Dislocation injuries.
Where Most Boating Accidents Occur in Fort Myers
What types of waterways are most common for boat crashes that result in injuries or deaths in Southwest Florida? In order of the highest rate of accidents, the FWC identifies the following locations of boating crashes in the state:
- Bay or sound;
- Lake or pond;
- River or creek;
- Ocean or Gulf;
- Canal;
- Inlet or pass; and
- Port or harbor.
Contact Frank D. Butler Today
If you want to be able to seek compensation after a boat crash in Fort Myers, it is essential to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. Under Florida law, most boat crash lawsuits must be filed within four years from the date of the crash. There are some limited exceptions, but you should never assume that you will have more time to file your lawsuit. You should get started on your case with an attorney as quickly as possible. Contact our experienced Fort Myers boat crash lawyer today.
