The state of Florida holds the dubious distinction of having more boating accidents every year than any other state in the union. Thousands of people are injured and many die as a result of injuries sustained in a boating accident in the waters in and around Florida, making boats and other watercraft just as dangerous and deadly as automobiles.
Most Common Types of Boating Accidents
The three most common types of boating accidents involve:
A collision with other watercraft
A collision with a fixed object, such as a pier or dock
Passengers falling overboard
Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard reports that the most common causes of boating accidents include:
The consumption of alcohol and drugs
Careless and reckless operation
Excessive speed
Hazardous waters
Operator inattentiveness and inexperience
The United States Coast Guard defines a boat accident as one of three scenarios:
A boat causes damage or sustains damage
A boat passenger disappears and injury or death is assumed
A boat passenger is seriously injured or dies
What to do after a Boating Accident
You must report a boating accident to the authorities if damage to the vessels involved is more than five hundred dollars. If a boating accident results in injuries or fatalities, it is in your best interests to get the advice of an experienced boating accident attorney to protect your legal rights.
A boating accident attorney will be experienced in maritime law and understand the complex legal issues involved in boating accidents and will be able to help you protect your rights under the law. A Florida boating accident attorney will quickly determine the facts of the accident, and preserve evidence that may assist in deciding the facts of the case.