What To Do After A Boating Accident
Bill Allen | September 19, 2019 | Boat Accident Injury Lawyer Near Gainesville Florida
Florida is the busiest state in the nation when it comes to recreational boating, registered watercraft, and boating accidents. Due to the high increase of watercraft during the summer months, you and your loved ones should always be prepared in the event that you are involved in a boating accident.
While a large percentage of accidents involve powerboats, jet ski and sailboat accidents are also common. If you or a loved one have been recently injured in a boating accident, jet ski accident, or sailboat accident, it is important to understand what to do next. Here are some ways that an excellent personal injury attorney can assist you during your time of need.
What Constitutes a Boating Accident?
While Florida is one of the most popular places in the world for recreational boating activity, it is not the safest. With hundreds of boating accidents occurring every year, it is important to know what constitutes a boating accident.
According to the Boating Accidents Statistical Report of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, an incident on the water qualifies as a reportable boating accident if a person dies, disappears under circumstances that indicate possible death or injury, or if they receive an injury requiring medical attention beyond immediate first aid. A reportable boating accident may also occur if there is at least $2,000 aggregate property damage to the vessel(s) or other property or there is a total loss of a vessel.
Causes of Boating Accidents
There are many different factors that cause boating accidents. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Negligence
When an experienced boat captain operates their watercraft negligently it can lead to dangerous accidents. Examples of negligent boating behavior include allowing passengers to sit in inappropriate places on the boat, splashing other boats, jumping a wake near other boats, failing to maintain a safe distance from other watercraft, and more.
- Speeding
Just like on land, excessive speeding in a boat is not only dangerous, it is illegal. Many boating accidents occur because of speed, causing boaters to lose control of the watercraft and possibly suffer serious accidents.
- Alcohol Use
All powerboat, jet ski, sailboat, or other watercraft vessel operators must obey the same alcohol laws as a driver behind the wheel of a car. Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous and often leads to serious injury and possibly death.
- Inexperienced Operators
If someone does not have the skill or experience to operate a boat or watercraft, they are far more likely to be involved in a boating accident. Every watercraft has certain rules and regulations for operating. It is important to know as much about the vessel as possible before operating it.
- Weather
Sometimes an act of nature such as a bad storm can cause boating accidents. However, it is every boat captain’s responsibility to ensure their watercraft has up to date and inspected safety equipment and create a float plan that details when and where you’ll be boating.
What To Do After A Boating Accident
If you or a loved one have been in a boating accident and sustained injuries, contact the Ocala personal injury attorneys at Allen Law Firm today. You deserve an experienced, professional lawyer who discusses specific, realistic resolutions of the case with you. We have the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Allen Law Firm’s team of personal injury lawyers are trained professionals there to make sure that justice is done.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
